Afraa Kori
Chantelle Tautunuafatasi from Sunshine West was crowned Miss Samoa Victoria, but her journey is far from over.
She is now set to compete for the national crown and represent Victoria in Samoa’s most anticipated beauty pageant.
Chantelle, 24, said it feels “surreal” to compete in the Miss Samoa state and national pageants.
“I’m still processing as we speak but I’m honoured to be in this space, to have been graced with this opportunity and to use this platform to serve my community,” she said.
“Participating in the pageant is something that I’ve always wanted to do and a dream that my family and I have shared. This year I’ve found myself in a position where the opportunity has presented itself and is aligned with where I’m at in this chapter of life. Something that I truly didn’t expect but God’s timing is always impeccable.
“We are off to Samoa in the next 3 weeks so that I can compete at the National Miss Samoa pageant. So I will be representing the state of Victoria, we have our community fundraiser coming soon so keep an eye out for that.”
Held at Sheldon Reception on August 3, the Miss Samoa Victoria pageant offered culture, class, entertainment and laughs, while bringing the community together.
Chantelle excelled in various categories, winning an award for Best Introduction, Best Sarong, Best Traditional Wear, Best Talent, Best Puletasi and Best Siva Samoa.
“My favourite category was the talent section. The story behind it is something that I hold close to my heart. The Samoan Siapo that I wore belonged to my late grandmother and the Fijian Siapo was a gift from the village that we come from in Fiji; Bureta, Levuka Ovalau. The medley that I sang is a Samoan and Fijian song, dedicated to my ancestors. It was an incredible honour to stand before everyone to represent those who have come before me,” she said.
The secretary of Miss Samoa Victoria, Seumanutafa Pa’u said it takes bravery, tenacity and determination to compete in the pageant and stand in front of community and loved ones.
“When girls apply to participate in the Miss Sāmoa Victoria pageant, they embark on a comprehensive pre-pageant program, closely mirroring the prestigious Miss Samoa pageant held in Sāmoa,” she said.
“Our pre-pageant program includes stage presence and public speaking workshops, how to walk runway workshops, radio interviews, financial literacy workshop, fundraising events, Aganu’u (cultural) classes all help to prepare contestants for the big night as well as eases them into serving the public. We find as girls continue the program they become more confident in speaking, how they carry themselves and especially when it comes to the cultural side of things they don’t shy away from it.
“Upon being crowned Miss Samoa Victoria, the winner represents Victoria on a grand stage and is sponsored by Miss Samoa Victoria Incorporated at the Miss Samoa Pageant in Samoa. The Miss Samoa pageant is akin to Miss America but uniquely centers on reviving, preserving and celebrating our rich cultural heritage. This distinctive approach includes no height restrictions and a stage presentation where contestants perform barefoot, showcasing traditional attire and values. The winner of Miss Samoa then advances to compete as Miss Samoa at the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant, which features a diverse array of cultures from Tonga, Hawaii, Aotearoa (NZ), Fiji, Cook Islands, American Sāmoa, Tuvalu, Niue, Kiribati, and beyond.”
One of valuable lessons Chantelle took away from winning the Victorian pageant, was that the competition turned to sisterhood.
“I want the message of love and compassion to be shared through my story” she said.
“One thing that’s so special to me is sisterhood. I came into this experience ready to learn more about myself but also to learn about my pageant sisters who have become my beautiful friends. We all understood that this was a competition but at the same time, empowering each other and lifting up your sister is possible even during a competition. Love and compassion for others can always be given and is free, there is enough hate and negativity in the world and I think it’s really important to remind people of the light that they carry and have the opportunity to spread.”
With her new title, Chantelle was able to promote and preserve her cultural roots and faith.
“My Samoan heritage is something that I proudly carry with me. I try to always incorporate a part of my culture wherever I go, especially outside of our Pasifika community because living in the diaspora, it isn’t seen or represented as much. So whether it’s wearing my traditional clothes or accessories at events, incorporating the Samoan language into my performances, or even just speaking on the importance of the culture, I will always do my best to represent my Samoa in a positive light. Being a representative of the Samoan Community of Victoria is to always treat people with kindness and respect, something that is taught to us and a message that I hope to pass on.
“I’m planning to work with our community to create and promote projects that embrace the beautiful Samoan culture, programs that provide knowledge and opportunities for not just our youth but for all ages to be included in the upcoming events.
“My highlight in terms of growth through this experience, has been developing a deeper connection with God. I’ve learnt to lean on him and to trust in what he has planned over my life, whether I was going to be crowned or not, at the end of the day I decided to go out there and have fun but most importantly to go with God.”
