This year marks 100 years since the first woman was elected in Parliament in Australia.

To celebrate, we're bringing back some of our favourite fierce girls episodes, celebrating trail-basing female politicians.

This is the story of Australia's first female Prime Minister Julia Gillard, read by author and journalist

Tracy Spicer.

The Kowalah.

The Kowala fell out of Julia's arms tumbling over the ship's railing and plummeting into the ocean far below.

No! Julia screamed, help him! But it was too late. The koala was lost in the ship's wake. an accidental burial at sea for the marsupial who'd never

made it to his native homeland. Julia sobbed. Her mom, dad and big sister tried to console her, but it was hopeless.

It was my koala, Julia sniffed. It was brand new. Her dad patted her red hair and wiped the tears from her freckled cheeks.

Julia, the koala, was just a toy, he said.

You'll see real koalas soon.

Julia Eileen Gillard was four years old and on a ship bound for Australia.

She was born in Wales in the United Kingdom, known for its rolling green hills,

castles, rugby, and gloomy weather.

When she was a baby, she got sick with a chest infection

that wouldn't budge.

She had to keep warm so she wouldn't get sicker. She spent winter indoors and in the

summer was only allowed to dangle her feet in the pool while other kids

splashed and swam. It was unfair and boring. The family doctor advised

them to move away. Somewhere sunny, he said, with clean air.

All aboard, cheap trips to the land down under.

When the Gillards heard Australia, Thunder.

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