Amanda is an incredible participant in the Resilience project. Diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer in November 2020, she endured 14 months of intense treatment, culminating in a double mastectomy. She described the experience as a “shitshow” but also one of the most profound periods of her life—a time that forced her to filter through what truly matters. What struck me most about Amanda was her lack of anger toward cancer. Despite the gruelling effects of chemotherapy, her unwavering positivity was extraordinary. She believes this journey happened for a reason—to reshape her, both physically and psychologically, into a new version of herself. Amanda’s fierce determination to live was unshakable, but what makes her journey even more powerful is her decision to remain “flat.” In a world that often equates femininity and womanhood with having breasts, Amanda’s choice is a bold statement of self-acceptance. Rather than reconstructing what was lost, she embraces her body as it is, proving that strength and beauty are not defined by appearance. Her decision is an act of defiance against societal expectations, a declaration that her worth is not tied to a single aspect of her body. Beyond her own journey, Amanda has also supported other women facing mastectomy, offering guidance and strength. Her story is a powerful reminder that even in the darkest times, there is always light at the end of the tunnel.

Here are Amanda’s own words for the Resilience project:

She walks with fire in her soul
A force that won’t be swayed.
Her spirit once tested, now stands strong,
With every step, she moves along.

Each scar, a symbol of strength and grace,
A journey made with love’s embrace.
Her smile, a beacon, shining bright,
Guiding through the darkest night.

With courage deep, she finds her way,
A warrior turning night to day.
Resilience is her quiet song,
A strength that whispers, “I belong.”

Barbara and I have been friends for almost 10 years, so I know her story very well. Dr. Barbara Wueringer is a zoologist specialising in the behaviour, sensory ecology, and biology of elasmobranch fishes, which include sharks and rays. She is the founder, director, and principal scientist of Sharks And Rays Australia (SARA), a non-profit research organisation based in Cairns, Queensland, dedicated to studying and conservating these species. Throughout her 16-year scientific career, Dr. Wueringer has gained extensive experience in capturing, tagging, and releasing large elasmobranchs, such as lemon sharks, tiger sharks, and sawfish. She has researched the remote river systems of Far North Queensland and Cape York Peninsula. Her work has been published in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals and has been featured in international media outlets, including the BBC, National Geographic, and The New York Times. Under Dr. Wueringer’s leadership, SARA has been actively involved in monitoring sawfish populations in Far North Queensland. The organization collaborates with Indigenous groups, providing training to equip them with the skills necessary to monitor and collect data on sawfish populations. This collaborative effort aims to enhance community capacity to protect these endangered species. The reason I chose Barbara to be part of the resilience project is mainly because of the extraordinary work she does. Barbara’s resilience is evident in her ability to navigate and address challenges such as ‘mansplaining’ and interactions with fishermen in male-dominated industries. Her approach exemplifies diplomacy and respect, fostering collaboration and manual understanding. By maintaining professionalism and empathy, she effectively challenges gender biases, paving the way for more inclusive and equitable work environments. Her constant goal of caring for our planet and its species, despite the adversities her position might bring, is truly inspiring. Witnessing my friend, Dr. Barbara, perform her amazing work with such strength and commitment, yet also with gentleness and consideration, has left me speechless regarding what women are truly capable of achieving. Having Barbara in our community exemplifies that women can accomplish anything we set our minds to. We often confine ourselves to domestic roles, as the patriarchal system leads us to believe, so thank you, Barbara, for setting high standards for all women of the next generations.

 Here are Barbara’s words that have contributed to the realization of the Resilience project:

Working with endangered species such as sawfish can be hard. Professions that involve passion often lead to burnout. I learned that the hard way. Going through major trauma, I learned that my resilience comes from action. I learned to participate in my healing, allowing vulnerability, and feeling everything that needs to be felt, actively. Resilience, post-traumatic growth and mental fitness are a journey, just like physical fitness. For me, having my journey of self-discovery intimately entwined with changing outcomes in Australia for globally critically endangered species, is exactly the journey I want to be on.

I chose Henrietta Marrie to be part of the Resilience project because her life’s work embodies strength, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to cultural preservation and community empowerment.

