Kiama’s resident beauty queen is more than just that, Chelsea Jones is a proud Wodi Wodi woman who has shown resilience in the face of difficult life challenges. 

25-year-old Jones will be representing her mob in the upcoming Miss Multiverse pageant, a competition featuring 30 women from varying backgrounds and celebrates cultural diversity in Australia.

Chelsea Jones

Described as the "pageant with a purpose," it raises funds for The Cancer Council Foundation, generating vital support for cancer research, services and organ donation for life.

Chelsea stands out as the only contestant born in Australia and the only one representing Aboriginal culture. She aims to share her story to inspire others.

Her supportive Aunty, Dale Vaux, reflected on discovering their ancestry and how perceptions have shifted over time.

“During my growing up, you never spoke about it (her Aboriginal heritage) — it was something that was ‘out there.’ My mother and her mother didn’t talk about it. We didn’t know much about our family until my daughter started doing Aboriginal studies at school, and then Mum opened up.”

Through Dale's research, she found a connection to the 'Longbottom' line, with some family history documented in Helen Laidlaw's book, On Wadi Wadi Country - From the Mountains to the Sea, particularly in chapter 13.

“I can remember being teased at school, saying I was adopted because I was a different colour,” Dale recalled. “Now we can identify proudly and be accepted.”

Chelsea proudly embraces her heritage, crediting those who paved the way for her. “Women in my life, like Dale and my nan, have paved the way for the acceptance I feel. Many women in Kiama know them for their community work, and I want to make them all proud,” she said. 

In her young life, Chelsea has faced significant challenges. After moving to Sydney and landing her dream job at Taronga Zoo, she had to quickly return to Kiama to care for her ill mother. Following her mother’s passing, Chelsea struggled with depression and a loss of confidence.

She shared, “It's been empowering for me to do this and get out there again. I lost a lot of confidence after Mum's death. One day I woke up and chose resilience.”

That’s the message she wants to share: “Just resilience, that's being a woman. I want to make my mum proud, make my family proud, and show others that you can achieve things like this.”

“I’ve been able to help my family through one of the hardest times of our lives, and it’s been an honour to do that,” she added.

Chelsea still feels her mother's presence along her journey. Chelsea received the number seven in the pageant line-up—her mum's favourite number. “The way this is all set up feels like it’s where I’m meant to be right now,” she said.

Chelsea also connected with Kirrikin Fashion, a design studio featuring the artwork of contemporary indigenous artists from around the country. They offered her the chance to choose items from their catalogue for the pageant - a proud honour for Chelsea. 

She selected prints symbolising strength and unity, and explained that the colours represent different Aboriginal communities. The Wadi Wadi people use blues and yellows to represent the beach and water, while inland communities often paint in reds and oranges for the desert.

The competition will take place at The Sofitel in Sydney on October 18. To support not only Chelsea but the Kiama community and Wodi Wodi people, you can donate to The Cancer Council Foundation using 'Chelsea Jones' as a reference by scanning the QR code provided. You can also follow her on Instagram at @chelseaa_jones to keep up with her journey.

Scan the QR Code to donate, Use 'Chelsea Jones' as your reference

It’s clear that Chelsea is beautiful inside and out, and truly embodies the essence of Miss Multiverse: diversity, empowerment, and resilience. The Bugle would like to wish her the best of luck in the upcoming competition, giving a platform to her people and community, to share her powerful message of resilience. 

Chelsea Jones