Fierce Girls

Fierce Girls

By ABC listen

From skaters to singers, mountaineers to Mars mission-leaders. From the deep blue sea to the dark, black skies. Australia is full of girls who dare to do things differently. Adventurous girls. Girls with guts and spirit. Girls who stand-up and say, "watch out world, here I come!". Do you know what they are? They're FIERCE. These are their stories. Join the amazing Amy Shark, Julie Bishop, Yael Stone and more as they tell the inspiring tales of some of Australia's most extraordinary women.

Episodes

Chloe Hayden – the girl who put autism in the spotlight

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.
10/10/2312m 0s

Naomi Moran – the girl who came through for her community in a crisis

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.
10/10/239m 30s

Jade Hameister – the girl who skied to the top and bottom of the world

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
10/10/237m 36s

Allirra Jennings – the girl who ran in every major marathon

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.
10/10/237m 25s

Donna Adams – the girl who became Tasmania’s first female police commissioner

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.
10/10/2310m 0s

Marita Cheng — the girl who built robots, and helped other girls build them too

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.
09/07/236m 45s

Michelle Payne — the girl who raced the Melbourne Cup and won

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.
09/07/236m 45s

Taryn Brumfitt — the girl who broke social media's standards

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.
09/07/236m 45s

Elizabeth Kenny — the girl whose unlikely treatment helped people with polio

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.
09/07/237m 18s

Alma Mary Wang — the girl who spoke up for Chinese people in Australia

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.
09/07/238m 45s

INTRODUCING – Fierce Girls Season 10

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.
02/07/231m 15s

NAIDOC – Faith Thomas: the girl who became the first indigenous person to play cricket for Australia

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.
29/06/2211m 29s

NAIDOC – Yukultji Napangati: the girl who made her world shimmer

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.
29/06/2215m 45s

NAIDOC – Queenie McKenzie: the girl who became a living treasure

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.
29/06/2214m 55s

NAIDOC – Oodgeroo Noonuccal: the girl who fought for the rights of her people

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.
29/06/2213m 38s

NAIDOC – Mary Ann Bugg: the girl who became a fierce bushranger

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.
29/06/2212m 42s

NAIDOC — Molly Kelly: the girl who followed the rabbit-proof fence home

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.
29/06/228m 21s

NAIDOC – Daisy Bindi: the girl who fought for more

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.
29/06/2215m 37s

INTRODUCING — Fierce Girls Celebrates NAIDOC Week

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.
24/06/223m 18s

Mum Shirl – the girl who became a mum to thousands

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
04/04/2218m 44s

Meru Sheel — the girl who is a disease detective

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
28/03/2214m 14s

Melanie Perkins — The girl who created a unicorn

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
21/03/2218m 33s

Daphne Hilton (Ceeney) — the girl who dominated the Paralympics

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
14/03/2217m 56s

Valerie Taylor — the girl who swam with sharks

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.
07/03/2218m 7s

INTRODUCING — Fierce Girls Season 8

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.
01/03/221m 30s

Nora Heysen – the girl who never stopped painting

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.
10/10/2113m 36s

Mirka Mora – the girl who painted the town red

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.
10/10/2113m 54s

Yukultji Napangati – the girl who made her world shimmer

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.
10/10/2115m 47s

Marion Mahony Griffin – the girl who designed her dream city

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.
10/10/2113m 49s

Queenie McKenzie – the girl who became a living treasure

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.
10/10/2114m 45s

INTRODUCING – Fierce Girls Season 7

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.
06/10/211m 38s

Jean Robertson and Kathleen Howell — the girls who drove into the history books

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.
09/05/2116m 21s

Julia Gillard — the girl who became Australian Prime Minister

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.
02/05/212m 10s

Edith Cowan — the girl who changed the rules

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.
25/04/2111m 17s

Andrea Boyd — the girl who became the voice of space

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.
18/04/2115m 11s

Caroline Buchanan — the story of the girl who became a world champion BMX bandit

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.
11/04/2114m 20s

Faith Thomas — the girl who became the first Indigenous person to play cricket for Australia

