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Photo Credit: Mohan Raj

The highly anticipated Australian Golden Sash Awards (AGSA) 2025 took centre stage on Saturday, 15 February 2025, at the prestigious Hilton Sydney. This spectacular event, founded by Maryrose Salubre, has evolved from an exclusive pageant industry accolade to a distinguished celebration of excellence across various sectors, including fashion, media, entrepreneurship, and modelling. Uniting beauty queens, influencers, entrepreneurs, and innovators from across the nation, AGSA 2025 honoured remarkable individuals for their impactful contributions to their respective industries.

Photo Credit: Aleksandr Eremeev

A Line-Up of Esteemed Partners and Sponsors

AGSA 2025 proudly partnered with an array of prestigious organisations, reinforcing its reputation as a leading awards ceremony. This year’s esteemed partners included Mrs. Universe Official, I Am Model Search International, Mrs. Earth Australia, Miss M Universe Australia, Mrs. Grand Australia, Mrs. Supermodel Worldwide Australia, Miss Little Australia, Mrs. Millennium International, Miss Earth Australia, Miss Petite Global, Stargazer Productions, Global Elite Media, Miss Supranational Australia, and Dreams To Reality Runway, among others.

The event was made possible through the generous support of sponsors and media partners such as Dreams To Reality Runway, RGEM Promotions & Management, TV6 Network, Sassy & Co, Model & Mode, and the official media partner, StarCentral Magazine.

Photo Credit: James Mao

Spectacular Performances and Special Highlights

The evening commenced with a high-energy dance performance by the exceptionally talented Rosalie Hammoud, captivating the audience and setting the tone for a night of glamour and recognition. The event was expertly hosted by Sheridan Mortlock, who served as the official MC, bringing charisma and professionalism to the stage while ensuring a seamless and engaging experience for all attendees.

Adding to the evening’s prestige was the highly anticipated AGSA Academy presentation. The Australian Golden Sash Academy (AGSA) recently hosted its inaugural Masterclass Bootcamp at Sparks Studios. This transformative initiative provided aspiring models with the skills and insights necessary to excel in the competitive worlds of pageantry, fashion, and modelling. The bootcamp featured an esteemed panel of industry experts, including renowned celebrity photographer Pedro Virgil, acclaimed model Joanne Nicholas, and Miss Earth Air 2022, Sheridan Mortlock.

While some students were unable to attend due to unforeseen circumstances, those who graced the runway showcased their talent and poise. The participating students included Paisley, Charli, Arabella, Grace, Rosalie, and Georgia.

Stargazer Productions Honours Excellence

Stargazer Productions, holding the official license for Miss Earth Australia, Miss International Australia, Miss Eco Australia, Mrs. Earth Australia, Mrs. Supranational Australia, Mrs. Grand Australia, and Miss Little, Junior, and Teen Earth Australia, recognised outstanding individuals within their platforms, further elevating the prestige of AGSA 2025.

Cover Models Presentation

A significant highlight of the evening was the Cover Models Presentation, featuring prominent magazine cover stars. The segment, coordinated by industry expert Mike, included StarCentral Magazine Covergirl Riley Aston-Kampioti, Golden Sash Covergirl Krysta Heath, and Sassy & Co Covergirls from the AGSA Academy students.

Photo Credit: Mohan Raj

Recognising Excellence Across Multiple Platforms

In addition to Stargazer Productions, several organisations honoured outstanding individuals within their industries:

• GEM Modelling Awardees: Neha Sharma, Uthra
• StarCentral Magazine Awardees: Kristine, Krysta, Brooke, Pedro, Riley
• MS Entertainment Network Awardees: Dave Choo, Bonni, Cheryl, Candice, Cataleya, Paisley, Tricia, Armi, Minerva, Elaine
• Dreams To Reality Runway Awardees: Audrey, Aita, Zara, Oriana, Arabella, Bridgett, Ebony, Mia, Thande, Winter Bell, Ava, Izabellah, Savannah, Tenneysee, Tariro, Taisha, Emmy
• RGEM Promotions & Management Awardees: Putri, Neha Joshi, Monisha, Aliya, Evita, Victoria

A special participation by Maxim Magazine CEO Michael Downs added to the grandeur of the event, as he stepped in to award the GEM Modelling Awardees in the absence of Sue Turner, the CEO of Global Elite Media, who was unable to attend.

A Fusion of Culture and Dance

The night dazzled with a breathtaking performance by the dynamic and versatile Minerva Soylatino. A true embodiment of cultural artistry, Minerva seamlessly blended the sensual rhythms of Bellydance, the fiery intensity of Flamenco, and the vibrant energy of Venezuelan folk traditions, leaving the audience spellbound.

Photo Credit: Mohan Raj

Dreams to Reality Runway: A Groundbreaking Competition

One of the most exhilarating segments of AGSA 2025 was the Dreams to Reality Runway, presented by Bonni Sullivan. This newest runway competition in New South Wales is not just an event but an adrenaline-fuelled experience designed to propel models to new heights. Dreams to Reality has been working closely with model scouts and designers both in Australia and across the globe, offering participants an unparalleled opportunity to showcase their talent on an international scale.

A Grand Success Brought to You by MS Entertainment Network

AGSA 2025 was a resounding success, brought to life through the collaboration of MS Entertainment Network and StarCentral Media Group. The event celebrated talent, determination, and excellence, solidifying its status as one of the most prestigious award ceremonies in Australia.

With unforgettable performances, well-deserved accolades, and a star-studded audience, the Australian Golden Sash Awards 2025 was truly a night to remember, honouring trailblazers and inspiring the next generation of industry leaders.

