For Leading Aircraftwoman Lily Cooper, life in the Air Force is anything but ordinary. 

As a crew attendant at 33 Squadron, RAAF Base Amberley, her work has taken her across the globe – from international exercises to VIP missions with government leaders.

Now she is stepping on to an entirely different stage, representing Australia as a national finalist in the Miss World competition.

Leading Aircraftwoman Cooper applied for the Air Force while in high school, seeking a career pathway that offered endless opportunities.  

“I wanted a career where I could travel, be challenged, have a purpose and most importantly, enjoy it,” she said.

“When I came across the role of crew attendant on the ADF Careers page, it jumped out at me and I applied.”

Enlisting in March 2022, Leading Aircraftwoman Cooper’s Air Force career quickly lived up to her expectations. 

“There really is no typical day,” she said. 

“One day I might be overseas supporting multinational exercises, the next, planning missions in the office, and the day after on a VIP task with government officials."

After a few years in the Air Force, Leading Aircraftwoman Cooper was ready for a new challenge. 

“There has never been an active-serving military woman in the history of the Miss World Organisation and Miss World Australia, and I want to change that,” she said.

“I want young women to see that you don’t have to fit into one box – you can serve your country with discipline and courage and at the same time, embrace your femininity and lead with compassion.”

'Both Defence and the Miss World competition empower people to lead with purpose.'

Leading Aircraftwoman Cooper said her RAAF experiences had prepared her well for the competition. 

“My role is highly competitive, so determination and perseverance are traits I’m proud to carry with me,” she said.

“I also regularly engage with heads of government and international forces, where presentation, organisation and communication are essential – those same skills translate directly to the Miss World stage.”

Far from seeing Defence and pageantry as opposites, Leading Aircraftwoman Cooper believes they share a strong connection. 

“Both Defence and the Miss World competition empower people to lead with purpose,” she said.

“The RAAF is about commitment, service and integrity, and Miss World promotes leadership, empowerment and service through ‘beauty with a purpose’.

“They may look different on the surface, but at their core, they’re very similar.”

Leading Aircraftwoman Cooper’s colleagues have been some of her biggest supporters. 

“I’ve had nothing but positive comments and encouragement from my workplace,” she said. 

“My chain of command has been incredibly supportive, and my colleagues even attend my fundraising events – I couldn’t be more grateful.”

As part of her campaign, Leading Aircraftwoman Cooper has raised more than $3500 for Variety – the Children’s Charity, volunteered in schools, and spoken at community events. 

As she prepares for the national finals, Leading Aircraftwoman Cooper’s focus remains on the bigger picture. 

“I want to empower women to break stereotypes, to have confidence in who they are, and to know they can pursue any dream,” she said. 

“My message is simple: you can do both.”