At a glamorous event in the Crown Perth ballroom last week, 30 finalists of Miss Universe Australia put on a dazzling show to win over the judges in pursuit of the coveted crown.
We’ve already shared the news of Lexie Brant’s crowning as Miss Universe Australia 2025, but the story doesn’t end there. This week, Neos Kosmos takes you back inside the Crown Perth ballroom with quotes from the Greek Australian finalists, along with a glimpse of the unforgettable moments both on stage and behind the scenes. From dazzling gowns and electric energy to raw emotions of triumph, heartbreak, and sisterhood.
The three Greek Australian contestants—Bianca Black from Queensland, and Melbourne’s Nasia Delis and Dana Diamataris—shone on the stage, with Bianca reaching the Top 5 and placing third runner-up, just a step away from the crown.
Bianca Black: Strength and heartbreak
Bianca Black, a striking 28-year-old model, actress, with roots from the Peloponnese in Greece, was one of this year’s favourites.
Reaching so close to the crown, Bianca told Neos Kosmos that she is proud of her achievement though she had wished for more. If not for herself, for her grandmother, Tina Roussos who only just passed away.
Amid the glitz and glamour of the night of the finals and the days preceding, Bianca was deeply grieving her beloved grandmother. “She passed away on day 3 of my being over here in Perth. It was super tough but I pushed through.”
“My yiayia was cheeky, fiery, and the most passionate. My mother is the same, and of course now I am too. She was almost 90 years old, and fought until the very end. A true Spartan. I felt her with me the whole week. I hope I did her proud.”
Her yiayia was a constant presence throughout her life. Bianca recalled summers spent with her grandmother in Greece as among the happiest memories of her life.
Nasia Delis: Talent and advocacy
Nasia Delis, a 26-year-old singer-songwriter, actor, and model from Melbourne with heritage from the Peloponnese and Thessaloniki, reached the Top 10.
Earlier this year, she was named Victorian Toybox Ambassador for raising the highest amount of funds for charity in the state.
Speaking to Neos Kosmos ahead of the finals, Nasia said fundraising had been one of the most rewarding aspects of her Miss Universe Australia journey.
“It’s unlocked something in me, knowing what it looks like to actively fundraise for these children. And I want to keep giving back.”
The talented Greek Australian artist wears many hats in the performance industry. Recently, she caught the attention of opera lovers at the Antipodes Festival, and has been invited to perform a special repertoire for the Maria Callas Australian Society in November, a musical tribute to the timeless presence of Maria Callas.
Dana Diamataris: Resilience and sisterhood
For Dana Diamataris, a Melbourne lawyer completing her Master in Primary Teaching, the night of the finals was one of the most intense experiences of her life.
“Walking onto that stage, I wasn’t just Dana competing. I was Dana the woman who knew her worth, her goals, and her vision for the future,” she told Neos Kosmos.
Waiting for her name to be called for the Top 10, Dana described feeling “out of body.”
“As each name was announced and mine wasn’t, I felt the sting of disappointment,” Dana admitted.
Although she didn’t advance further, she focused her energy on supporting her close friend Ash Donner, who ultimately placed fourth runner-up.
“I could have been jealous or defeated, but instead all I wanted was success for Ash. We had practiced together for months, and I had every bit of faith in her,” Dana said.
Pictured on the right, with her close friend Ash Donner, backstage. Photo: Supplied/Jarrad Seng
Reflecting on her journey, she acknowledged the subjectivity of pageantry but said the experience had only strengthened her ambitions:
“While the outcome may not have reflected the work I invested, what I achieved personally was invaluable. This has fueled my passion to pursue opportunities in Australian media as a presenter and face in the industry.”
For Dana, the highlight of her experience was the bond she built with her fellow contestants.
“That’s the beauty of Miss Universe Australia. It isn’t just about competition, it’s about connection. Ash and I proved that sisterhood can flourish under the spotlight. While crowns and titles come and go, the friendship we’ve built will last far beyond this experience.”
