Mackay doctor Hannah Penner is swapping scrubs in theatre for sequins on stage when she competes in the Miss Australia Pageant's National Final on the Gold Coast next month.
It’s not just about winning the crown: for Hannah, entering the pageant is about embracing new challenges, boosting her confidence, championing her community and raising funds for an important cause.
When she’s not treating patients as an Ear Nose Throat (ENT) Principal House Officer (PHO) at Mackay Base Hospital, studying for medical exams or pursuing further qualifications, the Kuttabul local is practising her walk in high heels, honing her photography and videography skills, creating social media content and brushing up on global issues and current affairs.
It’s an unexpected twist to her working life in surgery, but Hannah is embracing every challenge as she competes against more than 20 women from across Australia for one of four national titles.
She has just two months to prepare after making a spur-of-the-moment decision to enter the pageant after she finished some exams and an application to study dentistry.
But for Hannah, it’s an opportunity to “step outside my comfort zone, build confidence, meet people from different backgrounds” and use a public platform to make a difference.
“I’m quite a reserved person, so this is really quite challenging for me,” she said.
“But I believe in mind over matter and I want to keep learning new things, be curious and become a more well-rounded and confident person.”
Originally from South Africa, Hannah moved to Australia when she was eight, settling in Tieri with her family before making Kuttabul home, where she has lived for the past decade.
After attending Holy Spirit College in Mackay, she studied medicine at James Cook University in Townsville and has spent the past five years working in surgery. She is currently a principal house officer in the ENT team at Mackay Base Hospital.
Her ENT colleagues have enthusiastically supported her unexpected pageant venture, helping with photography, video editing and other creative challenges.
“The ENT team has been amazing. They’re not only giving me great moral support but also helping me with their own different skills,” Hannah said.
“It’s been a great team-building and bonding experience, and they’re just as invested in this pageant as I am.”
While pageantry might seem a world away from the operating theatre, Hannah sees it as an extension of her desire to continue learning, connecting with people and making a difference.
She has an interest in maxillofacial surgery, particularly reconstructive procedures involving the jaw and face and has applied to study dentistry. But the appeal of neck and head surgery goes beyond just improving appearances.
Reconstructive surgery can help people breathe, speak and eat more comfortably, while restoring confidence and improving quality of life.
“It’s not just about how someone looks. It’s about helping them function better and giving them a better quality of life,” she said.
This is not unlike what her aspirations for the pageant are.
Hannah is raising funds for Destiny Rescue, which works to rescue children from sexual exploitation and trafficking and support their recovery. Her fundraising target is $3000, with donations coming from family, friends and colleagues.
Having spent most of her life in smaller regional communities, Hannah is also keen to showcase the Mackay region and encourage others to pursue their ambitions, regardless of where they live.
“Mackay and the surrounding region are a hidden gem. I love it here and my future is here,” she said..
“I want to show that you don’t have to live in a big city to pursue something different. If you’re determined and creative, you can make things happen with the resources you actually have.”
The competition has introduced Hannah to women from diverse backgrounds and given her new skills in social media, video production, public speaking and personal presentation. She hopes to demonstrate that a career in medicine and an interest in fashion, glamour and performance can happily coexist.
“I was always interested in fashion design as a teen, so I think it’s important to show both sides of myself — the serious side of medicine, but also the fun side,” she said.
Hannah will take the stage at the national final at the InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort on the Gold Coast next month, with contestants taking part in interviews, photoshoots and stage presentations over three days. She is also showcasing regional talent by wearing a stunning couture gown designed by local fashion designer Anna Dutton.
While the prospect of international competition is exciting, Hannah believes the experience itself is already proving worthwhile.
And she has a tongue-in-cheek answer ready if asked about her special talent: performing a tracheotomy. And yes, she definitely wants world peace.
With voting closing on 6 November, Hannah is encouraging Mackay locals to support their hometown entrant.
A vote for Hannah is a chance to back a regional woman willing to embrace new challenges, champion her community and raise funds for a cause close to her heart.
You can help Hannah win the crowd by voting for her here: https://www.pageantplanet.com/event/miss-australia-pageants-2026 or donate to Destiny Rescue https://miss-australia-pageants-2026.raiselysite.com/donate