Australia's Maria Thattil is off to US for the 69th Miss Universe pageant

Miss Universe Australia 2020 Maria Thattil has left for the US to compete in the upcoming 69th Miss Universe pageant in Hollywood, Florida.

The 28-year-old Indian-Australian beauty posed with her national flag and luggage wearing Eliya the Label dress during her departure at Melbourne Airport.

"I consider myself a storyteller. And today, I depart for the US where I plan on telling a story on a global stage. The story of people who are both like me and those who are not - but have once been told they are ‘less than.’ The story of the true Australian spirit and being open to all. The story of the world I believe we can have when we champion inclusivity. My story, our story - I’m ready for the global mic," she said in a post on her official social media page.

"Powered by all of you, a vision bigger than I and gratitude - I’m ready to conquer the universe with my story of unity and love," she added.

"I am going to Miss Universe not as one, and not even as Australia alone, but as the billions of people whose differences make our world what it is today. You are all in my heart and my guiding strength."

The 69th Miss Universe pageant will air live from the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on Sunday, May 16 at 8 p.m. ET.

Photo: Maria Thattil / Instagram

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