Cooly Rocks on Pin-Up Pageant applications
Vintage vibes, not vintage values.
2025 PIN-UP PAGEANT APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED
Thanks for your interest in taking part in the Cooly Rocks On 2025 Pin-Up Pageant! The beloved event returns for 2025, celebrating the timeless fashions, looks and lifestyle of yesteryear. This crowd favourite invites ‘Classic’ and ‘Rockabilly’ Pin-ups from diverse backgrounds to showcase their style and flair, for the chance to win a share of prizes totaling over $750!
Pageant Competition Rounds
The pageant has three exciting rounds, each designed to highlight an aspect of your personality and style to the Cooly Rocks On crowd:
Round 1 Day Wear: Fashion to represent what you would wear on a typical day out and about! One (1) minute maximum on stage per finalist, including introductions and outros.
Round 2 Uniqueness of You: Shine the spotlight on your personality! What talents do you have that can set you apart from the other Pin-ups? Two & a half (2.5) minimum to three (3) minutes maximum on stage per finalist, including MC introductions and outros.
Round 3 Evening Wear: Time to channel your Vintage Glamour… Bring your timeless elegance to the stage…The night awaits! How will you dazzle for your evening out? One (1) minute maximum on stage per finalist, including MC introductions and outros.
When is it!
The Pin-up Pageant will take place between Wednesday 4 Jun and Friday 6 Jun 2025 at Coolangatta Foreshore, Queensland.
Wednesday, 4 June 2025:
Costume & Props Drop-Off: 2:30 PM – 2:45 PM
Sashing Ceremony: 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Rehearsals: 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Friday, 6 June 2025:
Rehearsals: 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM
The Pin Up Pageant: 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Please note that due to stage infrastructure, accessibility onto the stage is restricted. A designated performance area will be provided in front of the stage to cater for finalists with accessibility needs.
Selection Criteria
Only 12 Finalists will be selected to compete at the Pin Up Pageant. Applications will be assessed against the following selection criteria:
– How connected the applicant is to the Cooly Rocks On pillars of motors, music and lifestyle
– How well the applicant expresses their knowledge of the pin-up culture and history from the 40s, 50s, 60, & 70s
– How well the applicant presents themselves (hair, makeup, attire and poise)
– How well the applicant expresses and represents the modern-day values in which the Pin-up Pageant promotes e.g. inclusivity, fulfilling dreams etc
Successful Finalists will be notified no later than 7 April 2025.
Note: entrants must be aged 18 or over at the time of application. Read full Terms and Conditions.
There will be three titles awarded in the 2024 Cooly Rocks On Pin-up Pageant. Prizes for each title are listed below.
Cooly Rocks On Classic Pin-up
- $750 cash prize
- Cooly Rocks On 2025 Advocate – Opportunity to participate in event media and PR opportunities for Cooly Rocks On 2025
- Presenter of the 2024 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Competition Winner
- One of the Judges of the 2025 Cooly Rocks On Pin-up Pageant
- Sash, floral arrangement & crown
Cooly Rocks On Rockabilly Pin-up
- $750 cash prize
- Cooly Rocks On 2025 Advocate – Opportunity to participate in event media and PR opportunities for Cooly Rocks On 2025
- Presenter of the 2024 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Competition Winner
- One of the Judges of the 2025 Cooly Rocks On Pin-up Pageant
- Sash, floral arrangement & crown
Most Entertaining
- $200 cash prize
- Sash & floral arrangement
2024 winners
COOLY ROCKS ON PIN-UP PAGEANT Winner – classic
Miss Mon Mon
COOLY ROCKS ON PIN-UP PAGEANT winner – rockabilly
Reckless Penny
COOLY ROCKS ON PIN-UP PAGEANT MOST ENTERTAINING
Miss Aphrodite Darling
AMBASSADORS
BETTIE BUTCHER
Bettie Butcher, from Pinups of Australia (PoA), boasts over fifteen years in the pinup community, earning recognition as one of Australia’s most well known pinup icons.
Bettie is the charity liaison for PoA, a family who promote inclusivity, safety and support, with the core value that Pin-up should be accessible to everyone. Don’t be fooled by Bettie’s polished style, she’s down to earth and prides herself on progressive values with a lifelong dream to make every Pin-up feel welcome. She’s worked with prestigious events like QLD, WA and NSW Hot Rod shows, Greazefest and Cooly Rock On, spreading vintage vibes, but not vintage values.
