At home with Alex Hecker

From winning fashions on the field as a teenager to being crowned Miss World Australia runner-up, Geelong model, presenter and MC Alex Hecker has built an impressive career.

As a dedicated ambassador for Guide Dogs Victoria and Variety Australia, Alex describes herself as a confident and compassionate person always up for a challenge.

Aside from a career in the spotlight, Alex completed her Masters in Cultural Heritage and a passion for history saw her return to complete a double major in history and anthropology.

Now working part-time at the National Wool Museum in their collections department, Alex plans on continuing her career in front of the camera where she said she thrives outside her comfort zone describing acting and presenting as an escape from reality.

Even though she enjoys her glitz and glam lifestyle, Alex is a country girl at heart having grown up on a farm in Gnarwarre surrounded by family and beloved pets.

Animals

I have always loved and been surrounded by animals and on the farm. This included two horses, a dog, two cats, a lizard, five goats and hundreds of sheep.

I wasn’t your typical teenager and while other girls my age were getting mobile phones and make up for their 16th birthday, I got a pet miniature pig called George.

Fondest memories

Some of my best memories include coming home from school and helping with sorting the wool after the sheep had been shorn, then going out and riding my horses until dark.

Being crowned the 2015 Miss World Victoria and Runner-Up Miss World Australia is another favourite memory of mine.

So is being a national finalist in the 2013 Myer Fashions on the Field competition where I spent a week at the Sofitel and as a VIP at the Melbourne Cup Carnival.

Top travel destination

My favourite place to travel to Kangaroo Island, it’s a small island off the coast of South Australia. It is so beautiful and untouched, I love everything about Kangaroo Island; from the white sandy beaches of Emu Bay to the rugged remarkable rock formations.

Passions

My passions outside of work include travel – especially to places with heritage significance – horse riding, fashion, playing the flute and raising money for charity.

Family

I know it sounds cliché, but family is everything to me. They are the reason for where I am today.

I’ve been raised to be a resilient, independent and driven person and this is a requirement in the competitive world of modelling and presenting.

My mum and dad are my greatest support and my brother is a man of few words but I know he’s always there for me.

Go-to foods

I love Caramello Koalas, my Nan’s homemade jelly cakes, and a good cheese platter with a glass of sparkling to share with friends!

Spring racing

I do have one or two spring racing outfits in my wardrobe.

Horses and fashion, what more could a girl want?

Growing up I owned an ex-racehorse and I just love the atmosphere at a racetrack seeing both ladies and gents put together some incredible racing outfits – there’s nothing better than a pop of colour for spring.

Book and movie picks

I recently read The Wrong Girl by Zoe Foster Blake and really enjoyed it.

I love Audrey Hepburn movies, particularly Funny Face, Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Sabrina.

Variety Australia

I’m an ambassador for children’s charity Variety Australia.

Children are our pathway to the future and I believe every child deserves the opportunity to live a full life.

Charities such as Variety assist sick and disadvantaged Aussie kids and work so hard to give them a bright and happy future, regardless of their situation.

As an ambassador and spokesperson for this charity I’ve raised more than $13,000 so far to contribute to their worthy cause.