September 9, 2025 • 25 mins
Lily Gaulton is a truly impressive young person; coming in on her 12th birthday to chat about being a disability advocate, winning numerous awards for her efforts and her debut novel, Blossom, publishing later this year. She is already demonstrating great leadership and determination, with an impressive list of advocacy based activities and acknowledgements.
Come and discover the marvelous adventures of this hard-working, tenacious and bright young star.
This Friday (September 12th) the WA Youth Awards will be held at Optus Stadium with Lily up for the Commissioner for Children and Young People’s Participation Award.
You can click here to learn more about the award. Thanks for listening!
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
S1 (00:17):
Hello, I'm Simon Chong and welcome to In Plain Sight,
a program where we highlight people who are making a
difference and impact within the disability sector and their community.
We shine a light on those who otherwise would be
hidden in plain sight, and it's a pleasure to bring
you these programmes on a weekly basis here on Vision
Australia Radio. Hello, how are you? And hello, Andrew.
S2 (00:40):
Hello. How are you? Simon. This week.
S1 (00:43):
I'm great. This week it's been a really good week
and I'm really glad that winter is slowly, slowly leaving us.
I know people whinge about the weather, especially those of
you in Victoria, but in Perth we don't usually get
a freezing cold winter and we have this year and
it has been really debilitating and I have found being
(01:06):
inside cold over the last few weeks has not been
good for me at all.
S2 (01:12):
Yeah. It's, uh, it does get you down with the
constant cold weather and so forth, and there have been
some records of cold temperatures in Perth in recent times,
certainly in south west WA. The the other day Perth
I think, had its coldest day in winter for August anyway.
For something like 50 years it was 11 degrees.
S1 (01:32):
And now spring is sprung. And I'm really looking forward
to everything that September has to offer.
S2 (01:39):
Indeed. And you know, as we come into the studio today,
it's a bright, sunny day outside. So it really lifts
the spirit.
S1 (01:45):
And, uh, I know this is not related at all,
but the other thing that spring brings is AFL football finals,
and I'm really keen about that. Hopefully my team can
go reasonably well over the next few weeks. All that aside,
how's things been with you, Andrew?
S2 (02:02):
Yeah, really good. Really enjoying my role here on the program. So, um,
it's great each week coming in and having a chat
with you in the studio and hearing the remarkable people
that come into the studio and share their lives with
us each week. It's quite a privilege.
S1 (02:18):
Exactly. And what inspirational or wonderful things were you doing
when you were 12 years old, Andrew?
S2 (02:24):
Oh gosh, that's such a long time ago. That's more
than 50 years ago. Um, but I really can't remember
that far back.
S1 (02:33):
I can't remember what I was doing when I was
12 either, but I certainly know for a fact that
it wasn't as interesting, impacting and as relevant as our
guest is today. Our guest, Lilly, was fascinating and wonderful,
and she's only 12 years old, so it was a
bright and fun conversation. And what else do we know
(02:53):
about Lilly Andrew?
S2 (02:55):
Well, she's a disability advocate. She's 12 years old. She's
in year six this year, starting high school next year.
She'll tell you all about this in the interview. She's
also written a book, and she will have that book
published later this year. So as the publisher lined up
quite a remarkable young life and so much achieved in
such a short time.
S1 (03:15):
And she's been nominated for an award. Tell us about
that award.
S2 (03:18):
She has. She's been nominated for the Commissioner for Children
and Young People award, and that'll be announced later this
month on the 12th of September.
S1 (03:28):
And from everything I can tell, Lily is well deserved
nominee for that award. And we wish her well.
S2 (03:35):
We certainly do.
S1 (03:36):
It was a really great conversation we had with Lily,
and as Andrew just said, she's going to be publishing
a book soon. She has she's an avid reader, and
I do like reading, and I listen to books, and
I often access the Vision Australia library to listen to
their audio books. And I like to, uh, remind people
with a vision impairment who are blind or have other
(03:59):
reading disabilities, that Vision Australia library is a great resource
and a great place to find any book of your
choice that can be listened to in your leisure just
by contacting Vision Australia and their Vision Australia library.
S2 (04:14):
Thanks for that, Simon. And here's Simon's interview with Lily.
S1 (04:20):
Hello and welcome. And today we have a very special
guest in the studio with us. Today it's Lily Galton. Hello, Lily.
How are you?
S3 (04:28):
Good. How about you, Simon?
S1 (04:30):
I'm great now. I just learnt something from you. It's
your birthday today. Is that right?
S3 (04:34):
Yes.
S1 (04:35):
And you've just turned 12 today?
S3 (04:37):
Yep.
S1 (04:38):
So you are definitely our youngest participant in our conversations
that we've been having over the time we've had university students,
we've had 1 or 2 high school students, but you're
still in what year in primary school?
S3 (04:51):
Year six.
S1 (04:52):
Year six. Oh, so this is your last year?
S3 (04:55):
Yeah, last year of primary school.
S1 (04:56):
Wow. And you're looking forward to high school next year?
S3 (04:59):
Yes.
S1 (05:00):
Now, the reason why we've got you in the studio
is that I believe you are one of the most
dynamic and fantastic disability advocates that we've got here in Perth,
as well as only being just turned 12. Now that's
a big compliment. Tell us, firstly, we'll get the basics
out of the way. Just describe if you could your
(05:21):
disabilities for us.
S3 (05:23):
Uh, I have cerebral palsy and I have autism. So
autism basically affects my brain. And cerebral palsy also affects
my brain. And I wear an AFO to walk properly
because of my cerebral palsy.
S1 (05:39):
What's an AFO?