Bettie shares her knowledge through the Bombshell Burlesque Academy, imparting her expertise as a Vintage Styling Tutor and dedicated workshops on building confidence, industry safety, social media and pageant tips. With boundless creativity and passion, Bettie Butcher continues to leave her mark on the Australian pinup community by upskilling and lifting up the next generation of pinups, while giving back to the community.
Photo credit: Phill Kellow
MISS CHRISSY
Miss Chrissy exudes uninhibited warmth, charisma and elegant charm. Having dedicated her life to exploring the rich histories of early 20th century style, Chrissy Keepence spends her days sharing timeless insights into the classic era that stole her heart.
Whether Miss Chrissy is emceeing events, hosting one-of-a-kind vintage styling workshops, educating children about etiquette and self-worth, readying brides for their big day or working as a consultant on period productions – she executes each new endeavour with an honest respect for her vintage influences.
Miss Chrissy has since grown a loyal following of empowered women who resonate with Chrissy’s vibrancy, carefree nature and effortless charm.
No stranger to the Pin Up Scene, Miss Chrissy has been mentoring and hosting/emceeing Pin Up Pageants, Parades & Workshops here and overseas for the past 20 odd years and is well respected in the scene. A integral part of the Cooly Rocks On Pageants for the past 3 years, Chrissy will once again bring her professionalism, care and experience to the 2022 Cooly Rocks On Pageants.
“Miss Chrissy and her glamorous team have a deep knowledge of vintage style and history.” Tara Moss, Model, Presenter, Author.
FAQs
Anyone! The Cooly Rocks On Pin-up Pageant is all inclusive and we look forward to welcoming and showcasing Pin-ups from all walks of life regardless of style, gender, belief or sexual orientation.
Yes, we accept entries from all around Australia and even internationally.
Due to stage infrastructure, accessibility onto the stage is restricted. Cooly Rocks On will provide a designated performance area in front of the stage to cater for finalists with accessibility needs.
Yes of course! As long as you are not a winner from the previous year, you are more than welcome to apply again!
No, applications are open to everyone and there are no fees associated with applying.
Cooly Rocks On is governed by the City of Gold Coast Local Laws and Queensland Government Building Regulations, and as a result there are some restrictions in place that may impact your choice of talent/performance. Use of naked flames, use of dangerous weapons including firearms, bow and arrow and sharp blades and the use of live animals are prohibited. If you would like to discuss your talent prior to applying, please email [email protected].
Judges will award scores on outfit, hair/makeup and stage presence for the performance in each round. Two overall winners will be crowned:
- CRO 2025 Classic Pin-Up Winner
- CRO 2025 Rockabilly Pin-Up Winner
Each winner will also receive the following prizes:
- $750 cash prize
- Sash, floral arrangement & crown
- Presenter of the 2025 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Competition Winner
- One of the Judges of the 2026 Cooly Rocks On Pin-up Pageant
- Cooly Rocks On 2026 Advocate – Opportunity to participate in event media and PR opportunities for Cooly Rocks On 2026
A third award will be given for:
- CRO 2025 Most Entertaining
who will also receive $250 cash prize. The Most Entertaining award will be decided on scores for stage presence and talent performance only.
There are two categories available to enter. Contestants will enter either the ‘Classic’ or ‘Rockabilly’ Category. There will be three competition rounds:
- Round 1 Day Wear – Fashion to represent what you would wear on a typical day out and about!
- Round 2 Uniqueness of You – Shine the spotlight on your personality! What talents do you have that can set you apart from the other Pin-ups?
- Round 3 Evening Wear – Time to channel your Vintage Glamour… Bring your timeless elegance to the stage…The night awaits! How will you dazzle for your evening out?
Yes, you need to be 18 years or above!
Wednesday 7th June & Friday 9th June. For more detailed times please refer to the Application Manual by hitting the APPLY NOW button.
There will be 12 finalists with an even split between Classic and Rockabilly categories.
Finalists are selected based on a series of selection criteria including:
- How connected the applicant is to the Cooly Rocks On pillars of motors, music and lifestyle.
- How well the applicant expresses their knowledge of the pin-up culture and history.
- How well the applicant presents themselves (hair, makeup, attire and poise).
- How well the applicant expresses and represents the modern-day values in which the Cooly Rocks On Pin-up Pageant promotes e.g. inclusivity, fulfilling dreams etc.
Space is limited in the back of house/dressing room area, therefore finalists wishing to bring a person/team to assist in preparation will need to seek prior approval from the Cooly Rocks On team at [email protected].
Successful Finalists will be notified no later than 7 April 2025.
Applications will close Midnight on Monday 10th March 2025.
