From the 'woo' crew to the world stage

‘I’m a normal girl doing something wildly new!’ That’s how Cornubia local Samantha-Jane Darby describes herself these days amidst a whirlwind year from cheering the loudest in the crowd for her friend up on stage, to becoming a pageant winner herself.

The 31‑year‑old, who has called Cornubia home since she was 5, is now preparing to step onto the world stage as Ms Coastal Australia, representing the nation at the International United Miss pageant in Orlando, Florida, being held from 12 to 19 July.

Samantha-Jane also plans to use her new platform to start powerful conversations around women’s health journeys, similar to her own she currently undertaking.

‘A year ago, I sat in the audience in Orlando, Florida, not wearing a sash, not holding a title, but proudly leading the loudest “woo” crew in the room,’ Samantha‑Jane says.

‘I was there to support my friend, cheering until my voice was gone, believing wholeheartedly in her moment.’

Samantha-Jane could not have known then how that sisterhood experience would come full circle so quickly.

‘I had never imagined that a year later, I would be stepping onto that very stage myself, representing Australia.’

It was an epiphany she had during that previous trip to support her friend, that flipped Samantha-Jane’s future on its head. Back then, someone said the words to open her eyes, telling her ‘you already embody the crown’.

Encouraged to apply, Samantha‑Jane took a leap of faith and was soon crowned as Ms Coastal Australia.

True to her down‑to‑earth Logan roots, Samantha‑Jane is refreshingly honest about being new to the pageant world and what excites her the most, away from the stage spotlight where she’ll be standing alongside so many inspirational women from around the globe.

‘My platform is deeply personal: opening up the conversation around endometriosis, PCOS and adenomyosis, which are conditions that affect so many women, myself included,’ Samantha-Jane says.

Having recently undergone surgery for one of these conditions herself, Samantha-Jane knows well how often these ailments are misunderstood and discussion of them is silenced.

She’s passionate about using her voice to start powerful conversations that will help others navigate their own health journeys.

During her reign as Ms Coastal Australia so far, Samantha-Jane has learned that visibility, conversation and cheering others on truly matters.

‘This journey isn’t about perfection. It’s about courage,’ she says. ‘It’s about saying yes to opportunity, even when it feels intimidating. It’s about growth, connection, and community.

‘Whether on stage or behind the scenes, I’ve made it a priority to celebrate others as I go, because there is room for all of us to shine. ‘

Samantha-Jane says she plans to walk into the competition ‘with gratitude, excitement and pride’.

‘I may be new to pageants, but I’m not new to believing in women, using my voice, and showing up authentically,’ she says.

‘I don’t come from a world of rehearsed walks or polished speeches, I come from lived experience, passion, and heart.’

Keep track of Samantha-Jane’s pageant journey at: Ms Coastal Australia (@iummscoastalaustralia)