The title of Miss Western Australia (historically also called Miss Westralia) dates back to 1926, famously originating with Beryl Mills, who became Australia’s very first national beauty queen.
Beryl Mills, a 19-year-old student from a sheep station in Walkaway near Geraldton, won the inaugural Miss Westralia preliminary title.
Her father submitted her photograph to the contest. She went on to win the very first national Miss Australia crown in Sydney in June 1926.
Unlike modern glitzy pageants, the 1920s criteria prioritized wholesome health, intelligence, athletic ability, and poise over standard glamour. Mills was a keen swimmer, diver, and hockey captain at the University of Western Australia.
Her win came with £1,000, two cars, and a massive promotional tour of the United States, making her an overnight national sensation.
By the mid-20th century, the Miss Western Australia and Miss Australia quests transitioned into major charitable fundraisers. Pageants like the Miss Australia Quest raised millions of dollars for organizations supporting people with disabilities—such as the Spastic Welfare Association in WA.
State winners regularly competed on the national stage, with local delegates like Suzanne McClelland winning Miss Western Australia in 1968 and subsequently being crowned Miss Australia 1969. Other prominent WA figures, such as Karen Pini in the 1970s, used local titles like Miss West Coast to launch successful international modeling and pageant careers.
Miss Australia Quest “Miss Harmony” at His Majesty’s Theatre featuring 1948’s most outstanding musical entertainment.
Quest in Western Australia (Perth) were held focused on raising funds for charity and celebrating the 20 local entrants. Miss Erica Drake-Brockman was selected as “Miss Western Australia” and later flew to Sydney in November 1947 to compete in the national final. (Erica was the mother of Jody‘s St Mary’s friend Diana Haddon (Jackson)).
https://thewest.com.au/news/wa/untold-history-the-first-miss-australia-beryl-mills-the-best-from-the-west–c-10471290
“Miss Radio” Gloria Swain
First Function on Sunday
The first function in aid of the candidature of “Miss Radio” in the “Miss Australia” contest will be held on Sunday night. A community concert timed to start at 8.45 o’clock will be conducted in the Capitol Theatre. Artists who have offered to appear include Letty Hosking (pianist), Chris Christensen (wizrd of the zither), Coral Gunning (personality girl), Jack Harrison (mouth organist), Irene Stancliffe (soprano), Maurice Jaffy (tenor), Dave Howard (saxophonist), Nell Shortland-Jones (soprano), Ted MacDoanld (entertainer) and visiting stars Joe Brennan and Ida Newton. The community singing will be conducted by John Juan and Ted Kean.
THURSDAY DEC. 9 1948
MISS AUSTRALIA QUEST
MISS HARMONY (Nancy Baird) presents:
HARMONY HIGHLIGHTS OF 1948 featuring the following top line artists:
SAMMY SHARP’S BAND, BETTY WRIGHT Pianist, GWEN READ Light Dramatic Soprano, HARRY BLUCK’S JAZZ GROUP, JACK HARRISON’S QUINTETTE
WALLY BADLEY Internationally famous banjoist, GRAY BARNDON Baritone
IRENE STANCLIFFE Coloratura Soprano, PHIL GREEN Light Comedy,
JOHN WALDECK Violinist,
Duo pianists: MONA SANDELL AND KATHLEEN McDONALD
Associate artists: JEAN BREDE, GWYN BROCKWAY, MADAME ROSENTHALL. Compere: GEOFF MANION. Producer: HARRY BLUCK
Booking Nicholsons: Prices 3/3 (no tax) 4/6 (no tax); Unreserved seats. 2/.
Sponsors: Civilian Maimed and Limbless Association. [1]
[1] The West Australian Wednesday 8 December 1948 page 33