Fierce Girls

Chloe had always felt like a bit of an alien. She just didn't really get most other kids, and they didn't get her either. When she learned she was autistic, she started writing about the world through her eyes, and she found lots of fans who had similar brains. But when she took on a role never seen before on a teen TV show, she helped autistic people feel seen for who they really are.Written and narrated by 14-year-old Eva Tigten-Knott.

Transcribed - Published: 10 October 2023

What would you do if your town was flooded? Newspaper boss Naomi Moran didn't just chase the story, she made headlines herself! She rallied together a workforce to keep her community sheltered and fed after some major floods. But this was nothing new for Naomi, she's been giving back her whole life.Written and narrated by 10-year-old Anouk Hockings.

Transcribed - Published: 10 October 2023

Jade Hameister's thirst for adventure in the toughest environments was unquenchable — while other girls were playing with dolls, Jade was scaling mountains!When she was 14, she dreamt of completing a Polar Hat Trick – a title won by skiing to the North Pole, South Pole, and across Greenland. No one her age had done it before, but Jade was not deterred. Even if she couldn't yet ski, she would find a way to make history.Written and narrated by 12-year-old Amelia Phillips

Transcribed - Published: 10 October 2023

When her grandmother lost her life to diabetes, Allirra was determined not to let the same thing happen to her. She picked up her running shoes and hit the pavement. While she started running to get healthy, she quickly set her sights on the ultimate challenge — becoming the first Indigenous woman to finish all six of the World Marathon Majors.Narrated by 14-year-old Maddie Dixon.

Transcribed - Published: 10 October 2023

When Donna started working as a police officer, her station didn't even have women's toilets. Now, she runs the whole force!How did one of the very few women in Tasmania Police end up leading the most gender-equal police force in Australia? Donna showed grit, compassion and strength in the face of the state's toughest tragedy, the Port Arthur Massacre.Narrated by 10-year-old Olivia Lai.

Transcribed - Published: 10 October 2023

When Marita was little, she thought robots could change the world, or at least do the dishes for her! But not many other girls thought the same. So, Marita started Robogals, a club to show girls they could work in robotics when they grew up. It started a global revolution.Written and narrated by 11-year-old Yashica Chauhan.

Transcribed - Published: 9 July 2023

Tragedy followed Michelle Payne around, but she never gave up on her dream of winning the race that stops the nation — the Melbourne Cup. Every time she fell off her horse, she got back on. Every broken bone and family loss pushed Michelle to pick up the reins. Until one Tuesday in November, she made history.Written and narrated by 12-year-old Claire Lee.

Transcribed - Published: 9 July 2023

Scrolling on social media might make you feel like you need to have the perfect body, and Taryn Brumfitt was sick of the pressure! After becoming a champion bodybuilder didn't make her love her body, she decided to change the conversation about body image online and help every person to embrace every body at every size.Written and narrated by 13-year-old Josie Dicker.

Transcribed - Published: 9 July 2023

Elizabeth Kenny grew up in a time when women were rarely educated, so naturally, she trained herself to be a nurse. When her patients with polio were struggling with the pain of their treatment, she thought outside the box and came up with a new way to help them – The Kenny Method. Doctors saw her as an outsider, but Elizabeth stuck to her guns and eased the pain of people in need.Written and narrated by nine-year-old Josie Davies.

Transcribed - Published: 9 July 2023

Growing up Chinese Australian under the White Australia Policy was tough, but Mary wouldn't be underestimated. She became the first-known Chinese Australian to get a university degree and used her smarts to speak up for Chinese migrant families who were being kept apart by the government. She moved to China to work as a journalist and diplomat, but when she wanted to come back to Australia after World War 2, she wasn't allowed to bring her family back home. This wasn't good enough, so she pushed for all people to be able to call Australia home.Written and narrated by 10-year-old Meike Chow.

Transcribed - Published: 9 July 2023

We asked for your Fierce Girls stories, and wow, you delivered! You'll hear inspiring stories by Fierce listeners just like you about a polar explorer, a jockey, a marathon runner, and a robotics pioneer just to name a few! You'll hear five of the best stories spun by listeners on July 10, and another five on October 11, for International Day of The Girl.

