Amber Dew is a young woman doing great things.
The 26-year-old Geelong resident has made it to the final 25 in the state finals of the Miss Universe Australia competition.
On Sunday, Amber will attempt to make it to the national finals and then, if successful, onto the Miss Universe titles.
Many preconceptions exist about Miss Universe, but Amber said the main focus is on charity work and building self-confidence and other life skills.
Amber is a Bully Zero Australia ambassador, raises funds for ToyBox Australia, which supports Camp Quality, and is the founder of a novelty sock company (Socks 4 Difference) that raises money for kids in the Philippines where all proceeds go to charity.
“It’s a good opportunity to challenge ourselves and raise money for much needed funds,” she said.
“We have raised over $272,000 so far and it will keep growing because we are just getting started.”
Amber is passionate about Bully Zero and often visits schools in the area to talk to students about it.
“I speak at schools and attend workshops to educate students and parents to cope with all sorts of bullying,” she said.
“It’s about spreading awareness about the issue itself and making people understand that words matter and what you say impacts another person.
“It’s about being kind to one another. Cyber bullying is a big issue that we experience nowadays. It affects adults as well.”
Amber is the only contestant from the Geelong area and any preconceptions about the women being ultra competitive were eased as soon as she met everybody.
“Before I entered I was a little bit nervous, but as soon as I met all the girls on the first night, all my fears were taken away,” she said.
“We’ve become such close friends. Everyone is so like minded.
“We understand that not everyone can move forward. We’re already supporting each other, we all message each other, help each other and give advice.”
Amber works on land development for Maax Global and has been in charge of sites at Dalgona at Duneed (Mount Duneed) and Voltaire Armstrong Creek.
Amber also hopes to spread the message that Geelong is a great place to live and visit.
“I wouldn’t just be representing Victoria, I’d be representing Geelong,” she said.
“I love that it’s calm and has a beach city lifestyle.”
Justin Flynn
