'We got all our things from the Salvation Army': Australian Survivor contestant Monika Radulovic reveals how her family lived on charity handouts after fleeing Bosnia as refugees

She was barely out of nappies when her family sought refuge in Australia after fleeing war-torn Bosnia.  

Former Miss Universe Australia Monika Radulovic, who is a contestant on the new series of Australian Survivor, has revealed how her parents had to rely on donations.

Speaking to BW Magazine on Saturday, the 27-year-old admitted visiting the charity is her 'earliest memory of Australia'.

'When we came to Australia, we got all our things from Salvation Army': Survivor contestant and former Miss Universe Australia Monika Radulovic (above) has revealed how her family lived on charity handouts after fleeing war-torn Bosnia as refugees 

'When we came to Australia, we got all our things from Salvation Army': Survivor contestant and former Miss Universe Australia Monika Radulovic (above) has revealed how her family lived on charity handouts after fleeing war-torn Bosnia as refugees 

'We went to Salvation Army to get all our things,' she said.

'And there was a church close by that would come and give me toys and things like that,' she said, before adding, 'it was like Christmas Day!'

Competing on reality show Australian Survivor: Champions Versus Contenders, which debuts on Wednesday on Network Ten, Monika claims she is keeping 'things in perspective' after her traumatic start in life.

The newlywed, who married artist Alesandro Ljubicic in March, will rely on the 'grit and perseverance' instilled in her by her parents, Vinka and Goran, to endure the harsh conditions on Survivor. Pictured: Monika (left), with her mother Vinka

The newlywed, who married artist Alesandro Ljubicic in March, will rely on the 'grit and perseverance' instilled in her by her parents, Vinka and Goran, to endure the harsh conditions on Survivor. Pictured: Monika (left), with her mother Vinka

And the newlywed, who married artist Alesandro Ljubicic in March, will rely on the 'grit and perseverance' instilled in her by her parents, Vinka and Goran, to endure the harsh conditions on the show.

'If I'm stressing out [on Survivor], I just think back to to my parents,' Monika said. 'Having to flee their country with nothing except a baby and having no idea if they were going to survive.' 

Join the new show as a Champion, the stunner has previously admitted she is ready for the challenge despite living a self-described 'completely luxurious life'. 

 'I think people will be surprised that I'm not a princess!' Joining the new show as a Champion, the stunner previously declared that she is ready for the challenge despite living a self-described 'completely luxurious life'

 'I think people will be surprised that I'm not a princess!' Joining the new show as a Champion, the stunner previously declared that she is ready for the challenge despite living a self-described 'completely luxurious life'

'I think people will be surprised that I'm not a princess and I think my natural state is more like Survivor than Miss Universe. So it doesn't faze me that I can't wash my hair or shave my legs (while on the show),' she told The Herald Sun on Saturday.       

The fifth season of Australian Survivor, which pits 'top dogs against underdogs', will debut on Wednesday August 1 and take place in Savusavu, Fiji. 

Airing on Channel Ten and WIN, the program will pit 12 everyday 'Contenders' against 12 'Champions' of Australian society. 

Blushing bride! The brunette married her artist fiancé, Alesandro Ljubicic (left) in March, wearing a flowing Galia Lahav couture gown

Blushing bride! The brunette married her artist fiancé, Alesandro Ljubicic (left) in March, wearing a flowing Galia Lahav couture gown

The cast will spend up to 55 days in Fiji, with the hopes of taking home the $500,000 cash prize.  

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