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.
04/04/2111m 37s

Nyadol Nyuon — the girl who gave refugees a voice

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.
28/03/2117m 3s

Madeline Stuart — the girl who conquered the modelling world

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.
21/03/2117m 10s

Celeste Barber — the girl whose photos took the world by storm

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.
14/03/2117m 44s

Oodgeroo Noonuccal — the girl who fought for the rights of Indigenous Australians

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.
07/03/2114m 38s

Ash Barty — the girl who became number one

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.
27/09/208m 18s

Catherine Hamlin — the girl who helped the women that no one else would

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.
27/09/208m 19s

Nova Peris — the girl who won gold in two sports then got elected to parliament

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.
27/09/208m 36s

Dorothea MacKellar — the girl who wrote poems and broke all the rules

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.
27/09/207m 33s

Rhiannan Iffland — the girl who overcame her fears and became a world champion cliff diver

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.
27/09/2011m 28s

Adelaide Miethke — the girl who used radio to teach kids from the bush

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.
27/09/207m 29s

INTRODUCING — Fierce Girls Series 5

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.
20/09/201m 53s

PRESENTS — The Fierce Girls competition is back!

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!
07/03/202m 1s

Bindi Irwin — the girl who is fighting to save the planet

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.
05/12/1917m 51s

Fanny Finch — the girl who voted

Fanny Finch was an orphan who ended up in Castlemaine during the Victorian goldrush. She was a single mother of four, and a savvy businesswoman who ran a successful restaurant feeding the hungry fossickers. Fanny thought it was unfair that only men got to vote for who would be in charge, so one day, she cast her own vote. Narrated by teacher, historian, and Fanny’s great, great, great granddaughter, Alice Garner.
28/11/1914m 34s

Jackie French — the girl with dyslexia who became a famous author

Jackie French could read entire novels by the time she was three years old. But when she arrived at school, letters appeared back to front, and maths equations were gobbledegook. Jackie was confused, but it didn't stop her from reading, writing, or coming up with astonishingly creative tales. Jackie read everything in sight, and then decided to write her own stories. Now, she has written more than 200 books, sold millions of copies, has spread the joy of reading far and wide, and she never plans to stop.Narrated by star of Orange is the New Black, actor Yael Stone.
21/11/1916m 50s

Dr Abigail Allwood — the girl who looks for life on Mars

Abigail Allwood never thought she'd be a scientist. In fact, she was terrible at science when she was at school. Now, she is searching for life on Mars! She’s the boss of a whole team of NASA scientists who are sending a robot she designed into space. How did she do it? Turns out there’s a universe of possibilities out there ... as long as you reach for the stars. Narrated by Australia’s first female foreign minister Julie Bishop
14/11/1914m 33s

Dame Nellie Melba — the girl who became the world’s most famous singer

Nellie's singing and humming around the house used to drive her dad crazy. But she always wanted to be a professional performer. She sailed to Europe to chase her dream and became the greatest opera singer in the world. She demanded to be paid exactly what a world-famous opera singer was worth — lots — and raised enormous amounts of money for charity. Narrated by singer-songwriter Dami Im.
07/11/1918m 18s

Mary MacKillop — the girl who became a saint

Mary MacKillop is Australia's first saint. She had a dream to educate poor kids and she fiercely stood up against powerful priests for what she thought was right. Narrated by star of Little Lunch and Home and Away actor Olivia Deeble.
31/10/1912m 55s

Alyssa Azar — the girl who climbed the world’s highest mountains

When Alyssa Azar was eight-years-old, she decided she wanted to climb Mt Everest. She trained for years and years, through wind, cold, rain, and snow. And finally, at 19-years-old, she was ready. She faced an avalanche, an earthquake, and the world’s most dangerous place — the "death zone". But still, Alyssa didn’t let anything stop her in her quest to be on top of the world. Narrated by gold-medal winning Paralympic swimmer, Ellie Cole.
24/10/1915m 0s

Mary Ann Bugg — the girl who became a fierce bushranger

Mary Ann Bugg was an Aboriginal woman who became a savvy bushranger and accomplice to Captain Thunderbolt. Mary Ann was the bushranger's spy, riding ahead into towns to check for police. She 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.
17/10/1913m 5s

