Guest Speaker

Ange Barker

On Friday 7th September, Year 9 students had the privilege of listening to guest speaker Angela Barker. 

Angela was the victim of domestic/relationship violence when she was 16 years old and suffered horrific injuries as a result of the violence. Amongst Angela’s injuries she suffered a brain injury and spent three years in hospitals and rehabilitation units and now uses a wheelchair to get around.

Sixteen years on, Angela, with the help of her parents Ian and Helen and cousin Belinda, speak out against violence and the devastating effects it has on people’s lives. The messages were very clear about the warning signs of an unhealthy relationship, power and control in relationships, disrespect in relationships, violence is never acceptable, recognising the need for, and how to get help.

Angela was very inspirational and motivational, sharing her achievements since her incident.

She has been nominated as Victorian Young Australian of the Year, represented Australia at the United Nations, travelled to New York, met the Queen and even Sky Diving for the first time last month!

Angela now works for the NAB.

These are things Angela never would have thought possible after her injuries.

Student feedback was very positive, with many students staying back to talk to Ang and her family after the session and several students still talking out the session later in the week.

Mark Metcalf

Adolescent Health