Miss Universe Australia Monique Riley is a semi-finalist in global competition

Miss Universe Australia winner Monique Riley Schroeder set temperatures soaring on Saturday as she was picked as a semi-finalist at the Miss Universe pageant in New Orleans, Louisiana.

The model and aspiring actress, 27, did Australia proud as she paraded across the stage in a stunning blue-and-silver sequinned dress and sparkly high heels.

Her brunette locks were curled loosely and she accessorised her look with sequinned sleevelets that matched her eye-popping frock.

Miss Universe Australia winner Monique Riley Schroeder set temperatures soaring on Saturday as she was picked as a semi-finalist at the Miss Universe competition in New Orleans, Louisiana on Saturday 

Monique beamed as she was crowned a runner-up while standing alongside her fellow pageant contestants. 

Earlier in the pageant, she traded her frock for an eye-popping blue bikini and decorative cape.

Monique proudly wore a sash across her midriff emblazoned with the word Australia.

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 Monique beamed as she was crowned a runner-up while standing alongside her fellow pageant contestants

Earlier in the pageant, she traded her frock for an eye-popping blue bikini and decorative cape

Monique proudly wore a sash across her midriff emblazoned with the word Australia

For the evening-wear portion of the pageant, she slipped into a strapless column gown covered in silver sequins. 

Monique is now facing stiff competition from 15 other models for the coveted title of Miss Universe 2022.

Jennifer Hawkins was the most recent Australian model to win the gruelling competition and took home the title in 2004. 

She exuded glamour and grace as she made her way across the stage

For the evening-wear portion of the pageant, she slipped into a strapless column gown covered in silver sequins 

  She accessorised her silver gown with nude platform heels and silver drop earrings 

Monique beat out 36 other contestants for the coveted title of Miss Universe Australia in September last year.

She trained as an actress and has had roles in several Australian productions including a guest spot on Home and Away in 2020. 

The previous Miss Universe Australia winner was Daria Varlamova.  

Jennifer Hawkins was the most recent Australian model to win the gruelling competition and took home the title in 2004  

Monique is now facing stiff competition from 15 other models for the coveted title of Miss Universe 2022