MISS Hibiscus 1975 Michele Smith has returned to the Albert Park stage as a judge, looking beyond the polished presentations for one quality she believes matters most — authenticity.
At 70, Ms Smith says this year’s contestants are impressive, well-educated and focused, but she wants to see the women behind the presentation.
“The one thing that I really want to see is their true selves,” she said.
“Don’t worry about the other 10. Just be the best you that you can be, and that will see you through life.”
Her view is shaped by her own experience as an 18-year-old contestant in 1975, when the Hibiscus Festival was far less polished.
“We were still working up until the day before the festival. Nobody did our hair or makeup or coached us how to talk to the public. It was lower key in a way. It was much more about your understanding of your country, your community, and how you could help.”
Ms Smith entered on a whim after hearing about the sponsored prize and unexpectedly won.
When her name was announced, one voice rose above the crowd.
“I could hear that over the top of everything. My mother was screaming, ‘Michele!”