Tayla Harris — the girl who kicked goals against internet trolls

As a young girl, Tayla Harris was the only girl on the football field. It didn't stop her though, she kicked butt and fought hard for her place. Now, she's a star AFLW player and a champion boxer. But her most important fight of all was against internet trolls. When Tayla was bullied savagely online for doing her job, she took a brave stand — one that will go down in history. Narrated by musician and singer, Amy Shark.
10/10/1914m 2s

Sabre Norris — the girl who shreds waves and skate parks

Sabre Norris was just nine years old when she landed a skateboard trick no other Australian girl had ever done — the 540. She's not just a fierce skateboarder though — Sabre is also a brilliant surfer. She's refusing to let ill health stand in her way of being the best in the world — so keep your eye out for her in the skateboarding at the 2020 Olympics!Narrated by actor Claudia Karvan.
19/09/1918m 15s

Introducing — Fierce Girls series four

What do rad surfer and skater, Sabre Norris, world-famous opera singer Dame Nellie Melba and star AFL player Tayla Harris have in common? They're FIERCE! And their stories are going to be told in a brand-new series of Fierce Girls. Fierce Girls tells the stories of extraordinary Australian women read by other fierce ones like actors Yael Stone and Claudia Karvan, singer Amy Shark and Australia's first-ever female Governor-General Dame Quentin Bryce.Subscribe now to hear new Fierce Girls from September 20.
12/09/193m 54s

Turia Pitt – the girl who had everything to live for

Turia Pitt was running a 100 kilometre ultra-marathon in the outback when she was caught in a bushfire. Turia was really badly burnt, spent months in hospital, and was told she would never run again. But she was determined to prove the doctors wrong, because Turia knew that she could do anything if she just believed in herself.Written and narrated by thirteen-year-old Donna Peari.
04/04/197m 16s

Molly Kelly – the girl who followed the rabbit-proof fence home

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.
28/03/197m 34s

Irene Szoeke – the girl who was born in a prison

Irene Szoeke had an incredibly tough start to life — she was born in a prison camp during World War II. She was one of the lucky ones — Irene and her family survived the war and later found a home in Australia. As she grew, Irene worked hard and asked big questions. So when an amazing new invention came to her work — a computer — Irene was the perfect person for the job.Written and narrated by eight-year-old Ariana Szoeke-Campbell.
21/03/196m 21s

Andrea Hah – the girl who climbed big rocks

Andrea Hah started to climb some of the biggest, toughest rocks in Australia better and faster than the boys. And that’s when she knew rock climbing was the sport for her. But when Ninja Warrior came to Australia, she just had to put her strength to the ultimate test.Written and narrated by thirteen-year-old Lily Geach.
14/03/199m 10s

Sam Kerr – the girl who became a football superstar

When Sam Kerr was a kid she spent hours upon hours kicking a soccer ball in the back yard of her suburban Perth house, dreaming of becoming an international football superstar. But how does an average kid from Australia make it big on the international stage? Practice. And more practice. Sam did so much practice she became the youngest person to ever represent Australia in football.Written and narrated by nine-year-old Maia Kelly.
07/03/198m 49s

INTRODUCING – Fierce Girls Series 3

We asked you to send us your stories of Fierce Girls, and woah did you deliver! Next week, on International Women’s Day, you’ll hear the first of five amazing stories written by Fierce Girl listeners just like you.
26/02/191m 32s

Margaret Olley — the girl who painted masterpieces

Margaret Olley was a bit of a rebel who was often in trouble at school. But she loved to paint and found beauty in the everyday things around her. Margaret became one of Australia’s most loved artists and her paintings are famous around the world. Narrated by actor and producer Deborra-lee Furness.
28/11/1813m 31s

Julia Gillard — the girl who became Australian Prime Minister

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.
21/11/1822m 14s

Helen Reddy — the girl who roared

I am woman hear me roar in numbers too big to ignore! Singer Helen Reddy was tired of hearing women sing about boyfriends and husbands, so she wrote a song about strong, independent women. Her song, I Am Woman, struck a chord and became an anthem for women around the world. Narrated by conservationist Madison Stewart, aka Shark Girl.
15/11/1821m 0s