Transcribed - Published: 2 July 2023

Faith Thomas grew up throwing rocks at galahs. She'd only been playing proper cricket for a couple of weeks before she was picked to represent South Australia. Her phenomenal stats made headlines. So, it was no great surprise when Faith got called up to represent Australia against England in Brisbane. When she stepped onto the Gabba cricket ground, she became the first Aboriginal person to play on any Australian team… not just cricket. But cricket was just a game to Faith. So, not long after that test, she left sport behind to dedicate herself to saving lives as a nurse.Narrated by cricketer and Muruwari woman, Ashleigh Gardner.Extra narration by Peggy Webber. Thanks to Daniel Browning and Tyson Baird.

Transcribed - Published: 29 June 2022

Yukultji Napangati grew up with no contact with the outside world. Just her and her family, living on a shimmery salt lake. She learned how to live on Country, how to find food, water, and shelter. She was a particularly great hunter. When she turned 14, everything changed. She saw her first other humans, and saw a car for the first time. She had been brought to live with other people from her mob, and here she found out she was really good at something else too, painting. It used to be men’s only business, but by the time Yukultji picked up her first paintbrush, it was something women in her community would do too.Her stroke was unique. It was special. It made her work shimmer just like the salt lake she grew up on. And her paintings now hang on the walls of some of the most famous people in the world.Narrated by artist Atong Atem.

Transcribed - Published: 29 June 2022

Queenie McKenzie grew up on a cattle station, staying away from the grasps of the authorities, who would take Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander kids like her from their families at will. As she grew up, she solved problems everywhere she saw them. From building schools and teaching kids in her community, to saving a man’s life by repairing his scalp stitch by stitch. But deep down, she wanted to tell the stories of her Country. To preserve their importance.She started painting in her 70s — becoming the first woman in her community to do so — and realised the power of telling stories through art. And once she started, she never stopped.Narrated by Wiradjuri poet and artist Jazz Money.

Transcribed - Published: 29 June 2022

When Kath Ruska's dad told her white people would never recognise Aboriginal culture, she hoped he was wrong. She became a famous poet, using her pen as a weapon to fight for Indigenous rights. Her words took her all the way to Parliament House, where she demanded the Prime Minister do more to improve the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. But she still had an English name, so she changed it to Aboriginal language -Oodgeroo, meaning paper bark, and Noonuccal, the name of her tribe. Oodgeroo moved back to her island home — Minjerribah — and figured out the best way to make sure her culture was always remembered: she taught it to children, black and white. Narrated by Gamilaroi and Dunghutti writer and podcast maker, Marlee Silva. Extra narration by Peggy Webber.

Transcribed - Published: 29 June 2022

Mary Ann Bugg was an Aboriginal woman who became a savvy bushranger and accomplice to Captain Thunderbolt. She was the bushranger's spy, riding ahead into towns to check for police. She also used her bush skills to gather and hunt food for the group of bushrangers she rode with. Mary Ann used her first-class education and stunning beauty to fool the troopers and avoid being caught.Narrated by singer-songwriter Thelma Plum.

Transcribed - Published: 29 June 2022

Molly Kelly had a white father and an Aboriginal mother and was just a young girl when she was taken from her home.She was stolen from her family and taken to a settlement where white people hoped to stamp out her Aboriginality.But Molly escaped and walked one thousand miles home to her family, using a rabbit-proof fence as her guide.Written and narrated by twelve-year-old Ruby Macheda.If you’re an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person, we want to let you know that this episode contains the name of people who have died.

Transcribed - Published: 29 June 2022

Daisy Bindi couldn't understand why her boss paid wages to the white workers, but not to her. She was no different to them. And neither were all the other Aboriginal workers who were being treated like slaves. In 1946 Daisy decided enough was enough. She helped lead a three-year strike which won Aboriginal workers fairer pay and better working conditions. Narrated by singer, actor and radio presenter Christine Anu. Warning: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander listeners are advised that the following episode of Fierce Girls contains the names of people who have died.

Transcribed - Published: 29 June 2022

Fierce Girls is celebrating First Nations women who Get Up! Stand Up and Show Up! As Australia celebrates NAIDOC week in July, we're putting the spotlight on seven fierce Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander.

