This is an ABC podcast.

This is the story of the girl who became the Prime Minister of Australia, Julia Gillard, read by author and journalist Tracy Spicer. The koala 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. He 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 wanted more people, they thought,

Why not? It's hot.

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