Woodridge teenager Aurora Payne, 16, has been crowned Miss Teen Universe 2026 in the Philippines.
Miss Payne successfully competing in categories including talent and national costume in the Little Miss and Miss Teen Universe 2026 pageant organised by the La Reinas Filipinas Organization.
She said she was initially too shocked to process hearing her name called.
“To me it wasn’t just a crown, or title, it represented the travel, the nerves and all the people who supported me throughout my journey,” she said.
“Now I have an international title, I’m looking and focusing on where I can best use my platform in my community to show everyone in Australia what Logan means to me,” she said.
Aurora hopes to become more involved in charity and community work, particularly causes involving animals.
“I see this as the beginning of something incredible, positive and meaningful instead of the end of a chapter,” she said.
“I want to use my platform to encourage other young people to believe in themselves and to show you can have big dreams whilst still using your journey to help other people.”
The All-Star cheerleader and dancer combined her passions in an Australian-themed routine featuring green and gold, a kangaroo and the Southern Cross.
Miss Payne said her talent performance was designed to represent “who I am, where I come from and what I love”.
“I wanted it to tell a little story about me, my passions and my Aussie spirit.”
“Dreams don’t happen just because you wish for them — they take determination, effort and believing in yourself,” she said.
Her mother Aingel McLeod said Miss Payne worked three part-time jobs and throughout the school holidays to help fund the campaign.
Early in her pageantry journey, Miss Payne began fundraising for the Starlight Foundation after the charity helped her when she was sick in hospital, aged 11.
She sold crazy socks at Underwood Marketplace, door-knocked for donations and baked treats, reaching halfway towards a goal of more than $1000 for Starlight.
She has raised money at Kingston Butter Factory markets, organised recycling drives and met local councillors.
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