Olivia takes Adelaide to the world

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Miss World Australia and University of Adelaide Gastronomy student Olivia Stratton has been busy spreading the word about Adelaide and Australia to the rest of the world.

In the Adelaidean's first comment piece for 2005, Olivia tells us about her experiences and her new role.

I believe food, wine, art and language provide such a wonderful reflection of culture.

My international qualifications have helped me to truly realise and embrace culture in my life and career. The global contacts and support I have acquired through my studies, work and travels have enabled me to gain the knowledge and confidence to take on any challenge but most importantly to live my dream.

I have recently completed my 12-month full-time position as Miss World Australia, after being chosen from over 500 contestants nationally to represent my country at the biggest international pageant, Miss World. It was a great honour to be voted and win the international title of 'Miss World People's Choice' in front of an audience of over two billion viewers in 120 countries; the largest annual televised event in the world!

One of the many highlights from my year as Miss World Australia was my world tour. During this time I was chosen as the International Ambassador for the Sauchin Project in Shanghai for four weeks, working with industry representatives and media from both Asia and Australia to promote South Australian food, wine and tourism. From this position, as well as working closely with Australian embassies around the world, I have been able to motivate others through education, understanding and combining our efforts to make a positive difference globally.

Now in my ongoing role as an Ambassador for Australia I specialise in public relations and as a professional speaker, working both in Australia and overseas. My expertise includes food, wine, fashion and education, with my ambassadorial position involving work alongside of such people as former Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke and linking in with numerous and varied organisations, including corporate, government, cultural and charity groups.

I believe South Australia boasts some of the best food, wine and education in the world; this has provided me with a solid foundation from which I have launched into my international position as an Ambassador. While already being multi-lingual, I have also just recently started Mandarin studies to further expand my knowledge of the language and Chinese culture, which will greatly assist me with my work both in Australia and China.

Achievement can mean many things for different people, whether it be for someone to have the right and opportunity to an education or to be the CEO of an international company. I am very passionate about my work and will continue to aspire to one day being an Ambassador for the United Nations. Through hard work, determination and perseverance I believe dreams can become reality.