Coffs author reveals stories of courage and lives bravely lived

FINDING Courage is an online storytelling project created by Coffs Harbour writer Stephanie Hunt.

The project, now live at findingcourage.online, explores the moments when “ordinary” people find the strength to do something hard, risky or deeply meaningful.

While the collection includes submissions from around Australia, Ms Hunt said many of its most powerful stories have come from the Coffs Coast community.

“All the stories start with someone nominating a person whose courage inspires them,” Ms Hunt told News Of The Area.

“Many come from locals who recognise courage in their friends, neighbours and colleagues.”

Everyone sees courage differently, and the project doesn’t try to define it, only to explore the many ways it shows up in people’s lives.

Among the featured local stories are:
– Tiga Cross, whose passion for animals gave her the courage to chase a wild dream, rescuing the old Pet Porpoise Pool/Dolphin Marine Magic;

– Tara Parish, who has faced violence, heartbreak and loss, yet found the strength to believe in her own self-worth;

– Chels Marshal, a Gumbaynggir woman who rose from poverty and racism to become a world-renowned scientist;

– Julie McCabe, a local teacher who rebuilt her family’s life after a rugby accident left her husband a quadriplegic;

– Aden Ridgeway, respected Gumbaynggir Elder and former parliamentarian, who conquered his fears and found purpose in retirement.

Ms Hunt has been interested in writing about courage for years and formally started the project in early 2023.

“I began by asking people I know whose courage had inspired me to nominate someone, and it’s grown from there, with stories coming in over time from a range of people and places.”

Hunt plans to continue expanding the project and hopes it will inspire people to see courage in themselves as well as in others.

“Courage doesn’t always look dramatic,” she said.

“Often, it’s someone taking a step forward when everything feels difficult.

“I want these stories to remind people that courage is everywhere, including right here at home.”

The ongoing collection of written profiles, video interviews and reflections is available exclusively online while Ms Hunt is exploring a number of future formats including the possibility of a book.

Nominate a person of courage at findingcourage.online/nominations

By Andrea FERRARI