Julia Coutts has emerged as a beacon of inspiration and empowerment in a remarkable journey that began with an unexpected encounter at a concert outing. From her humble beginnings to her current role as a contestant in the prestigious Ms. Universe Official pageant, Julia’s story is one of resilience, determination, and a commitment to positive change. It all started when Julia was approached during a concert outing by a woman who was extending an invitation to join the Face of Australia pageant. With her mother’s enthusiastic support, Julia embarked on a journey into the world of pageantry, overcoming initial hesitations and doubts. To her surprise and delight, she emerged victorious, setting the stage for a series of remarkable achievements.

Julia’s journey took her to the enchanting lands of India as Australia’s representative for the Miss Glam World pageant, where she garnered unforgettable memories and earned the title of Miss Glam World Fashionista. Now, as a contestant in Ms. Universe Official, Julia views her presence as a personal triumph, a testament to her unwavering commitment to overcoming challenges and pursuing her dreams. Throughout her life, Julia has faced adversity, from bullying to struggles with body image and identity. Yet, through dedication to personal growth and physical fitness, she has cultivated confidence and resilience. Julia’s experiences have shaped her mission to inspire young women and children to believe in themselves and realize their limitless potential.

As Ms. Universe Official Australia, Julia plans to leverage her platform to promote positivity, kindness, and respect. Through public and online forums, she aims to foster a culture of empowerment and unity, inspiring others to join in creating a brighter, more compassionate world. Julia is committed to leaving a lasting legacy by mentoring young women and girls and helping them build confidence and leadership skills.

Julia Coutts embodies the spirit of perseverance and determination, proving that with focus and belief, anything is possible. As she continues her journey, she invites others to join her in creating a future filled with hope, inspiration, and limitless possibilities. AGSA magazine recently caught up with Julia to discuss her journey to the industry, and here’s what went down:

Congratulations on being crowned Ms. Universe Official Australia! Can you share your journey to this prestigious title with us and what it means to you personally?

Pageantry unexpectedly found its way into my life during a concert outing with my mother. A woman, Lyn Shadbolt, approached us, inviting us to join the Face of Australia pageant. Before I could respond, my mother eagerly volunteered me. Unsure at first, I hesitated due to the daunting prospect of being thrown into the spotlight with no prior experience. However, I chose not to live a life of ‘what ifs’ and eventually decided to embrace the opportunity. To my surprise, I emerged victorious from the event, overwhelmed with shock and gratitude. My fledgling journey into the world of fashion next took me, with my mother as chaperone and chief supporter, to the enchanting lands of India as Australia’s representative for the Miss Glam World pageant late last year. There I gathered unforgettable memories in a highly competitive environment in the context of a vibrant culture, and amongst contestants from all over the world. Finishing in the top 7 and earning the Miss Glam World Fashionista title was inspirational. The outcome verified that I was competitive and led me to believe I could, with practice and resolve, do better in the future. Now, standing before you as a contestant in Ms Universe official, I view my presence here as a personal triumph. When I was young, I faced years of bullying for not conforming to societal beauty norms. I endured abuse because of my mixed heritage, and I struggled with a weight problem, all challenges that I have overcome with a positive approach and great determination. Through consistent dedication to physical fitness and personal growth, I’ve cultivated confidence, and my personal experiences have honed one of my missions: to inspire young women and children to believe in themselves and realize their limitless potential. I believe that the power to achieve and to succeed resides within each of us; we need only focus and believe.
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How do you plan to utilize your platform as Mrs. Universe Official Australia to impact your community and beyond positively?

As a former childcare educator with a decade of experience, I deeply understand the significance of nurturing our future generations. As Ms. Universe Official Australia, I plan to leverage this platform as a conduit for positivity and change through public and internet forums. I aspire to serve as a beacon of kindness, understanding, and respect, inspiring others to embrace these values. We can ignite transformative change by fostering a culture of empowerment and unity. I firmly believe that by leading by example, we can motivate others to create a brighter, more compassionate world.

As a role model for many aspiring women, what advice would you give to those who aspire to follow in your footsteps and compete in pageantry?

Embrace your uniqueness, believe in your potential, and never underestimate the power of your voice. Stand tall, support other women, and champion each other’s successes. Remember, your strength lies in what you achieve and the love and kindness you share with the world. Together, we can break barriers, shatter stereotypes, and create a future where every woman feels empowered to pursue her dreams without hesitation or prejudice.

The Mrs. Universe Official organization emphasizes women’s empowerment and making a difference in the world. How do you envision embodying these values during your reign?

I will embody the values of women’s empowerment by raising awareness on critical issues such as education and equality. Through community engagement and partnerships with local organizations and electronic forums, I will support projects that empower women and girls. By advocating for policy changes and offering cooperation, I aim to leave a lasting impact and inspire others to join me in promoting gender equality.

What challenges do you anticipate facing as Mrs. Universe Official Australia, and how do you plan to overcome them?

As Mrs. Universe Official Australia, I anticipate facing challenges such as overcoming stereotypes and managing criticism while advocating for human rights and women’s empowerment. I plan to stay true to my values, build resilience, and collaborate with like-minded individuals and organizations to navigate these. By focusing on meaningful impact and fostering a supportive network; I aim to create positive change and inspire others.

Finally, can you share some insights into your future plans and projects as Mrs. Universe Official Australia and how you aim to leave a lasting legacy during your reign?

As Ms. Universe Official Australia, my future plans involve promoting initiatives relating to women’s empowerment and human rights through education campaigns and community outreach. I will also try to collaborate with organizations that advocate for policy changes that support women’s rights and equal opportunities.

To leave a lasting legacy wherever I can, I aim to mentor young women and girls, helping them build confidence and leadership skills. By sharing my journey and experiences, I hope to inspire future generations to pursue their goals and dreams. My focus will be on creating sustainable projects that continue to make a positive impact long after my reign ends.