Writing my own fairytale

Hannah Diviney first came into The Weekly’s orbit in a harbourside hotel room ahead of the Women of the Future luncheon at the Sydney Opera House. She was among our six 2021 finalists, and the group were having their make-up done. Brushes were fanned out on the bedcovers and a gauzy curtain was dancing in the breeze as hair dryers whirred and mascara was applied. A light breakfast of fruit and croissants was laid out, but nerves – happy nerves – meant it mostly went untouched. These young high-achievers were smiling but quiet, anticipating the speeches they would give to a roomful of Australia’s most influential women.

Hannah, though, seemed undaunted by the task ahead and started firing off questions, lightening the mood and igniting friendships that endure to this day. How was everyone feeling? What was their project? Who did they most want to meet at the event?

Each finalist revealed a little of themselves. Angelique Wan taught consent to school students. Camille Goldstone-Henry was building tech to save native wildlife from extinction. Hannah listened and asked follow-up questions. Her talent was, and always has been, helping people be heard, and telling stories that matter. Sitting in her wheelchair in a floral dress, her long curly hair pulled back into a half-updo, she talked about the online publication she edited,, her mission to create a space for young women to have a greater voice in the media and politics, and her disability advocacy.