As a proud Yidinji woman, Henrietta has broken barriers in Indigenous policy, education, and international advocacy, all while remaining deeply connected to her roots in Cairns. Her journey reflects the kind of quiet resilience that not only inspires change but uplifts others along the way. Henrietta’s story is a powerful reminder of the strength that lies in protecting identity, heritage, and country.

 Henrietta’s paragraph contribution to this project:

My advocacy for ownership of Indigenous cultural property continues as I fight for the return of the shell regalia of Ye-i-nie my great-grandfather, Chief of our clan. My name is Henrietta Marrie, Yidin name “Bukal Bukal”, the start of a journey, that started with my grandparents who gave me this name through my first law ceremony (the fire warming lore).  As I grew older, I found my way.  The path has already been carved out for me when I was young. 

The many milestones I achieved always brought me back home to that first law to my story places, understanding much of what I have learnt and what I must give back to help our younger generations to keep alive our history and stories that connect us to our country. I continue to take on roles on advisory boards and in leadership positions, advocating for Indigenous communities and protecting their rights and interests After many years of working with the United Nations, Montreal Canade, I was Headhunted by the Christiansen Fund, US US-based philanthropic organization, in California, I relocated once more to split my time between Silicon Valley and Cairns. Over nine years, I  would oversee the distribution of $35 million to help promote, sustain and encourage Aboriginal biocultural diversity across Northern Australia.

Lucy’s story may be controversial to some, but I believe it deserves to be shared and heard. We live in a society where staying true to yourself isn’t always accepted. If you’re different, you’re punished. If you speak differently, you’re judged. If you act differently, you’re marginalized. But who decides what’s normal? My father always said, “Live and let live.” Even if we don’t align with others’ values, we’re all just trying to create a life that suits our needs. Years ago, Lucy chose to leave the grid and live in nature. Due to the ongoing rental crisis, she and her two children lived in a tent in the bush. When Cyclone Jasper destroyed their home, she faced homelessness while caring for her kids. Now, she’s settled in a bus, continuing her alternative lifestyle with intention, purpose, and strength. Despite the hardships, Lucy remains resilient. She’s endured judgment and even feared losing custody of her children due to others bad-mouthing her choices. No one can dictate how we should live or what we should believe. When there’s pure intention, there’s always a way to succeed in the life we choose. Thank you Lucy for reminding us that resilience is deeply tied to integrity and authenticity, staying true to ourselves despite challenges and people’s judgments.

These are Lucy’s words for the resilience project:

The last time we lived in a house was in 2022. Leaving the rental property was not our choice, and the state of the rental market at the time meant that we had to move into a tent for a time I thought would be temporary. But the lessons in deep resilience had begun. One of them is, that everything is temporary. I was finding that because of my increased connection to the Earth, God and so myself, I began to witness a change in my mindset and physicality to adapt to this alternative lifestyle. It’s been challenging, but I’ve always loved a good challenge. We grow through this compression and expand into a new view of what is possible. My heart desires to be self-sustained and off the main power grid. Out of the current systemic matrix. Sovereign. I am in control of where my energy goes. And with every step I take towards this New Earth experience, I sense the meaning and purpose for not just me but my children, their children and the entire collective at this important time in our story. Due to my increasing resilience, I am becoming more empowered, and I am becoming freer. Mind, body, Spirit.

Myra and her resilience in the depth of the floods.

When the waters came, Myra barely had time to react. One moment, the December rain was just another downpour. The next, the flood was at her doorstep, then inside her home, swallowing everything she had built. I used to live in Machans Beach, and Myra’s house always stood out. It wasn’t just a home; it was a reflection of her. Every quirky, funky detail felt intentional, filled with love. Now, that same house stands wounded, still under renovation. Myra has no family to turn to, but she doesn’t dwell on despair. Neighbours became a lifeline, strangers showed up with food and quiet reassurances. The community came together. Piece by piece, she is rebuilding…not just her home, but herself. Some nights, the weight of starting over feels unbearable. But resilience isn’t about never breaking. It’s about how you rise when you do. The scars of the floods remain, but so does her will to move forward. Myra is not a victim; she is a survivor of a natural disaster.

 Myra’s words:

It has taken me over a year to understand the meaning of resilience. I thought at first it was finding the positives of going Zen after losing most of my possessions in the flood. Or was it having to move 5 times in 6 months a chance to experience new suburbs?  Now after 14 months, my house is still not fixed, RESILIENCE for me is the ability to never give up and to keep on going. 

