Miss Universe Australia 2009, Rachael Finch.

The 2009 Miss Universe Contestants

TV presenter Rachael Finch wins Miss Universe Australia 2009

RACHAEL Finch, a beautiful brown-eyed brunette from Townsville, was crowned Miss Universe Australia 2009 at Sydney's Hilton Hotel

Finch, a 20-year-old model and television presenter, beat 31 other finalists to win the award formerly won by Jennifer Hawkins, who then famously went on to become Miss Universe in 2004.

That same year, Finch took out the Queensland young model of the year title in Townsville's Opal Fashion Bash pageant

Finch's mother Colleen said she was "very excited and proud of her".