INTERVIEW with Amy Basnett || Mrs Galaxy Australia National Finalist 2024

Above: Photo by Scott Stirling

SD: Hi Amy. Can you introduce yourself to my readers who don’t know you yet?

AB: Hi everyone, my name is Amy. I currently reside in Perth, Western Australia. Married with two beautiful children, I work full time as an Environment Officer and assist in the management of the Swan Canning River System. I have a contemporary art side hustle. I love adventure and travel, new challenges and opportunities to learn new skills. 

SD: You’re a finalist for Mrs Galaxy Australia 2024. Can you tell us more about it?

AB: It is such an honour to be returning to Pageantland in 2024, competing for the title of Mrs Galaxy Australia. This will be my third year and it has been an incredible journey of truly becoming the best version of myself. It has challenged me to find a passion to give back to my community, grow in confidence and overcome anxiety and trauma associated PTSD. Leading up to National Finals we have the privilege to work as a team and raise funds for batyr. batyr are leaders in PREVENTION and STIGMA REDUCTION associated with mental health in youth. Through sharing lived experience stories and peer-to-peer education we are keeping young people from reaching the point of crisis, and changing lives. If anyone is able too, I would love your support for this initiative. You can donate to batyr - Amy Basnett

SD: How did you become interested in pageants?

AB: My interest in pageants began later in life at age 35. After a severe disc injury and chronic pain for 18months I had entered a state of depression and anxiety. At the point that I had lost hope for a healthy active future, I found AGP through Jade Samantha McClou, a prior Queen. Looking at my children one day, traumatised by seeing their mum in pain and tears again, I knew I had to do something. I had to provide the example that I will face challenges with a positive solution based outlook, for their sake if not my own. So I applied. It was the best decision I could have made. At this point, my life started changing.

SD: What’s in your makeup bag right now?

AB: Lancome foundation is my liquid gold. Mac lipsticks are the only way. Blush keeps me looking alive. Contour powder and an eyebrow pencil keep me young. Self tan is summer all year.  

Above: Photo by gzeepix

SD: What is your vision of success?

AB: My vision of success is achieving your goal no matter what that may be. It is also what you take away on the journey towards your goal. This is where we learn about ourselves and grow. This is where we make decisions that will inform our character and who we become. 

SD: What do you admire in a woman and why?

AB: What I admire most in a woman is her ability to be everyone else's hype-girl even when she is exhausted from juggling all of life's responsibilities and wearing 'all the hats'. I see this in all of the women in my life. This results in a supportive community which encourages and celebrates one another.

SD: If you could give one piece of advice to your 14 year old self, what would it be?

AB: Do not fear your potential. Allow yourself the space to be great.

SD: Who are you most inspired by in the Pageant World and why?

AB: Jennifer Hawkins former Miss Universe has been a huge inspiration for me. Her character, her composure and what she achieved for women was incredible. She broke down stereotypes between pageantry, modelling, career, owning a business and motherhood, to list a few. 

SD: How have beauty pageants impacted your life and your career?

AB: As I mentioned earlier, pageantry has played an important role in my recovery from injury both physically and mentally. I had been a competitive body builder, the fittest I have ever been in my life. To have my 'identity' taken away was demoralising. From strength and independence, to weak and completely dependant. I have not been able to pick up my daughter since she was 5years old. 

Entering pageantry, forced me to get out of bed and face my fears, anxieties and panic attacks associated with trauma. I was whisked away to Sydney and each day I had to stand for hours, walk runways with confidence (although I had none) and face my insecurities of weakness and dependency. By the end of the week I had won Best in Swimwear, Best in Fashionwear and 2nd Runner Up in the Mrs Division. Pre pageant I had daily panic attacks fearing that any movement would cause my back to spasm and make me bed ridden for the next week. I can tell you in complete honesty that after this week I NEVER experienced another panic attack. 

Returning home to my daily life and career, I had new found confidence, hope and belief that I could face my injury and anxieties. Pre pageant I was working from home as I couldn't sit at my desk for long periods and the fear of going into the office would cause panic attacks. Post pageant I found myself returning to the office for whatever hours my body could handle that day. The mental shift was incredible. The changes to my daily life was inspiring. Little steps will still take you great distances, if you keep taking them. 

This does not even include the impacts to my new found love of supporting community initiatives such as Share the Dignity and Worthy Australia. Two organisations which work with survivors of domestic violence. This does not include the end of my depression and return of my joy and positive outlook on life. I can truly say pageantry has impacted all parts of my life, as it challenged my character and directed me on a journey of self improvement and self love. 

SD: What is your best beauty secret?

A wholesome, loving, positive, confident personality and fake tan :D 

Amy’s Links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amycaroline_xx/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amybasnettart/
Amy’s batyr fundraising page: https://www.batyr.com.au/my-fundraising/134/amy-basnett

Above: Photo by gzeepix