As the Miss Universe Australia 2025 finals in Perth draw near, a trio of accomplished and stunning Greek Australian beauties are getting ready to take the national stage.
Among them, Victorian finalist Nasia Delis, singer, songwriter, actor and model, who was also named the Victorian Toybox Ambassador for raising the highest amount of funds for charity in the state this year.
“It’s been such a journey. Now that we’re getting to the final day, I’m actually very excited, especially to see the girls again, wrap up this beautiful experience, and see what comes of it.”
A journey of growth and giving
Neos Kosmos spoke to Nasia ahead of another fundraising event she has organised for Toybox on 1 August in Melbourne, where she will perform a captivating repertoire of classical opera and contemporary music.
This has been the most rewarding part -besides her personal growth, Nasia says reflecting on her journey so far with Miss Universe Australia: The opportunity to fundraise and visit children at Hearing and Beyond, a school in Vietnam supported by Toybox.
“It’s unlocked something in me, knowing what it looks like, to actively fundraise for these children. And I want to keep giving back. ”
Among other highlights of the program was the trip to Vietnam and connecting with contestants from all over Australia.
“I’ve made some beautiful friendships and I’m very lucky that a couple are from my hometown in Victoria. But all the girls are really beautiful. There’s been this really special bond, which is quite funny… being in a competition. But the programme has brought together a really beautiful group of people.”
Her decision to enter the competition was inspired by past contestants.
And she was at a stage in her life where she wanted to follow her passions, “Singing, acting, modelling and social media—it all ties in together”.
“When the applications came up on my radar, I was in this transition of fully pursuing what I love. Miss Universe Australia aligned with my morals, values, and the trajectory I want to take.”
If there’s one thing she’s learned about herself navigating this experience, it’s her ability to show up and commit.
“We have a lot requirements for the Miss Universe program, and no matter what’s going on in my life, I’ve been able to show up and I’m very proud of myself in that regard.”
Using the platform for purpose
Being in the spotlight brings added challenges, but also an opportunity for advocacy.
Regardless of presenting herself in a a “glam” way Dellis wants to put her “best foot forward”.
“I also want to use my platform to acknowledge that it’s a fight. You have to show up for yourself, and mental health is a huge part of that process.
“The entertainment industry, especially growing up, was very brutal. I think it has shifted slightly which is great,” said Nasia.
“When you put yourself out there on larger platforms to be seen and witnessed, you open yourself up to judgment, and often even hate.”
These challenges come with the territory, Nasia said that, “Through this platform I want to show that it’s okay to be yourself no matter how you’re going to be perceived by others. In today’s society you see a lot of people trying to shrink, to conform and fit in.”
Nasia understands that the added pressure today where everything is seen, snapped and filmed. “But being comfortable to show up as yourself, no matter who thinks what about you, that’s the most important factor throughout life, and what I want to embody for younger generations.”
Nasia Delis wears many hats in the performance industry. A singer, songwriter, actor and model, she’s been a performer, she says, “since I came out of the womb.”
“I’ve been blessed to have a family that encouraged my passions, which is a real testament to them. I’ve always loved singing, acting and dancing, but especially singing.”
The 26-year-old Melburnian’s hails from Kalamata and Thessaloniki on her mother’s side, while her father’s roots lie in Ilia, and specifically the village of Agnada, north of ancient Olympia, and the town of Mersini.
“I get a lot of my strength from my family. Their stories are phenomenal, and among them are some very strong women. I might be a third-generation Greek Australian, but the Greek culture is very much alive in our household.”
The power of performance
At age 12 Nasia was so interested in singing, she did a course about the anatomy to understand how the voice works.
“You know how you listen to music and get goose bumps? Or you get so engrossed in a performance? There was a part of me that really wanted to know why that happened. Why it felt so good instinctually. That passion has just grown as I’ve gotten older.”
A tour to New York with the Australian Girls Choir at age 15 proved pivotal. It was when she discovered Opera.
“My host mother in New York was an opera singer. On the last night, she took us to one of her performances. After the first act, I was in tears. I was moved. I wanted to learn what they did, because it deeply affected me.”
She believes that the performing arts, hold a beautiful space that ties in well with mental health. “It offers opportunity for expression, it gives people permission to feel. I’m very blessed to have that outlet, to tap into emotions and combine them with technique. Learning to use your vocal apparatus is one thing but intertwining that with the soul connection, that’s a very beautiful experience.”
Her artistic journey expanded into acting, Nasia says that from a young age she saw “acting and singing go hand in hand”.
“When I was 16, I was discovered by an agency from a performance I did, and from there I landed a few roles on TV. Recently I’ve been doing several auditions for TV and film roles.”
As Nasia Delis prepares for the Miss Universe Australia finals in Perth on August 15, a new chapter is unfolding for the talented Greek Australian artist. Catching the attention of opera lovers at this year’s Antipodes Festival, Nasia Delis was invited to perform a special repertoire for the Maria Callas Australian Society on 30 November, a musical tribute to the timeless presence of Maria Callas.