Veena Sahajwalla — the girl who turned trash into treasure

As a girl growing up in Mumbai, Veena Sahajwalla loved seeing how people reused all the rubbish. When she grew up, she became an engineer and a waste warrior determined to find new ways of turning mountains of trash into treasure. Narrated by the host of Behind The News Amelia Moseley.
07/11/1815m 13s

Pam O’Neill — the girl who broke through horse racing barriers

Pam O’Neill grew up loving horse racing. There was just one problem — girls weren’t allowed to be jockeys. Pam thought that was ridiculous, so wrote hundreds of letters to racing bosses until she was allowed to become Australia’s first female licensed jockey. Narrated by Olympic swimmer Cate Campbell.
31/10/1815m 51s

Gabi Hollows — the girl who helped others see

When she was a kid Gabi Hollows needed an operation to fix her crossed eyes. As a grown up she kept fixing eyes — just not her own. So far Gabi has helped more than two million people across the world regain their sight. Narrated by Australian ballet dancer, Ella Havelka.
24/10/1815m 43s

Susan Alberti — the girl who kicked the biggest goal

Susan Alberti loved playing AFL when she was a kid, but had to hang up her footy boots when her dad told her it was too rough to play with the boys. She didn’t think it was fair that girls were relegated to the sidelines. So she made it her mission to start a national Women’s AFL competition and get girls off the bench and onto the field where they belonged. Narrated by journalist, TV and radio presenter and founder of the Carrie’s Beanies 4 Brain Cancer Foundation, Carrie Bickmore.
17/10/18

Layne Beachley — the girl who ruled the waves

Surfer Layne Beachley grew up when girls were expected to sit on the beach and mind the boy’s towels. Layne ignored that ridiculous rule and became the best female surfer in the world — seven times! Narrated by Olympic gold medal winning hurdler and World Champion Sally Pearson.
10/10/1816m 59s

Evonne Goolagong Cawley — the girl who conquered Wimbledon

Evonne Goolagong Cawley's first tennis racquet was a broomstick. Her second was a wooden paddle. It didn't hold her back. Evonne became the best tennis player in the world winning 14 grand slams and Wimbledon twice.Narrated by actor, writer and director Leah Purcell. Archival audio: BBC.
10/10/1821m 29s

Lillian Armfield — the girl who fought the baddies

When Lillian Armfield became a police officer in 1915, do you know what her bosses armed her with? A handbag! She caught plenty of crooks with it though. Lillian became Australia’s first female detective and paved the way for thousands of women to follow her into the force. Narrated by comedian, writer and singer Em Rusciano.
10/10/187m 33s

INTRODUCING — new episodes of Fierce Girls

Fierce Girls is back for another season next week. All new stories, all new narrators, all still totally fierce.
01/10/182m 56s

Ruby Payne-Scott — the girl who listened to the stars

In the 1940s when Ruby Payne Scott went to university she was the only girl in her class. Back then, you could count the number of female physicists in the entire country on one hand. Ruby was super smart but she struggled to get a job because blokes thought women belonged at home. Not Ruby — she once used a bent coat hanger, some plugs and a few bits and bobs to tune in to the noises of the galaxy — something nobody had ever done before. It’s no wonder she went on to become one of Australia’s most outstanding physicists. Narrated by robotics whiz Marita Cheng.
30/04/1814m 48s

Edith Cowan — the girl who changed the rules

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 the mighty journalist Leigh Sales.
23/04/1810m 48s

Nancy Bird-Walton — the girl who loved to fly

When she was just four years old, Nancy Bird-Walton already knew what she wanted to do with her life — fly. She saved her pocket money to pay for lessons and her own aeroplane ... and before long people were paying her to fly them across the country. Nancy was the first woman in Australia to get paid to be a pilot. Today, the A380 is the biggest passenger plane in the world — and if you look into the sky you might just see one that’s called Nancy Bird-Walton. Narrated by singer and producer Kate Miller-Heidke.
16/04/1816m 20s

