You don’t normally relate a Miss Australia contestant as someone that plays football, but Hillside’s Abbey O’Mara does both. Abbey speaks with Tara Murray about what made her take up both passions and about a cause close to her heart.
Tell us about your connection to the Melton area.
I have spent my entire life residing in or around the vibrant city of Melbourne, with a particular fondness for the area of Melton. The Melton area is where my family lives, where I work and where I grew up. This area brings me back to my childhood – the parks I used to play in, and the paths I would ride my bike down or heading down to the local shop.
What are your favourite things in Melton?
What I cherish most about the Melton community are the vibrant local markets in Eynesbury, which offer an abundance of fresh produce and a delightful atmosphere. Additionally, the area boasts picturesque walking tracks, which allows for moments of tranquil reflections.
You finished top 20 in the Miss Australia competition. What made you enter that and how was the experience?
When I was 21 I started doing things that I had always wanted to do. I grew up watching the Miss Universe pageants and my favourite movie growing up was Miss Congeniality. I decided to enter my first pageant in 2022, placed fourth runners up, gained the title Miss Amethyst international and fell in love with it. I absolutely loved my experience in the Miss Australia Pageants. The directors are so beautiful and extremely helpful. This competition turned into a family. If you would like to join me on my pageant journey follow my Instagram at @abbskebabz and Facebook page Abbey O’Mara- Miss photogenic Australia 2023 finalist
You also play football for Burnside Heights? How does a Miss Australia contestant end up doing that?
I started playing football as apart of doing the things that I had always wanted to do. When I started playing football I could barely kick the ball. Playing football took a little more convincing than continuing pageants. It was hard and I had to learn to do things I had never done before. I think it’s important to show people and yourself that you can do things that contradict each other; playing a contact sport in the mud versus gracefully walking up and down a stage.
You raise money for Endometriosis Australia. Tell us about why you’ve gotten behind that cause?
I raise money for endometriosis Australia as an Endo Warrior. I was diagnosed and underwent surgery in March 2021. I always struggled with pain but was told for a long time that it was normal. Endometriosis affects one in nine women in Australia. There is not a lot of research or funds to support this research, therefore, I try to raise awareness and funds as much as possible.