Transcribed - Published: 24 June 2022

Coleen Shirley Perry had a heart of gold. So when she went to visit her brother in jail, she saw something that few people saw. Instead of seeing baddies, she saw people who needed compassion, and someone to listen to their problems. Soon she was visiting lots of other prisoners. And every time the prison authorities stopped her, or questioned her, she said the same thing: 'I'm his mum.'She became known as Mum Shirl. Word spread about how she could help, and this prominent Wiradjuri woman became a fearless supporter of anyone who needed it. She dedicated her life to helping people with their problems. She helped the homeless, the hungry, those down on their luck, women and many, many children. She established community services for Indigenous Australians and fought for their justice and welfare. And she did it all without ever setting foot in a school.For our Indigenous and Torres Strait islander listeners: this episode contains the depiction of someone who has died.Narrated by lawyer, activist and Wiradjuri and Wailwan woman, Teela Reid

Transcribed - Published: 4 April 2022

If you saw an infectious disease outbreak, would you run far, far away? Dr Meru Sheel runs towards it. Meru grew up in India, where diseases like polio and tuberculosis made people around her extremely sick. It made her want to help. Meru became a disease detective, a field epidemiologist and now dedicates her life to stopping infectious diseases in their tracks! Her detective work tackles everything from gastro to the COVID-19 pandemic. And the clues she finds helps communities, scientists, healthcare workers and politicians to keep everyone safe.Narrated by author and political commentator Jamila Rizvi

Transcribed - Published: 28 March 2022

Ever wanted to change the world? Melanie Perkins did — she just needed the right problem to solve. Then it hit her. She tutored university students in graphic design, and they all had the same complaint: the software was too complicated.Melanie knew there must be an easier way. She thought everyone should be able to make beautiful, professional looking images. So, she cleared a space in her mum's living room and got to work. She perfected her pitch, flew to the other side of the world to Silicon Valley, faced a LOT of rejection until, finally, her billion-dollar company Canva was born.Narrated by multi-award-winning STEM journalist and Wiradjuri woman Rae Johnston

Transcribed - Published: 21 March 2022

A terrible horse-riding accident left teenager Daphne Ceeney paraplegic. Doctors told her there was nothing they could do and sent her home with no hope of a normal, happy life. But when Daphne she moved to a rehabilitation centre, her life changed.At the centre, Daphne discovered sport. She trained and practised, practised and trained and was so good she became the first Australian woman to go to the Paralympics. She was the only woman in the team and she brought home a haul of medals from a heap of different sports.Narrated by Paralympic Medallist, and the first and only Australian athlete to win both summer and winter Paralympic medals, Jessica Gallagher

Transcribed - Published: 14 March 2022

Would you willingly put your arm in a shark's mouth? Valerie Taylor did. She was a pioneering shark conservationist who believed sharks are friends, not foes. Valerie thrived in a male dominated world, and even had a brush with Hollywood when she worked on the film Jaws. This fearless, fierce adventurer of the sea had a mission; to change people's attitudes towards sharks. She travelled the world, diving and swimming with sharks and campaigning to protect them.Narrated by Australian champion freediver Amber Bourke.

Transcribed - Published: 7 March 2022

From the underwater adventurers of the past, to the disease experts of the future, Australia is FULL of girls who dare to do things differently. Fierce Girls is back for another season, starting International Women's Day.All new stories, all new narrators. Still totally Fierce.

Transcribed - Published: 1 March 2022

Nora Heysen wasn’t the only talented artist in the family. As a young woman, her painting was extraordinary, but she could never get out from the shadow of her dad. She took her talents to London to carve her own identity, but male teachers and critics told her that her work wasn’t very good.

Transcribed - Published: 10 October 2021

As a child, Mirka Mora narrowly escaped being sent to a death camp just for being Jewish. The faces of the people she left behind would haunt her forever.

Transcribed - Published: 10 October 2021

Yukultji Napangati grew up with no contact with the outside world. Just her and her family, living on a shimmery salt lake. She learned how to live on Country, how to find food, water, and shelter. She was a particularly great hunter.

Transcribed - Published: 10 October 2021

Marion Mahony Griffin grew up in the best kind of playground – nature. Her home was a log cabin in the woods, where she was able to run wild, climb trees, and spend time entertaining guests.

Transcribed - Published: 10 October 2021

Queenie McKenzie grew up on a cattle station, staying away from the grasps of the authorities, who would take Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander kids like her from their families at will.

Transcribed - Published: 10 October 2021

Can you name a famous Australian artist? This season of Fierce Girls, we’re brushing up on some fierce women of the art world! So this International Day Of The Girl Child, October 11, you’ll hear the stories of five extraordinary Australian artists.

