Cat Jane Shepherd

Cat Jane Shepherd, Miss Grand Australia 2026, is an actor, model, costume designer, and entrepreneur passionate about creativity, storytelling, and empowerment.

A WAAPA graduate with a Bachelor of Performing Arts, Cat’s screen credits include television shows and feature films such as Ghosts Australia and Remotely Famous. She began her pageant journey in 2023 and is completing a Master of Strategic Communication at The University of Western Australia.

Cat founded The Your Set Project, supporting youth wellbeing through sport and the arts, and continues to contribute to charitable and community initiatives. Cat also hosts the Your Set Podcast, interviewing queens, artists, and athletes from around the world, sharing their stories, journeys, and insights.

A competitive track athlete, performer, entrepreneur, and advocate for resilience and self-expression, Cat is ready to represent Australia at Miss Grand International 2026.

The passion I have for pageantry stems from my love of combining performance, purpose, creativity, and advocacy on a global stage.

Pageantry is more than a crown, more than a sparkly gown; it is a platform to connect with diverse people, share stories, and create a positive impact in the world. My goal is to represent Australia at Miss Grand International with authenticity, ambition, and kindness.

As an actor, model, and costume designer, I have a foundation of confidence, expression, and communication. I love to network across diverse fields to create spaces where young people feel seen, heard, and empowered.

As a Master of Strategic Communication student, I understand how communication is a powerful tool that inspires, influences, and brings people together.

Through my project, Your Set, I continue to inspire confidence in youth by fostering connection and a sense of belonging in my community. My aim is to encourage people to use their voice, embrace their individuality, and make a difference.

The Stop the War and Violence Campaign resonates with me, as I believe that peace begins with connection, compassion, and community.

By volunteering with community organisations in Australia and overseas, I see the value of safe, supportive environments.

My Your Set Project brings people together to connect and communicate through sport and the arts.

I want to use my international platform to promote peace, kindness, and cross-cultural understanding, and to show that even small acts of connection can contribute to a more compassionate world. For me, advocating for peace isn’t just about speaking against violence; it’s about actively creating the kind of community where violence has less room to exist.

As Miss Grand Australia, I want to foster this message and use my voice to advocate for children to grow up safe, supported, and able to dream of a better future.

To me, the Four B’s — Beauty, Body, Brains, and Business — are the foundations of strong, confident, capable, and purposeful women. I am inspired by past Grand Queens who utilise their platforms for achievement, leadership, and positive change.

Personally, I believe my Beauty is embodied through self-expression in the creative arts and through storytelling as an actor, model, and costume designer. For me, Body represents strength and discipline developed through athletics and gym training. Brains reflects my education at WAAPA and my Master’s in Strategic Communication, while Business is about turning my creativity and experience into opportunities through my private business as a costume designer, along with mentorship and the Your Set Project.

The Four B’s are an aspirational reminder to keep growing in every dimension and to follow the example of queens from around the world who use their platforms to leave meaningful legacies.

Acting, Athletics, Track Running, Sewing, Styling, Painting, Saxophone, Makeup, Accents, Marketing, Communications, Stunt Training, Cheerleading, Swimming, Dancing, Writing, Presenting, Hosting, Modelling