Trigger warning: This article contains discussion of sexual assault that may be triggering for some readers.
Lisa Wilkinson has shared an emotional tribute to Grace Tame as her 2021 Australian of the Year title comes to an end.
The Project host took to Instagram to heap praise on the sexual assault survivor and activist, saying she’s done Australia proud.
“Thank you for always speaking your truth. Thank you for never wavering from your passionate fight for justice for survivors of sexual assault,” Lisa’s lengthy post began.
“Thank you for doing everything within your power to make sure over the last 12 months that those in charge were listening, and acting on much-needed change.”
“Thank you for an incredible year of using your platform so wisely, thoughtfully, passionately and authentically.”
Lisa commended Grace for “showing us the power of female friendship” and referenced the 27-year-old’s close bond with Parliament House sexual assault survivor Brittany Higgins.
“The combined force of nature that you and @brittanyhiggins___ have now become, gives so many of us hope for the future,” she wrote.
After being sexually assaulted by her teacher when she was just 15, Grace bravely spoke up.
(Getty)“Finally, and most importantly Grace, thank you for making noise…just like you promised you would.”
Grace was quick to show her affection for Lisa, commenting: “I’m crying. Thank you, Lisa ❤️”
After being insidiously groomed, stalked and sexually assaulted by her 58-year-old maths teacher when she was just 15, Grace bravely spoke up and has helped to change laws, spread understanding, and given strength and hope to other survivors of abuse.
Lisa has been vocal about her unwavering support for Grace, Brittany and their fight for change.
In 2021 Australia was confronted with the harsh reality of sexual harassment and abuse in politics when Brittany claimed she was raped by a colleague at Parliament House.
Her accusation sparked a movement that called for change at all levels of Australian politics, especially after she shared her story in a TV interview with Lisa.
Earlier this month, Lisa reflected on how that moment came about, and took to Instagram to pay tribute to Brittany and the action she has inspired.
“Hard to believe it’s exactly a year since this incredible woman @brittanyhiggins_ came into my life,” the TV personality captioned a photo of them together.
“First an email, and then a phone call that began a chain of events that, four incredibly intense weeks behind-the-scenes later on Feb 15, would create headlines and go on to change forever the lives of countless women – and men – across the country.
Lisa continued: “The courage you have shown over the past year Britt, and the passion you have in continuing to drive change in the workplace and for survivors of sexual assault has been an absolute inspiration to be around.”
Lisa and Brittany Higgins have formed a tight bond.
(Instagram)While preparing to release her autobiography, It Wasn’t Supposed To Be Like This, in October, Lisa claimed that she had been sexually assaulted by a friend’s father as a teen.
Having kept the traumatic encounter a secret for decades, she told Stellar magazine that meeting Brittany gave her the courage to finally speak up.
“I thought, if [women] don’t come forward and don’t show how incredibly common these experiences are, then the perpetrators win. And I couldn’t be a party to that,” she said.
If you or someone you know has been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, help is always available. Call 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.
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