A Springfield resident, who arrived in Australia as an international student, is now a finalist in the 2025 Miss Galaxy Australia Pageants after transforming years of struggle into a platform for advocacy and inspiration.
From Student to Advocate
In 2018, Greta Mukherjee moved to Australia from India at the age of 18 to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Edith Cowan University in Perth. Initially supported by her family, her circumstances drastically changed when the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, cutting off financial support and leaving her to balance full-time work, full-time study, and significant leadership responsibilities on campus.
She worked as a Disability Support Worker while chairing the university’s Equity Department and preparing for the demanding GAMSAT exam to enter medical school.
Despite the challenges, Greta’s determination saw her achieve her dream of being accepted into the University of Queensland’s Doctor of Medicine program in 2022. She also received Permanent Residency as a registered nurse—a milestone for many immigrants pursuing long-term stability in Australia.
Setbacks and Resilience
Within months of moving to Brisbane, Greta’s path took an unexpected turn. She contracted COVID-19 twice while working in healthcare, followed by a car accident that left her with a fractured lower back. The combined health challenges forced her to withdraw from medical school, a decision that initially felt like the end of her aspirations.
However, Greta redirected her energy, achieving a new milestone by purchasing her first home at 23, a reflection of years of tireless work across multiple roles. She now works as a Clinical Coordinator for a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) organisation, leading a team of over 60 staff and promoting education and self-care among healthcare professionals.
A New Chapter
At 24, Greta is embracing a new direction as a finalist in the 2025 Australia Galaxy Pageants, representing Springfield and Brisbane. She aims to use the platform to advocate for the rights of minorities, particularly women who have faced the challenges of immigration and starting life from scratch in a new country.
Greta credits her experiences with shaping her passion for creating a more inclusive community. As an Indian-Australian, she reflects on the importance of resilience and finding purpose despite setbacks, hoping her story will resonate with others navigating similar journeys.
Connecting with the Community
Greta’s journey from an international student to a community leader and now a pageant finalist exemplifies the values of Springfield’s growing multicultural population. By openly sharing her story, she hopes to inspire young women to persevere through adversity and find strength in their goals.
Those interested in following her pageant journey can visit her profile on the Miss Galaxy Australia website.
Published 28-Nov-2024
