Women say outback contest 'not just bikinis and beauty'
The Miss Cable Beach contest, running for over three decades, has evolved to focus on more than just physical appearance, with participants now given opportunities to share their personality and style. The event has become a platform for self-expression and empowerment for women of all shapes and sizes.
Francisca Henriquez never thought she'd be walking down a catwalk in outback Western Australia. The 31-year-old, recently crowned 2026 Miss Cable Beach, said she was naturally a shy person.
Ms Henriquez said hearing her friends cheer from the crowd brought out her "alter ego". "All my friends, all the people I love were there to support me and scream my name," she said. "I really love that energy around me."
A Contest Evolving
The Miss Cable Beach contest has been running for more than three decades, and continues to draw crowds and numerous entries. Events coordinator at Divers Tavern Saoirse Meally said participants were given more opportunities to share their personality and style, with the addition of more questions and a resort wear round.
"It's not just all about the bikini and appearance, it's about what's inside the girl too," she said. "Girls of every shape and size can get on that stage."
Ms Meally said she had seen women "completely come out of their shells" after competing. "After they've done it, they're on a high for a week," she said. "Their perception of it completely changes."
A Platform for Self-Expression
Hailing from Chile, Ms Henriquez has called Broome home for four years. She first entered last year with hopes of purchasing her mother a plane ticket to Broome using the $10,000 prize money.
Ms Henriquez said she was surprised by the contest's welcoming environment. "For sure it's about beauty, but also something deeper about how women feel about themselves," she said. "How they can go on stage and say, 'this is my body and I'm proud about it'."
While the money might have spurred her entry, Ms Henriquez said it was something she would look back on in years to come. "I can see how proud I feel about myself," she said.
A Broader Conversation
Professor of Body Image and Health at Flinders University, Ivanka Prichard, said her immediate thought when it came to a bikini contest was one of concern. "Given that a bikini competition would imply that someone's body is on display, potentially objectified," she said.
"We know that when we objectify, particularly the female body, that people feel worse about themselves." Professor Prichard said she had a mixed opinion on the events. "But if it's done carefully and there are a range of options for those competing, then I think that could be a positive thing," she said.