Transcribed - Published: 6 October 2021

Jean Robertson learnt to drive almost as soon as her feet could touch the pedals — and then she taught her bestie Kathleen Howell to do the same.The two friends mastered automobiles at a time that you weren't likely to see a woman behind the wheel. Once they'd nailed that, they crossed the whole of Australia by car and smashed land speed records.Narrated by actor and Australian Survivor winner, Pia Miranda.Extra narration by Peggy Webber.

Transcribed - Published: 9 May 2021

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 trailblazing female politicians.At school Julia Gillard's least favourite subject was Home Economics. The teachers told her she'd need it one day, but Julia wasn't so sure. She had her mind firmly set on a career. First, she was a lawyer, then a politician and later she became Australia's first female Prime Minister.Narrated by author and journalist, Tracey Spicer.Extra narration by Peggy Webber.

Transcribed - Published: 2 May 2021

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 trailblazing female politicians. When Edith Cowan was a girl, her mum died, and her father was sentenced to death for murder. She knew hardship … and it drove her to get a better deal for women and children who were then treated like second class citizens. She took her fight all the way to Parliament House in Perth when she became the very first woman in Australia to be elected. If you turn over a 50 dollar note, you'll see Edith's strong and determined face staring right back at you.Narrated by journalist, Leigh Sales.Extra narration by Peggy Webber.

Transcribed - Published: 25 April 2021

Andrea Boyd grew up loving the science fiction series Star Trek. And when she wasn't at school, conducting science experiments or staring at the TV, she was staring at the sky.But when the world's best engineers built the International Space Station, Andrea realised science fact was better than science fiction. She worked hard to become their only Aussie flight controller, talking to the astronauts who lived in the space station as it orbited Earth.But Andrea didn't stop there — she wanted to bring space exploration to Australia. She convinced the country's leading academics, businesspeople, and the government to open the Australian Space Agency.Narrated by netballer and physiotherapy student, Gabi Simpson.Extra narration by Peggy Webber.

Transcribed - Published: 18 April 2021

Caroline Buchanan rode in her first big international BMX race when she was nine, waving to the crowd, soaring down hills, gliding through the air. It was a feeling too good to give up. Even when her brother broke his neck and two arms. Even when she missed out on medals at the London and Rio Olympics. And even when she ended up in hospital, all of it was worth it. Caroline Buchanan endured to become a world champion in both BMX and mountain biking. And she's not done yet.Narrated by actor and star of The InBESTigators, Anna Cooke.Extra narration by Peggy Webber.

Transcribed - Published: 11 April 2021

Faith Thomas grew up throwing rocks at galahs. She'd only been playing proper cricket for a couple of weeks before she was picked to represent South Australia.Her phenomenal stats made headlines. So, it was no great surprise when Faith got called up to represent Australia against England in Brisbane. When she stepped onto the Gabba cricket ground, she became the first Aboriginal person to play on any Australian team… not just cricket.But cricket was just a game to Faith. So, not long after that test, she left sport behind to dedicate herself to saving lives as a nurse.Narrated by cricketer and Muruwari woman, Ashleigh Gardner.Extra narration by Peggy Webber. Thanks to Daniel Browning and Tyson Baird.

Transcribed - Published: 4 April 2021

Nyadol Nyuon's family is from South Sudan, but she was born in a refugee camp. Every night she prayed that her family could move to Australia. And, when she was 18, her prayers were answered. In Australia, Nyadol wanted to be a lawyer, but her teachers didn't think she had the ability. Nyadol had some surprises in store for those doubters. She did become a lawyer and, when the media unfairly targeted African youths in their reports, she found her voice and fought to give refugees a voice too.Narrated by comedian, Natalie Tran.Extra narration by Peggy Webber.

Transcribed - Published: 28 March 2021

When Madeline Stuart was 17, her mum took her to a fashion parade where most of the models seemed to fit a tall, thin, predictable box.Maddy was born with Down Syndrome, a condition that means she has an extra chromosome. And while she didn't look like the models she saw in magazines, fashionistas thought Maddy was beautiful.They invited her onto the catwalks of New York, London, Paris — every corner of the globe.Maddy always knew she could conquer the world — and now she's showing everyone else that they can too.Narrated by actress and writer, Kate Mulvany.Extra narration by Peggy Webber.

