Fierce Girls

This season of Fierce Girls explores the stories of five extraordinary Australian artists. It highlights the lack of recognition women artists have historically faced and celebrates their accomplishments. From women who designed and painted a city to those who won prestigious art prizes, this podcast celebrates impactful women artists.

Jean Robertson and Kathleen Howell were two pioneering women who defied societal norms in the 1920s by embracing adventure and hitting the road in their cars. They drove from Melbourne to Darwin, relying on Aboriginal guidance and overcoming challenges in the outback. They also challenged a man's land speed record and encountered surprising misunderstandings by reporters upon their return.

Julia Gillard, Australia's first female Prime Minister, reflects on her journey from being a lawyer to a politician. The podcast covers her childhood, pursuit of education, advocacy for change, determination to join the Labor Party, and rise to becoming the Prime Minister. It also includes a story of two girls in the 1920s who challenged societal expectations by becoming skilled drivers.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.