In a case of second time lucky, Greek Australian Dana Diamataris has qualified for the final of this year’s Miss Universe Australia beauty pageant to be held in Perth in August.
Dana’s father Phil revealed the news to Neos Kosmos, with him emphasising he is “very proud”.
In a recent interview with Neos Kosmos, Dana Diamataris (speaking to I. Papathanasiou) wondered: “Why stop testing your limits at any stage in your life? Why not do it repeatedly to continue growing”.
With these thoughts in mind, Dana put all her doubts aside when she was invited to participate in the Miss Universe Australia beauty pageant for a second time.
“My goal this year is to say ‘Yes’ to every opportunity that comes my way,” the Melburnian said.
Looking back on her participation last year, Dana said she feels more confident than ever.
She praised the competition as not only an exciting experience, but also an opportunity to meet dynamic women and create new, important friendships.
“Opportunities like this don’t come along often. Participating in a program like this gives you incredible opportunities for self-improvement, while also surrounding yourself with unique women, learning their stories. It’s inspiring,” she said.
Dana has accomplished a lot in the past year, becoming a lawyer while also continuing her master’s degree in Education alongside her work.
Her attitude towards challenges has helped her seize every opportunity.
This determination is even more important given that she has struggled with mental health in the past, having opened up about her battle with an eating disorder that has taken a toll on her self-esteem.
“In my most difficult moments, I couldn’t accept myself,” she admitted, saying she now wants to use this platform to support those struggling with similar situations.
“I want to show that people like me—an everyday Australian woman—can overcome these challenges. It’s important for those facing these issues to see examples of people who have succeeded, so they can be inspired and come out stronger,” she said.
Dana highlighted that, while winning may not be her ultimate goal, it would give her the voice and platform to speak out about mental health issues and lessons in self-confidence.
“When you’re around such beautiful and intelligent women, it’s hard not to get caught up in the comparison process. But because I’ve dealt with mental health issues in the past, I now know how to challenge such thoughts and prove to myself how far I’ve come,” she said.
“I embrace my confidence and my unique qualities and share them with the world.”
Raised in a Greek-Australian family, Dana attributes much of her strength to her upbringing.
“My parents taught me to stand on my own two feet. My father is very expressive, strong and lively… and I’m not ashamed to say that I’ve inherited that. My mother, on the other hand, has a heart of gold. She’s kind, giving and understanding.”
