Glamour meets purpose and passion in Megan’s bid for title of Miss Australia

Brisbane healthcare worker and VoRTCS volunteer refugee tutor Megan Moyo has been selected as one of 26 finalists in the upcoming Miss Australia Pageant National Finals, where both inner and outer beauty will decide the next Miss Australia 2026.

Ms Moyo said she looked forward to using the event to promote her work with the VoRTCS Program (Volunteer Refugee Tutoring and Community Support), a Brisbane-based initiative of St Vincent de Paul Queensland that provides volunteer tutoring services to newly arrived refugee families.

“I’ve been part of VoRTCS since mid-2024. I work with a family of refugees from Somalia with five little girls. We’ve developed such a close connection, and it’s been a wonderful journey to see them all grow and learn,” she said.

“The parents have an incredible story. While coming to Australia to escape the civil war back home, they both met and fell in love while in immigration detention.

“After everything they’ve been through, they’re still so sweet and welcoming.

“My time with VoRTCS has really shown me the importance of community and helping others and challenged my own world view and I really look forward to sharing my experiences at the finals.

“I’d also highly encourage any Brisbane residents to consider volunteering themselves – you get so much out of it!"

While her looks, style and even dancing skills will all be up for judgement during the 7 November finals, Ms Moyo said the attribute she looked forward to showing off most was her heart.

“There is a big community focus as part of the competition. We have segments for evening gown, swimsuit, dance numbers and a question and answer segment, but we’ll be also judged on our passion for supporting our communities,” she said.

“I’m certainly nervous, but also very excited. It will be a lot of fun and a great opportunity to meet other advocates from around the country.

“The winner will go on to compete in the international finals in Thailand against competitors from across the world which would be an amazing opportunity.”

Program Coordinator Sandy Hang said the entire VoRTCS team would be cheering for her next Tuesday.

“Megan’s genuine enthusiasm and passion for her community have really stood out from as soon as she joined the program,” she said.

“Being able to use this opportunity to champion VoRTCS on a national stage is so special. We’re all wishing her the best!”

The Miss Australia Pageant 2026 National Final will be held on 7 November at Sanctuary Cove on the Gold Coast.

To learn more about VoRTCS, including volunteering opportunities, contact info.vortcs@svdpqld.org.au