Taking Moreton Bay to the Galaxy

Pageantry is Haley Cobb’s passion, but beyond the glitz and glamour is a determination to inspire Moreton Bay’s next leaders.

Haley, 28, is one of eight national finalists in the Ms Galaxy Australia section of the 2026 Galaxy Australia Pageant, which has its 15th Crowning Gala on May 2.

The Narangba resident entered her first pageant in 2021 and has already won the Miss Australia International and Miss Charity Australia titles.

But Haley has also revelled in the pageant’s “heavy focus” on community with her commitment to giving back and supporting mental health in Moreton Bay.

“I fell in love with pageantry,” said the graduate from UniSC Moreton Bay at Petrie, who is now a financial controller with a Masters in teaching,

“Pageant is about getting individuals out and about in the community, volunteering and fundraising and making sure the next generation of leaders is out there advocating for change.

“We have our own platform, mine is cancer prevention. I do things like going to schools and helping educate children about being preventative in a kid-friendly way.

“I donate health and wellness activity colouring-in books with flyers for parents to understand what the colouring-in book meaning really is.”

Haley’s community work has included everything from gift wrapping, to marshalling fun runs and speaking in retirement villages.

“I find my way into every community and charity group!” joked Haley, whose diary illustrates the point.

In five days recently, she helped a Share the Dignity collection at Petrie, did a school speech, was at a hospital Giving Day, Tour de Cure lunch for cancer research, joined a Conservation Australia Clean Up Day and restored houses with Habitat for Humanity.

Haley has also raised almost $15,000 through pageantry and become an honourable patron for Cancer Council Queensland.

This year’s pageantry competition requires every finalist to raise $2000 for Batyr, “an incredible charity dedicated to improving mental health among young people”, she said.

“I grew up with mental health issues. I moved out of home quite young, freshly turned 17, left the family farm and went to university, which can be challenging.

“But Batyr guided me. It has young adults, those your own age, talking to you, rather than people like your mum or dad.

“It focuses on young adults or those who have been through similar situations, helping those from teenagers to university students make their way through mental health.

“I genuinely find the Moreton Bay community to be incredibly welcoming and supportive.

“Moreton Bay has played a significant role in shaping my journey, which is why it feels especially meaningful to be representing and fundraising within the region.”