Peumila Jalajjage was recently named Mrs Australia Legacy International. The Taylors Hill resident chats to Laura Michell about the paegent and her hopes of making a difference in the community.
Tell us about your connection to the City of Melton …
I’ve lived in Taylor’s Hill, in the City of Melton, for many years (more than 18 years) with my husband and two daughters. This community is where my family has grown, where my daughters go to school, and where I’ve built my businesses. It’s not just home for us—it’s where I’ve been able to follow my passions in both the beauty industry and my community work.
What do you like about where you live?
I love the sense of community here. Melton is a growing and vibrant area with so many families like ours, and there’s a real warmth in the people. I also appreciate the balance of having both peaceful neighbourhoods and access to the city, which makes it a wonderful place to raise children while still staying connected.
What, if anything, would you change about where you live?
Like many growing communities, I think more opportunities for women in small businesses and more support networks for mothers and families would make a big difference. I’d love to see more programs that encourage women to chase their dreams after raising families, which ties into my own project, Her Comeback.
Tell us about The Mrs Australia – Legacy International competition and why you decided to enter…
The Mrs Australia Legacy International competition is more than a pageant – it’s a platform to celebrate women, their stories, and their impact on the community. The platform is giving them the tools to succeed, both on and off the stage, and creates a space where every contestant has the chance to shine and make a lasting impact. It goes beyond beauty – it’s about creating a positive impact through leadership and setting an example that empowers other women. I decided to enter because I wanted to show that mothers and women can reinvent themselves at any stage of life. For me, it’s not about crowns and sashes, but about using my voice to inspire others and to create a positive legacy.
Why did you decide to make Her Comeback your legacy project, and what are you hoping to achieve through it?
Her Comeback is very personal to me. As a mother, I put my own dreams on hold for many years, and I know so many women who have done the same. My project is about helping women rediscover themselves, step into their power, and realise that it’s never too late to make a comeback. Through workshops, my book, and community initiatives, I hope to build a movement that gives women the tools, confidence, and support to pursue their goals.
What is something people would be surprised to know about you.
People are often surprised to learn that while I’ve spent over 20 years as a hairdresser and a makeup artist, also stepped into the world of modelling at age 43– a lifelong dream come true. At the same time, I’ve been working as a finance administrator for nearly two decades. Balancing both the creative and business worlds has given me a unique perspective and resilience, which I now carry into everything I do– from running my businesses to building my legacy project.
