More than five decades after they stood together under the spotlight at Albert Park, former Hibiscus Queen Michele Smith is hoping to find the woman who shared one of the most memorable nights of her life.
In 1975, 19-year-old Letila Vaukatagane was crowned Miss Charity, while Smith was crowned Hibiscus Queen.
Smith went on to travel, fulfilling one of the dreams however, 51 years later she is wondering what became of Letila.
Smith is now in Suva volunteering for the FMF Hibiscus Festival 2026 and is hoping the festival can help bring the two former queens together again.
She says the Hibiscus Queen may receive much of the attention, but the Miss Charity contestants are the ones who quietly work behind the scenes, alongside their families and friends, to raise funds for the festival.
Smith says these women are often the unsung heroines of the Hibiscus Festival and deserve to be remembered for the work they did.
She says reconnecting with Letila would be special and hopes they can sit down together, share memories and perhaps even do an interview for old times’ sake.
Festival Director Ellen Whippy-Knight says while many people can remember their favourite Hibiscus Queen, it is often difficult to name former Miss Charity queens.
She says the festival wants to recognise the women who have contributed to its long history through fundraising and service.
The Miss Charity tradition remains an important part of the Hibiscus Festival, with contestants this year once again carrying out fundraising initiatives aimed at supporting communities and people in need.
The 2026 contestants are involved in activities ranging from community outreach and health awareness to grassroots campaigns.
As the festival celebrates its legacy, Smith's search is a reminder of the stories and friendships that can sometimes be left behind when the pageant lights go out.
For Smith, finding Letila is about more than reconnecting with a fellow contestant from 1975.
It is about remembering a young woman who stood beside her that night and making sure her contribution to the Hibiscus Festival is not forgotten.
She is now hoping that Letila Vaukatagane will see the call and get in touch the festival is looking for Letila.
