‘It’s never too late’: Cancer survivor and cultural dancer wins beauty title at 67

Longtime Filipino community volunteer and passionate cultural dancer, Rita Chua Agostino has now added another title to her name, Mrs Tourism Sydney 2026. But behind the crown is a story shaped by resilience, sacrifice, and a lifelong love for the stage.

At 67, Rita Chua Agostino has been crowned a beauty queen, adding a new milestone to her life as a cultural dancer, cancer survivor, and community volunteer. Image credit: Rita Chua Agostino and Jim Kasif

Key Points

• After migrating to Australia in the 1980s, Rita used her passion for dance to preserve and promote culture across migrant community events.
• She continues to advocate for active ageing, encouraging seniors to stay engaged and pursue their passions.
• Her battle with cervical cancer meant having only one child, but she has since turned her survival into a message of hope for the next generation.

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