My Story
About Me
My childhood was full of love. It was full of laughter and adventure. Born in Tasmania into a big extended family, I have many fond memories of running amok with my cousins—in the ocean and the bush, riding horses, climbing trees, falling out of trees, and woodworking with my pop in his shed. As the saying goes, I was a happy little Vegemite—with a glass-half-full attitude even on the worst of days, and a cheeky sense of humour.
Although my parents were divorced when I was only two, they separated amicably and I am now very grateful to have four supportive adults in my camp between them and my step-parents. I also have a gorgeous little 11- year-old half-brother, Oscar.
Until I was 15, I split my time between two homes, but for the most part was too pre-occupied to notice the effects of instability.
I threw myself at life with every fibre of my tiny but mighty being, unafraid of falling because I was always surrounded by love. As outgoing as I was easy going, there was nothing I didn’t have a good crack at. From cross country to water polo, visual and performing arts, maths, science and languages—I was equal parts active and academic. I was the only girl on my primary school’s soccer team from grade 3 to 6, and a keen albeit dreadful ballroom dancer.
If I could’ve, I would’ve been a painter, an economist, a writer and an athlete all at once. My dreams were as boundless as my energy and enthusiasm. That said, I never anticipated I’d be a public figure giving speeches about my life or campaigning on a national stage for policy reform—let alone become an Australian of the Year
From being sexually abused as a child to travelling the United States as the personal illustrator for one of my childhood heroes and then being one of the 17 survivors in Nina Funnell’s #LetHerSpeak campaign, my life has been nothing short of unpredictable.
What’s always remained constant, however, is my sense of humour, along with my passion for social justice and human connection. I firmly believe in owning every part of your story; the good and the bad. Our truths are what make us who we are, and can provide us with great strength. Vulnerability and shared experiences bring us closer together. There is no shame in surviving. Your truth is your power.
SO HERE I AM, ADvocate. ACTIVIST. Survivor.