Transcribed - Published: 21 March 2021

Even as a young girl, Celeste Barber always had a funny story that would make everyone laugh out loud. Celeste dreamed of starring in a TV comedy like Friends, but she went on to play a paramedic in a popular medical drama. And when that series flatlined, she used Instagram to take the world by storm, one funny photo at a time.During the devastating bushfires of 2019-20, Celeste knew she couldn't grab a hose and put out the fires herself. So, she launched a fundraising appeal and raised $50 million dollars for the New South Wales RFS Brigades Donation Fund. Celeste Barber was way more than an Instagram star, she was a hero. And she had the last laugh. Narrated by heart surgeon, writer and TV presenter, Dr Nikki Stamp. Extra narration by Peggy Webber.

Transcribed - Published: 14 March 2021

When Kath Ruska's dad told her white people would never recognise Aboriginal culture, she hoped he was wrong. She became a famous poet, using her pen as a weapon to fight for Indigenous rights. Her words took her all the way to Parliament House, where she demanded the Prime Minister do more to improve the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. But she still had an English name, so she changed it to Aboriginal language -Oodgeroo, meaning paper bark, and Noonuccal, the name of her tribe. Oodgeroo moved back to her island home — Minjerribah — and figured out the best way to make sure her culture was always remembered: she taught it to children, black and white. Narrated by Gamilaroi and Dunghutti writer and podcast maker, Marlee Silva. Extra narration by Peggy Webber.

Transcribed - Published: 7 March 2021

Whack! Ash Barty was four years old when she hit a powerful shot at the head of her tennis coach. He said she wasn’t old enough to play but he saw how determined she was. Since then, she’s whacked millions of tennis balls and travelled away from home for months at a time to practice and play. Until, finally, she became the number one female tennis player in the whole world.Written and narrated by 11-year-old Ciara Whitehouse.

Transcribed - Published: 27 September 2020

When a woman has a baby, sometimes things can go wrong. When you are in a poor country, those things often don't get fixed. Dr Catherine Hamlin saw these women needed help and decided to do something about it. She devoted her life to working in the poorest villages in Ethiopia saving thousands of women's lives. She did it all with kindness and determination.Written and narrated by eight-year-old Eliza Naftzger.

Transcribed - Published: 27 September 2020

You know those girls who are great at sport? That was Nova. She practised hockey endlessly in her backyard until one day she became the first Indigenous woman to win an Olympic gold medal but she wasn't finished. She went on to win a gold medal in sprinting, and then took her courage and energy into politics, becoming Australia's first Indigenous woman to be elected to Federal Parliament.Written and narrated by 10-year-old Sibella Collins.

Transcribed - Published: 27 September 2020

Dorothea loved to write. So much, that she would write stories and poems in her own secret code. She had a passion for the beauty of the Australian landscape, and her poetry was so good that people all over the world read it. Dorothea wrote one of Australia's most famous poems — My Country. Written and narrated by nine-year-old Amalia MacKellar.

Transcribed - Published: 27 September 2020

Have you ever stood on a 10m diving board and peered down? It's a long way. Rhiannan Iffland, world champion cliff diver, leaps off at least double that! That's taller than a telephone pole and as big as a Brachiosaurus. But it's not easy. She had to conquer her fears to become the best. Written and narrated by 10-year-old Evie Bond.

Transcribed - Published: 27 September 2020

Asthma stopped Adelaide Miethke from playing outside with other kids. She felt alone and trapped. So when she grew up and became a teacher, she had an idea. Adelaide realised that outback kids were isolated just like she was. She invented the School of the Air to teach kids from the bush using a two-way radio! Then she fought boldly for female teachers to get the same pay as male teachers. Written and narrated by nine-year-old Ellua Boyd.

Transcribed - Published: 27 September 2020

We asked you to send us stories of your Fierce Girls, and a mountain of magnificent stories hit our inbox! So this International Day of the Girl Child, October 11, you’ll hear six inspiring stories written by Fierce listeners just like you.

Transcribed - Published: 20 September 2020

Would you like to be part of Fierce Girls? Well...get writing!We're running a competition for our Fierce listeners and we're on the hunt for amazing stories about Australian Fierce Girls!

Transcribed - Published: 7 March 2020

Bindi was only eight-years-old when she said goodbye to her hero, her dad — Steve Irwin. She did it in front of millions of people all over the world who were watching his funeral. Even though it was the saddest time of her life, Bindi decided that she would carry on her dad’s dream. To "save one, save the species" and help all the animals of the world. Narrated by Australia’s first female Governor-General, Dame Quentin Bryce.

Transcribed - Published: 5 December 2019