Australian Of The Year: Tame Speaks Out

Trend Radar

You need 3 min read

·

Post on Jan 25, 2025

39 visitor like this post

Share

Australian of the Year: Tame Speaks Out – A Voice for Change

Hey everyone, so you know how they announced Tame Impala's Kevin Parker as Australian of the Year? Nah, just kidding! I'm talking about Tame, the 2023 Young Australian of the Year. This amazing woman, I honestly had no idea who she was before the announcement, but man, has she blown me away. I’m still processing it all, to be honest. It got me thinking about the power of advocacy and how one person can truly make a difference.

From Unknown to Inspiration: Tame's Journey

Let's be real, I wasn't exactly glued to the news leading up to the awards. I'm more of a "catch-up on things when it's convenient" kind of person, which is probably why I was so surprised when I heard her name announced. I'd heard whispers about her work with First Nations communities – something about supporting Indigenous youth mental health – but I didn't really know the full extent of her work. Turns out I was seriously missing out. She's a powerful advocate for closing the gap in mental health care, something that's been desperately needed for far too long.

A Personal Fail: My Own Blind Spots

Okay, I'll admit something kind of embarrassing. Before learning about Tame's incredible achievements, I felt pretty clueless about the disparity in mental health services for Indigenous Australians. I thought, "sure, there are inequalities", but I didn't truly understand the depth of the issue. It made me think about my own privilege and how easy it is to be ignorant if you're not actively seeking information. It's a hard pill to swallow, knowing how little I knew about a situation so critically important.

Now, I’m really trying to educate myself.

Tame's Impact: More Than Just an Award

Winning the award is huge, obviously. It’s a massive recognition of her tireless efforts. But more importantly, it’s a platform. A platform to amplify the voices of Indigenous youth who are too often silenced. And she’s using it effectively, speaking out about the systemic issues that contribute to the mental health crisis in her community. This is what I love. Her success is not just about her – it's about all those she's helping and advocating for.

Practical Steps You Can Take: Beyond Likes and Shares

It's easy to just share an article or like a post on social media and feel like you've done your part, but there's so much more we can do. Here's some actionable steps I'm now personally taking. It might sound a bit basic, but it's a start:

• Educate Yourself: Seriously, take some time to read up on the challenges facing Indigenous Australians. There are tons of resources available online. It’s not about being an expert; it’s about showing genuine interest and concern.
• Support Indigenous-Led Organizations: Look for groups working directly with Indigenous youth mental health. Donate if you can, even a small amount helps.
• Listen and Learn: Engage with the voices of Indigenous people. Listen more than you speak. Respect different perspectives and learn from them.

The Power of One Voice: Making a Difference

Tame’s story is inspiring. It’s a reminder that one person, one voice, can create massive change. It’s a wake up call. It made me want to do better, to be better.

This isn't just about Tame; it's about understanding the broader context of Indigenous mental health in Australia. It's about acknowledging systemic inequities and actively working towards solutions. And it starts with all of us, little by little, educating ourselves and supporting those making a tangible difference. If one person can make such an impact, imagine what we can achieve together. Now that’s something worth thinking about.