News
1 July, 2025
Miss Australia finalist pens path to change
AT just 19 years old, Caboolture’s Parneet Khaira is making the world a better place, one page at a time, through the power of the written word.
The Miss Legacy 2025 finalist and tireless community worker has had an incredible year including the writing, illustrating, and publishing of a children’s book, Fearless and Fierce.
Following its publication, she travelled to India, where she personally gave away hundreds of copies to school children.
Moving to Australia from India at just four years of age, the short stories within Fearless and Fierce are born from Parneet’s own childhood experiences of cultural displacement and quiet determination.
Each page vividly tells a story of resilience, illustrated with charming animal characters that speak directly to young readers.
“When I arrived in Australia at four, I was incredibly shy,” Parneet recounted.
“Libraries became my sanctuary. Books were how I learned English, how I understood belonging.”
Parneet realised she wasn’t alone in her feelings and deeply wanted to help other children understand that it’s okay to feel like they’re struggling.
“There are so many more girls in my shoes in different countries,” she said.
“I felt like, if I just put it into a book and teach them about loving yourself, and it’s okay to fall down and build yourself up then that might help them think more positively.”
That personal experience has evolved into a profound mission. At one point in her visit to India, Parneet went even further than distributing her books, personally donating money to install a much-needed air conditioning unit.
The organisation was so moved by her generosity that they created a permanent speaking podium bearing her name.
Parneet lives and breathes her purpose. She’s currently studying psychology at Griffith University while also working as a disability support worker, seeing each role as a platform for broader social change.
Her current focus is preparing for the Miss Legacy Australia pageant – not for personal glory, but as a potential launchpad for her humanitarian work.
“Winning the crown would be an honour, but creating meaningful change is my true purpose,” Parneet said.
“It’s not about the crown, but the conversations and connections I can create.”
Her future plans are ambitious. She aims to establish a registered non-profit organisation, visit at least three more countries, and continue publishing books that will directly fund educational support.
In India and beyond her books, Parneet has also supported single mothers, providing essential clothing and financial assistance.
Her approach is holistic – understanding that empowerment isn’t just about immediate relief, but about providing sustainable support.
The Miss Legacy finals will be held in Sydney on July 10, with the winner going on to represent Australia.
