Friday, 31 May, 2024
ONE A marathon effort
Aussie top swimmers tackle surf
Chamber’s brush with the law
28-page liftout Property Guide
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PR OP ER TY
Larita takes on Universe By Phil Jarratt
Larita at home.
Picture: MELISSA HOAREAU
“Meet Larita Usa Monroe, the radiant ThaiAussie crowned as Miss Universe Thailand Roi Et 2024 – at just 17, she’s not just ruling the waves in Noosa, Queensland, but also hearts worldwide.” Thus gushed Instagram and TikTok posts earlier this month as the popular Noosa longboarder triumphed in the first stage of her campaign to become the first Thai Miss Universe since 1988, and only the third in the quest’s history. “From shredding waves with her Noosa Malibu Club fam [well, until pressures of her new career intervened] to representing Roi Et Province with grace and style, she’s a true embodiment of beauty, strength, and community spirit.” The former Sunshine Beach State High student is in fact still 16 (she’ll be 17 in August) but the bloggers got most of it right. She certainly surfs and conducts herself with grace and style, and her community spirit is evident in her strong support of the SurfAid organisation and her surfing environment. But how the hell did this pretty Noosa teenager end up representing the remote, land-locked and somewhat arid north-eastern Thai province of Roi Et in a 70-year-old beauty quest that some would contend is just a little out of step with modern social mores? Sitting on the Sahara of sand that used to be First Point during a recent quick trip home to see friends and regroup after her
win in Roi Et, Larita is quick to defend the Miss Universe concept and her fast-growing role in it. She says: “Miss Universe is actually about empowering women. When you see a pretty woman you don’t necessarily think, she must be smart. The word bimbo is more likely to be used in some cases! “But in Miss Thailand, many of the contestants are older women in their 30s with families and careers, some are athletes, some are from the armed forces. It’s definitely not just about having a pretty face. I think it’s more about being pretty on the inside, having a beautiful soul. “And the Miss Universe Quest is more about helping others than it is about typical ideas on beauty. It’s about helping worthy causes and being a role model for healthy living.” Born in Sydney to Bangkok-bred mum Usa (“rhymes with Noosa” says Larita) and Australian surf industry executive Ben Monroe, Larita spent her early childhood years in Sydney and visiting family in Thailand, before the family re-settled in Byron Bay when Ben joined the management team of McTavish Surfboards. It was while living in Byron and loving life romping in the surf as an energetic Nipper, that she had to grow up very fast. She tells the story: “For me, age doesn’t define maturity, experiences do, and I believe that I’ve had enough life experience to be mature enough to take on this quest. Continued page 2
Scooping the Poole creativity, and environmental stewardship. The winning project, Bombala House, exemplifies excellence in contemporary architecture and sustainable design. Sealand Architects director David Teeland said, “We are delighted to receive the Gabriel Poole Award for Building of the Year.“ “Bombala House was a wonderful project that allowed us to craft a sustainable house
design while creating spaces that inspire and delight.“ Selected from a group of high-quality entries, Bombala House impressed the jury with its elegant simplicity and its ability to connect with nature. While the home sits quietly in the street, the design employs volume, courtyards and screening to organise spaces and curate views.
Featuring a “water block design,“ Bombala was praised by the jury as “a masterclass in designing for site conditions.” The Sunshine Coast Architecture Awards, held on Friday 24 May and organised by the Australian Institute of Architects, celebrated excellence in architecture and design across the region. Continued page 2
SIMPLY SPEND TO WIN!* PRIZE INCLUDES 1 OF 2 $3000
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Noosa locals Sealand Architects, renowned for their innovative approach to architectural design, has been awarded the prestigious Gabriel Poole Award for Building of the Year at the 2024 Sunshine Coast Architecture Awards. Named in honour of the esteemed Noosa architect Gabriel Poole, the award recognises projects that embody his spirit of innovation,