Karratha accountant balances books and beauty with bronze in Mrs Australia International pageant

Karratha tax accountant Joy Francis is making waves in the pageant world as the only regional finalist to compete in the Mrs Australia International national finalist challenge weekend, held in Sydney from April 28 to April 30.

The three-day event included a series of individual and team challenges, such as a radio interview, finance workshop, negotiation skills workshop, fitness challenges, and nutrition workshops.

Despite stiff competition from the other contestants, Joy’s outstanding performance earned her a bronze medal overall, a promising result ahead of the grand final evening to be held on June 3 at the Sydney Hilton.

The Mrs Australia International pageant is being hosted by Beautynbrains, an organisation whose core values are education, entrepreneurship, and personal development, making it a brand-new concept in the pageant world.

The grand final will see all 11 finalists compete by doing an interview with a panel of judges, as well as competing in an activewear section, business attire, and eveningwear categories. Australian popstar Samantha Jade is set to perform at the event.

Joy was born in Port Hedland and grew up in the Pilbara towns of Wickham and Pannawonica.

She is not only a tax accountant based in Karratha, but she also plays her guitar and sings at local restaurants and music events.

Joy was also a finalist in the WA Fashion on the Field top 12 final in 2022, where her own design won the Hedland Cup in Roebourne.

Joy is an active member and treasurer of the Karratha Adult Riding Club, participating in western dressage, horse shows, and trail riding. She was also a former swimming instructor for several years.

Joy is now designing and sewing her own gown for the evening wear of this competition, which will represent the colours of the Pilbara and Kimberley.

Speaking to Pilbara News, Joy said the platform she gained from the pageant would help her promote access to swimming lessons for all children.

“(I believe) learning to swim is a vital skill that should be accessible to everyone, regardless of location, income, or culture,” she said.

“Swimming is not just a leisure activity, but also a life skill that can be used in dangerous situations, especially with the Australian lifestyle being based predominantly around water activities.”

Joy called for more mothers to brush up on their swim teaching skills and said there was a lack of residential swimming teachers in the Pilbara and regional Western Australia as whole.

Additionally, she is trying to spread the message to be SunSmart, as she has recently had three skin cancers detected and removed this year.