FROM POVERTY TO WEST AUSTRALIAN ABORIGINAL PERSON OF THE YEAR

“Look at me, I grew up with nothing, I come from poverty, we struggled, I suffered mental and physical abuse but look at what you can do with your life. By the time I was 40, I was West Australian Aboriginal person of the year and it’s up to you. You can make a difference.” Rishelle Hume

Rishelle Hume recounts her childhood describing how difficult the times were when she and her siblings were growing up. She tells us how her parents were unemployed and her father who was Aboriginal not being educated because in the 50s and 60s Aboriginal people were not allowed access to education. She also recalls the pain of losing her sister at 5 years old and the domestic violence she faced in the hands of her mother which almost led her to suicide.

Through the loving care of her paternal grandparents, Rishelle was able to get her life back on track and begin to make a future for herself. Now awarded West Australian Aboriginal person of the year, Rishelle has not only made a name for herself but she is giving back to the community and making an impact in the lives of others.

VIDEO: EPISODE PREVIEW

FULL EPISODE

SOME OF THE PROJECTS RISHELLE IS INVOLVED IN:

• Yorga Djenna Bidi

• Mandjah Boodjah Retirement Village

• UNESCO

INSPIRATIONAL WORDS FROM RISHELLE

Never give up. – Rishelle Hume #TrueLifeStoriesTV

Always give back to others that are less fortunate than you are, to make a difference for the better. – Rishelle Hume #TrueLifeStoriesTV

My grandfather gave back to the community up until the day he died. – Rishelle Hume #TrueLifeStoriesTV

There are more opportunities now for Aboriginal people to make a difference. – Rishelle Hume #TrueLifeStoriesTV

There is still a long way to go, there are still lots of challenges and barriers to overcome. – Rishelle Hume #TrueLifeStoriesTV