Happy belated New Year to you all and wishing you all the very best for 2023.
I would like to start with an apology for not doing blogs as regularly as before. It was a busy 1.5 year with Covid happening then Victoria reopening and treatment etc. I promise to write more regularly moving forward and that is my new year’s resolution.
Recapping 2022, there were many highlights and the standout has to be traveling to Paris to speak at the Inspiring Women Conference in October last year. I can’t believe I actually went international, which was something I have never dreamt of.
Being asked to speak on the world stage was an amazing experience. I recall meeting my fellow speakers, each one of them unique in their own ways and with a strong messages to share. I will never forget how impressed I was with each and everyone of them. They were truly inspiring.
It was also during that time when I realised I could be “powerful” outside of Australia as well. I am using my voice to raise awareness on domestic violence internationally and this experience proved to me that domestic violence is worldwide and we need to keep speaking up and helping each other. To be standing on the stage and speaking about my experiences in a foreign country was incredible and getting the accolades and standing ovations from my fellow speakers and audience reaffirmed me of my work and the journey ahead.
Another 2022 highlight for me was being invited to speak at the Queensland Premier’s Annastacia Palaszczuk’s White Ribbon breakfast in November in front of thousands of attendees – what an honour.
I was only meant to speak for 10 minutes, but I unknowingly went over to 30-35 minutes. I spoke about Clare’s Law – a UK law about domestic violence disclosure and called for the need for something similar to be introduced here in Australia too to protect people from partners with history of abusive behaviours. Everyone deserves the right to information from the police about a potential abuser as this is a way to learn the warning signs of an abusive relationship.
The reaction I got from the guests was amazing and I was actually a little nervous at the beginning. But the Premier was so lovely and she said to me to smile at her if I felt nervous when presenting. It was so unexpected and such a kind gesture from the lady. I really appreciated that.
And just to wrap it up, I wanted to just thank you so much again for all the support and the positive responses I had received on my social media and private messages. We are altogether on this journey of stopping domestic violence and let’s keep up the good work, don’t let it beat us.
As I have always told myself – never give up, keep smiling and stay positive. You will hear from me more often this year and I will definitely make time to reach out to you all. You have given me your support, and I want to give back as well. Thank you.