I got in contact with Kathryn through a Facebook post while looking for a participant to share a story of resilience through the floods that happened last year. When I first met Kathryn, I was immediately drawn to her energy and beautiful smile. I realized within the first 10 minutes that this interview was about much more than a natural disaster victim. Some people know her as the “bread lady.” Kathryn bakes homemade sourdough each week and delivers it to her community in Holloways Beach—just pure kindness. But Kathryn hasn’t had a kind life. She has faced many struggles and adversities, yet she still has a smile on her face. What stands out the most about Kathryn is her ability to hold onto kindness and compassion, despite everything life has thrown at her. In a world where hardship can often make people bitter or closed off, Kathryn remains open—always willing to help, always ready to share. She has a deep connection to her roots and Māori culture, which has been her driving force in overcoming life’s challenges. She has spent years caring for her daughter, who has a brain tumor. She loves the ocean, and her ancestors arrived by canoe on a great wave. Kathryn has the ability to see through the bullshit, yet her heart remains open and honest. Her generosity isn’t just in the bread she bakes but in the way she makes people feel seen and cared for. She and I could have talked for a week straight about her life experiences and lessons—because sharing stories has such power in deepening our understanding of humanity. Compassion. Kindness. Strength. That’s what comes to mind when I think of Kathryn. I’m really glad we met.

 These are Kathryn’s words for Resilience:

I am a 65 year old Māori woman, and I am Wahine Toa. I proudly wear my moko kauae, my birthright.

It represents place in family, community and life cycle, and my ancestors’ journey across the Pacific from Hawaiki to Aotearoa-New Zealand. I come from a long line of warrior men and women. My ancestors, kāwai nga Rangatira mai i a Kupe, have lived in Aotearoa-New Zealand for almost 1,000 years. Their DNA has survived many tribal battles, cannibalism, land wars and colonisation, and the harsh conditions in the cold and wet forests of Aotearoa-New Zealand. Their DNA has survived to live in me, and to continue in my daughter and granddaughter. We have a saying, that we walk with our ancestors in front of us leading the way.

Along with cultural beliefs and practices, I draw on my ancestor’s resilience for support when facing adversities.

Karen Reys, an Indigenous Australian artist, healer, and cultural facilitator based in Cairns, exemplifies resilience through her dedication to preserving and sharing Aboriginal heritage. As the founder of CEED Healing, she offers transformative cultural immersion programs that reconnect individuals with Indigenous traditions and spirituality. Her signature program, Rainbow Song Lines, combines ancestral wisdom with personal development, guiding participants on journeys of self-discovery and healing.  Through her work, Karen fosters cultural understanding and spiritual connection, ensuring the vitality of her heritage for future generations. In my personal experience attending several of Karen’s healing sessions, I was profoundly impacted by her strong energy and presence. Her ability to create a sacred space allowed me to connect deeply with my own spirit and the ancestral wisdom she so passionately imparts. Karen’s resilience shines through in her commitment to cultural preservation and her powerful spiritual practices, making her an inspiring guide for those seeking healing and connection.

 Karen’s words that were included for the resilience project:

 The statement, “If you can’t talk properly, don’t talk at all,” kept me small for a long time. Embracing vulnerability and the willingness to listen deeply to heal the trauma stories of childhood and intergeneration has helped me to find my voice. I know I have healed when my relationships with myself and others have changed; this personal and internal shift has created a resilient, loving and authentic woman. “A woman in harmony with her spirit is like a river flowing. She goes where she will without pretence and arrives at her destination prepared to be herself and only herself.” – Maya Angelou

I’ve struggled to hold on to my own resilience over the past year, so meeting, interviewing, and photographing these incredible women gave me a sense of belonging, courage, and understanding. It showed me that, even though our experiences are different, the foundation of resilience is something we all share. Simone was the first participant I photographed for Resilience and one of the first people who came to mind when I was asked to choose 10 women from our local community. I’ve worked with Simone before on CIAF fashion photography, and I’ve always admired and looked up to her. She is not only a gallery owner, fashion designer, and photographer but also an active community member, a mother, a wife, and a cancer fighter. Simone has been battling cancer for years, and the way she approaches both the fight and her healing is incredibly powerful. Her positivity and perseverance are truly admirable, she just doesn’t stop. She shared that her deep connection to culture, country, and family has played a vital role in her healing, helping her achieve amazing results in her health and battle with cancer.

