Cleo Pedley

Cleo Pedley was crowned Miss Galaxy Australia 2026 after years of growth, perseverance and passion within the Australia Galaxy Pageants system. Cleo first stepped onto the Galaxy stage at just 18 years old in the Teen division with little experience, but quickly fell in love with the empowering environment, strong sense of sisterhood and the system’s message to “be the best version of you.” What began as a challenge outside of her comfort zone soon became a life-changing journey that helped shape her confidence, purpose and voice. 

Born and raised in Tasmania, Cleo is passionate about using her platform to advocate for mental health awareness and encourage honest conversations surrounding anxiety and depression. Having experienced these struggles personally, she understands the importance of supportive communities and healthy creative outlets. During high school, Cleo began making paper stars as a calming ritual while navigating anxiety. What started as a small coping mechanism became a symbol of hope, healing, and resilience. 

This inspired Cleo to create her platform, Lost in Paper Stars, which focuses on mental health advocacy, self-expression and reminding others that even the smallest acts of hope can make a difference. Through sharing her own experiences, she hopes to create a safe space where others feel seen, heard and understood. 

Outside of pageantry, Cleo loves spending time outdoors, exploring Tasmania’s natural beauty and connecting with others through creativity and shared experiences. She believes pageantry is about far more than titles. It is about growth, connection and using your story to positively impact others. 

As Miss Galaxy Australia 2026, Cleo is honoured to represent women who have overcome challenges and found strength within themselves and she looks forward to continuing to inspire confidence, kindness and authenticity throughout her reign.