Miss Earth Australia 2020 Brittany Dickson

 Miss Earth Australia 2020 Brittany Dickson

AUSTRALIA

BRITTANY DICKSON

Age: 25

Height: 175 cm

Measurements: 32 in - 26 in - 36 in

"I’m very proud of my charity work over the past few years. Since 2017, I’ve raised over $15000 AUD for the Cure Brain Cancer Foundation. I’ve also enjoyed contributing and being part of the different environmental charities like Greening Australia and WWF’s Australian Wildlife and Nature Recovery Fund."

DESCRIBE YOUR CHILDHOOD/GROWING YEARS

I will say that I had great childhood years; I was outside a lot and was fascinated by the natural world. It didn’t matter where I was – whether in my grandparents backyard playing with the worms in the compost, camping trips, chasing kangaroos (and occasionally being chased back) or being at the beach diving through waves bigger than I was to get as close as possible to dolphins. These are truly my fondest memories.

WHAT IS YOUR MEMORABLE MOMENT?

Aside from being a cancer-survivor, one of my special moments I will never forget is my University graduation – It always feels like yesterday that I am standing at my graduation ceremony surrounded by my friends and peers who I’d studied animal and veterinary bioscience alongside for four years.

Knowing soon that I will be taking that important step towards contributing to environmental protection professionally was an amazing feeling.

I’m certainly sure it’s the same feeling that will return when ‘surrounded’ virtually by my Miss Earth sisters during this competition.

ANY SPECIAL STORIES OR FACTS ABOUT YOUR FAMILY?

My family raised me to respect life great and small. I think it’s special that every pet we’ve kept has been a rescue. May it be a lost dog and cat and even my own pet bird, Greeny. I love that they’ve given me the opportunity to develop my own sense of empathy and stewardship in this way.

WHAT IS THE MOST UNUSUAL THING YOU HAVE EVER DONE?

Probably when I contributed to some field research on Port Jackson sharks – I had the opportunity to free-dive and work with these beautiful animals. Seeing the look on people’s faces when you walk out of the ocean carrying a live shark (to microchip, measure and collect DNA) always led to some funny reactions.

WHAT IS YOUR ADVOCACY?

Wildlife conservation – Not only do I have a deep love for land and marine animals but by protecting them we also tackle other big environmental issues. Protecting wildlife habitat means changing our way of life by;

• Reducing our carbon footprint to fight climate change

• Pushing towards zero-waste lifestyles

• Restoring habitat by planting trees and standing up against overdevelopment.

WHAT TIPS CAN YOU SHARE TO PROMOTE ECOTOURISM & CLIMATE CHANGE?

Some simple travel tips to be an environmentally conscious traveler (and reduce your contribution to climate change) includes;

• Saying NO to single use plastics (complimentary toothbrushes, bottles, straws, utensils)

• Avoiding flying or driving (where possible) – if you embrace public transport this will also often allow you to also experience the local culture.

• Do your research! Book accommodation or tours that offer eco-friendly options and provide education on the local environment.

• VOLUNTEER – if you want a real hands-on experience and something to remember for a lifetime, signup for a trip where you can participate in eco-initiatives.

WHAT MAKES YOU PROUD OF YOUR COUNTRY?

I am proud of our people. We are strong, resilient and have a lot of heart. One example is Steve Irwin who will go down in history as one of the most iconic wildlife warriors – he’s a hero because he saved so many animals doing what he loved to do – educating, raising awareness and inspiring people like me.

WHAT CAN YOU PROMOTE ABOUT YOUR COUNTRY?

We are lucky that our country is home to some of the most diverse and unique wildlife on the planet. And each experience can be so different - whether you’d like to swim with turtles through our brilliant coral reefs, hear the cackle of laughing kookaburras from tall gum trees or get up close and personal with our smiling quokkas – there is something for everyone.

WHAT TRIVIA ABOUT YOURSELF WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE?

Only my family and close friends knows that I am an aspiring singer. I like to put on a mini concert for my pet parrot, Greeny, every night – she loves listening to me sing Disney songs (even if no one else does).