THE search for the next Miss Universe Australia has begun - and it could be one of these Sydney girls.

More than 200 people gathered to watch twelve hopefuls strut their stuff at the Miss Universe Australia NSW Preliminary held at St Ives Shopping Village this afternoon.

After a swimwear, evening wear and question and answer section, six women were chosen to progress to the NSW state final next year.

Among the five judges was pageant expert Peter Sereno, couture designer Sylvia Lee and fashion photographer Kent Johnson.

Mr Sereno, who helped style and coach former Miss Universe Jennifer Hawkins, said he thought there was some good potential at the preliminary.
"I'm looking for a winner. I'm looking for a girl who thinks there are only two kinds of people in this world - those who want to be me, and those who want to marry me. I'm looking for attitude,'' Mr Sereno said.Elizabeth Hay, 23, from Kellyville, was one of the six who made it through to the state final.Ms Hay, who works at an executive search company, said she thought she would throw herself in the deep end, and audition."I just did it for a bit of self-confidence and for the experience,'' Ms Hay said.

"All the girls are so beautiful, so it's a surprise when you get through.''

The preliminary's come after Scherri-Lee Biggs - this year's Miss Universe Australia winner - placed in the Top 10 at the International Miss Universe Pageant held last week. Miss Angola, Leila Lopes, was the country's first winner.

Miss Universe Australia marketing and event manager Paris Ogden said they had a huge number of entries this year, from women from all professions.

"Each year it grows, it's becoming bigger and bigger in Australia,'' Ms Ogden said.

"We get all sorts. Obviously you're going to get your models, but over 60 per cent don't model at all, or do it part time.''

Miss Universe Australia 2012 preliminaries run until June next year, with the National Final Crowning Ceremony held in July.

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