Depending on the day, Shania Ranabahu might be fighting fires, championing causes or stealing the spotlight on the pageant stage. No matter what she faces, she leads with heart and leaves a trail of inspiration.
“If I could share one message, it would be that dreams don’t just happen on their own, you’ve got to put the effort in,” said Shania.
Raised in Berwick in a Sri Lankan household, Shania grew up navigating the delicate balance between two worlds. At home, she was immersed in her family’s language, food, and traditions; at school, she often felt like an outsider.
“Having darker skin or bringing food from my culture sometimes sets me apart from others at school,” she reflects.
“And in my younger years, that difference felt more isolating than empowering.”
Over time, those challenges became the foundation of her strength. Her upbringing taught her resilience, empathy, and the importance of representation.
Shania learned to embrace her cultural identity with pride, seeing her Sri Lankan heritage as a core part of who she is.
It also instilled in her the values of community and humility, while reminding her of the sacrifices her family made to create opportunities for her.
“Carrying that with me motivates me to step into spaces where representation matters,” Shania said.
“Whether in firefighting, science, or pageantry, because I know that every time I show up, I’m not just there for myself, but for other young women who share a similar story and want to see themselves reflected.”
Shania’s journey into pageantry began when she realised it was about far more than appearances.
“Competing in Miss World Australia gives me a powerful platform to champion female empowerment, community service, and personal growth, while representing the strength and resilience of women excelling in diverse roles.”
Supported by her mother, aunt, and grandmother, Shania took a leap into the competition and has found the process transformative.
Training has built her confidence, but perhaps more importantly, it has connected her with “driven and supportive women” who inspire her daily.
The stage has its challenges too. Public speaking, once a daunting prospect, has pushed her outside her comfort zone.
“I’ve realised that it’s completely normal to feel nervous about something you haven’t done before, and the best way to overcome it is to take a risk and just do it,” Shania said.
“Stepping into those uncomfortable situations has helped me grow, gain confidence, and learn more about myself.”
In just a blink, Shania finds herself preparing to compete in Miss World Australia this November, with the dream of representing Australia internationally.
“If someone had told me last year that I would be a Miss World Australia national finalist, I would have been so incredibly surprised and that makes me even more excited for what’s ahead,” Shania said.
As a Sri Lankan girl born in Australia, being crowned Miss World Australia 2025 would hold deep significance for Shania.
“Not only does it challenge the stereotype that an ‘Australian woman’ looks a certain way but it also shows that young women from diverse backgrounds can also represent our country with pride, confidence, and purpose.”
She also sees this platform as a way to share her journey and inspire others.
“Ultimately, it’s about connecting with the community, raising awareness for important issues, and making a meaningful impact both locally and globally.”
Beyond the gowns and stages, Shania is also a firefighter with the CFA, stepping into a traditionally male-dominated field with determination.
“Firefighting challenges both your physical and mental strength, and it’s the sense of purpose and teamwork that really motivated me.”
While the role has come with its challenges, it has also shown her the importance of representation.
“Women are just as capable as anyone else and bring unique strengths that make a real difference in the team,” Shania said.
Her most memorable moments have been shaped by the selflessness of her fellow firefighters.
“The way they step up, day or night, without expecting recognition, has been incredibly inspiring,” she said.
“It motivates me to push myself, contribute more, and make a meaningful difference wherever I can.”
Shania is also a university student pursuing a degree in science, balancing study with service and advocacy.
She founded the Prema Foundation in honour of her grandmother, who battled cancer, and has dedicated the initiative to creating care packages for patients. Inspired by the compassion her father showed during his mother’s illness, she wanted to ensure others felt the same love and support.
“This work forms the heart of my Beauty with a Purpose initiative, which is a core part of Miss World Australia,” Shania said.
The initiative is about using her platform to make a real, positive impact through advocacy, fundraising, and hands-on support, showing that true beauty lies within compassion.
Alongside her foundation, Shania also fundraises for Variety – the Children’s Charity, which provides life-changing equipment and support for children facing disadvantage and illness.
“Organising events and fundraising has shown me just how much the money raised can help kids gain mobility, get involved in the community, communicate, and build independence and confidence.”
Outside of study, service, and pageantry, Shania finds joy in simple moments with her loved ones or at the beach with her dog, Kaiyan. She balances her driven lifestyle with calm downtime, whether it’s catching a movie with her sister or enjoying the outdoors.
Her advice to young dreamers is simple but powerful.
“If I could share one message, it would be that dreams don’t just happen on their own, you’ve got to put the effort in,” Shania said.
“Even small steps add up, and the more you put yourself out there, the more opportunities start to come your way. If there’s something you really want, you need to go after it to make it reality.”