Daisy Bindi — the girl who fought for more

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.
10/04/1816m 10s

Fanny Durack and Mina Wylie — the girls who swam for gold

Not so long ago girls weren't allowed to swim in the same pool as boys let alone compete in the Olympics. Girls weren't even taught how to swim freestyle! Best friends Fanny Durack and Mina Wylie weren't standing for it. They were great swimmers and wanted the chance to swim for Australia. Sports fans agreed and took to the streets to protest until finally the rules were changed, and Fanny and Mina competed at the 1912 Olympic Games in Sweden.Narrated by the fiercest of the fierce Turia Pitt.
02/04/1815m 37s

P.L Travers — the girl who dreamt up Mary Poppins

When Pamela Lyndon Travers was a little girl her aunt came to stay. She was rather strict, but kind at heart, and carried with her a seemingly bottomless bag made of carpet. P.L Travers had the memory of this aunt swirling around in her imagination when she sat down to write a book, and before she knew it Mary Poppins flew onto the page. The magical nanny who could talk to animals and use her umbrella to fly, became one of the most loved and famous characters of all time. Narrated by TV presenter Lisa Wilkinson.
26/03/1817m 10s

Ronni Kahn — the girl who fed the hungry

If there’s something that makes Ronni Kahn's blood boil, it’s seeing good food thrown on the scrap heap. Ronni is the foodie Robin Hood — she rescues tasty treats bound for the bin and gives them to the hungry. The "queen of leftovers" has had to move mountains to get politicians and business owners to agree to stop wasting perfectly edible food. And it’s been worth the effort — Ronni has saved 80 million meals!
19/03/1814m 8s

Cathy Freeman — the girl who ran fast

As a little girl, Catherine Freeman had one dream — to go to the Olympic Games. Luckily, she could run fast. Really fast. So fast, she not only went to the Olympics, she won a Gold medal in the 400m race in Sydney! When she sprinted across the finish line ahead of everyone else, she carried the hopes of the nation. And during her victory lap, she carried both the Aboriginal and Australian flags, symbolising her pride in her First Nations heritage.Narrated by Australian Netball champion and #TeamGirls ambassador Laura Geitz.
12/03/1817m 13s

Jessica Watson — the girl who sailed around the world

Everyone said 16-year-old Jessica Watson was too young to sail around the world all on her own. And when she crashed her boat into a giant ship in the dead of the night, in the middle of the ocean, the trolls shouted, “we told you so!”. But they were way too quick to judge the fierce and brave Jessica. She tried again ... and then it was her turn to say, “I told you so!”. Narrated by Little Lunch actor Madison Lu.
05/03/1815m 9s

Louise Sauvage — the girl who was unstoppable

Louise Sauvage was born with one leg trapped under and around her body, and the other up over her shoulder. Even though the lower half of her body has never co-operated, Louise hasn’t let it stop her being fierce AND fast! As a kid she was awesome at all sports, and a speed demon in a wheelchair. Louise is a champion wheelchair racer and has won nine, yes nine, Paralympic gold medals. Narrated by six-time world surfing champion Stephanie Gilmore
05/03/1814m 20s

Nancy Wake — the girl who spied

What does every good spy parachuting into enemy territory need to evade capture? A handgun, a nightie, lipstick and a satin cushion of course! That’s what secret agent Nancy Wake had in her back pack when she jumped out of a plane during the Second World War to fight the enemy. They nicknamed her the “white mouse’’ because she was so hard to catch. Nancy helped many people escape the Nazi’s evil clutches and cheated death on more than one occasion. Narrated by singer, actor and producer Justine Clarke.
05/03/1813m 56s

INTRODUCING — Fierce Girls

In a world where girls are fed a diet of princesses, unicorns and YouTube stars, Fierce Girls tells the real life and inspirational stories of brave, adventurous, and mighty girls and women! Like Nancy Wake the spy and Louise Sauvage the champion wheelchair athlete. Cathy Freeman who ran like the wind and Nancy Bird-Walton who flew the skies. Fierce Girls tells the stories of incredible Australian women read by other fierce ones like surfer Stephanie Gilmore, actor Justine Clarke, journalist Leigh Sales and the fiercest of the fierce Turia Pitt. Subscribe now so you’re the first to hear Fierce Girls on March 6.
20/02/183m 27s
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