Her words for the Resilience project:
‘Fuck Cancer - For four years, I’ve faced death and choose life. Every morning, the sunrise reminds me I am still here. My body is battered, my spirit tested, but resilience runs deeper than pain. I refuse to be defined by illness; I am more than a diagnosis. Every step I take, every breath I draw, is defiance. I live with purpose, with fire, with gratitude for the smallest moments. Cancer can take my strength, my sleep, my comfort but it will never take my will. I choose to rise. I choose to fight.

I first met Sonya years ago while photographing a show. I remember watching her on stage, completely captivated, thinking ‘Wow! How courageous is this girl? Because of her, we all can!’. Sonya is a young actress and performer with Down syndrome. As a disability support worker, I understand how challenging it can be for individuals with disabilities to be entirely accepted and included in our fast-paced, often superficial society. Sonya has faced bullying and discrimination throughout her life, especially in the school environment, yet she continues to rise above it all. The stage has given her confidence and strength, not just to perform but to show up in life with resilience and determination. She has transformed what some might see as a vulnerability into a powerful strength, proving that ambition and passion know no limits. Sonya is still in school, but she’s already setting her sights on big opportunities in the acting world. Her journey is a testament to the fact that the only real limits are the ones we place on ourselves. She continues to inspire us all to embrace our differences, celebrate our uniqueness, and push beyond expectations. Go, Sonya! Never stop shining. The world needs more of your light.

 These are Sonya's words included for this project of shared resilience:

When I was in Grade 5, I sat at the front of the class and a boy sat behind me. He bullied me but I was the one who got detention. That wasn’t right.  I was bullied during my school years. Being left out of activities made me sad. A few adults were good at making sure I joined in.  My drama teacher was one of those people. I love being creative - performing brings me joy.  I can show my emotions and strength. I have performed on many stages and screens. And I will do more. Having a disability can make my life hard at times. I am resilient.  

A saying I like is –

"Diversity is being invited to the party Inclusion is being asked to dance," Verna Myers. 

Sri has been quietly navigating the storm of mental health challenges for many years. Behind her calm presence is a journey marked by deep struggle—through depression, anxiety, and a painful brush with suicide. A recent diagnosis of ADHD shook her world but also brought clarity. Finally, she could understand herself in a new light, and begin to live with more intention and self-compassion. No one truly knows what others are going through—and that’s what makes Sri’s presence so powerful. Despite the weight of her internal battles, she still finds the capacity to show up with gentleness, care, love, and kindness. That quiet strength is its own kind of resilience. Her story, like so many others in this project, reminds us of a powerful truth: we are all fighting something. And it’s not the absence of struggle that defines us—it’s how we choose to move through it. As the photographer and storyteller behind this project, I’ve been deeply moved by the vulnerability and strength each woman has shared. A common thread has emerged: we are all the same. What sets these women apart is not that they’ve avoided pain, but that they’ve grown through it. Their stories are here to inspire change, offer hope, and share the tools that helped them transform adversity into resilience. They are not broken—they are becoming their strongest, truest selves.

 Words from Sri:

Parallel worlds ripple within my temple. Do they meet. Swimming through the thick strokes which catch me in passing, as I paint my way to rise from treacherous depths. Nets of the world claiming parts of who I am storming inside, swimming side by side as one. There is beauty which reflects the creation I am. The stars above guide me with nature which grounds me. Finding strength within to let it be, accept, grip and embrace the light and dark which creeps in. Intertwined like mangroves to the mud, the roots set. Navigating its way to survive in a world which is giving both effervescence growth with the problems which lurk. It’s the resilience to keep rising within to be unique. Learning to communicate and to be understood and heard. There is no right or wrong. It’s perspective, love, empathy, understanding in harmony. That knowledge is my superpower. This is the feeling I embrace to survive and be whom ever I want to be as I evolve. I called it; my paralysed paradise in bloom, shed and regrowth. It’s a balance of bloom and storms whichever is greater or smaller. I lead my way to the light after my storm sweeps in. I keep choosing to bloom in every way possible when I can. Just keep breathing and add a little sunshine where possible.