S3 (05:40):
An AFO is like a type of brace, but, um,
I don't like it when people call it a brace.
So it's an AFO and I wear, um, one on
my left leg, so I get like a new one
each year.
S1 (05:53):
So mainly around the autism that you do your disability
advocacy work, isn't it?
S3 (05:58):
Ah, yeah. Like I talk about stuff with autism and
cerebral palsy, Posey and I kind of just like talked
generally as well. Like I share my experiences and then
I also talk like generally and I do lots of
different things and stuff.
S1 (06:11):
Now you're only just turned 12 today, but the list
of things that you have already done and have already
achieved is really, really marvelous and fantastic. I believe that
you were nominated for an award recently. That is going
to be announced coming up in September, is that right?
S3 (06:32):
Uh, yes, I've made it. Um, another finalist for a
Commissioner for Children and Young People award, and this is
my second time being a finalist for this award.
S1 (06:43):
Wow. That's fantastic. Now, why do you think you were
nominated for that award?
S3 (06:47):
I think I was nominated because I do a lot
of advocacy and I try to, like, make a difference.
And I do a lot to, like, um, make things
better in this world for, like, children and young people
and people of all ages with disabilities in this world
and just sort of brighten things up a little.
S1 (07:07):
I think you're already doing a marvelous job, and it's
really great to see that. Now, I'm really curious to
know you've just turned 12 years old today. How did
you become so passionate and interested in trying to make
a difference for others?
S3 (07:20):
Well, my mum's a disability advocate as well, and she
does a lot of that stuff and I don't really
know like what my first like advocacy was and stuff.
But I guess I just sort of realized like the
things I could do and I started like doing lots
of different things and trying to make a difference. And
(07:41):
I became very passionate about, like talking about disability and
making things better and stuff and doing lots of different things.
S1 (07:50):
And you're doing it again. You're a great shining example
of an advocate and a person that we really like
to shine a light on here and in plain sight
on Vision Australia Radio, because you're demonstrating with everything that
you do a desire to make a difference, as you said,
and to be a young leader. Do you think you'd
(08:12):
want to be have leadership roles in the future?
S3 (08:15):
Um, maybe there's like different things that I want to
do when I grow up and things, but I know
that no matter what I do with, like, my job
or whatever, I'm still going to be an advocate and
still advocate for a about disability and stuff and do
all those things.
S1 (08:32):
Now, I believe that you helped instigate helped try to
get started. Recognition for International Day of People with disabilities
at your school, is that right?
S3 (08:42):
Uh, yeah. Last year I did. We were trying to like, um,
do things for International Day of People with disability. My
school didn't go up to the task. They kind of
forgot about it. But this year, um, we are. They're
actually going to like, do more and stuff and I'm good.
And they only really want to do it with the
year 60s. But I'm still going to do like different
(09:05):
things for International Day of People with disability at my school.
S1 (09:08):
That's excellent. Now, I've also believed that you participated in
a webinar discussion with the wonderful Eliza Hull, discussing representation
for people with disabilities in books. Tell us about that experience.
I watched it on YouTube just the other day. It
(09:29):
was fantastic. You did such a great job. Tell us
about that experience, Lily.
S3 (09:33):
Uh, yeah. We basically liked, um, talked about, like, representation.
And I gave, like, a little, um, presentation on, like, um,
the importance of representation of disability in books and stuff.
And I also got to ask Eliza some questions, and
it was really good, I liked it.
S1 (09:53):
How did you get involved with that?
S3 (09:56):
I think I sort of got invited to it. I
don't remember how, because it was last year and.
S1 (10:02):
Oh, so long ago.
S3 (10:03):
Yeah, like I sort of get just told by my
mum when like, I'm going to be doing something I don't.
And like, sometimes I get told like who's invited me
and then sometimes it's just sort of like I've been invited.
S1 (10:14):
And have you heard much of Eliza's music?
S3 (10:18):
Uh, yeah. I listened to, um, the episode she had
on In Plain Sight, and then I went to go
search up some of her music and stuff.
S1 (10:28):
Did you see the film clip that I mentioned within
that conversation with Eliza?
S3 (10:32):
I think I did, I'm not sure, but I did
look a bit.
S1 (10:35):
The song is called Running Underwater. Yeah. And it's got
an amazing film clip. Why did you think it was
important to have representation in books for people with disability?
S3 (10:47):
I think it's important because, like, I think that if
like Information on like disability and what it means to
have a disability should be taught to like kids at
a young age, because if they don't get told and
like taught, taught about disability until they're older, then like
it's harder for them to really like understand it. But
(11:07):
if they sort of like grow up with it or
they learn to start learning or like seeing the representation
in like books and stuff, it normalizes it and it
helps them understand like disability more as they get older
and stuff.
S1 (11:21):
Definitely. Now I'm going to ask you a serious question.
You can answer it if you can or don't have
to answer it if if you feel uncomfortable. But have
you ever felt any difference because of your disability? Is
there anyone ever bullied you? Or have you ever been
made to feel upset because of it or anything like that?
S3 (11:40):
Well, I don't know. There are some disadvantages such as
like with cerebral palsy means I can't always like walk.
I can't walk or run as fast as other kids.
And like, I know I'm sometimes like a bit quirky,
a bit different because of like my autism and stuff
and thing. But I do like also know that even
with differences and stuff, I can still do like, um,
(12:04):
other things that kids do and like other kids do.
And I can still like, do really cool things and
still like, do what I want even with like, disabilities
and stuff. And I also participated in cross country this
year because usually I don't run it, but I, I
did do cross country and um, got 38th place, so.
S1 (12:22):
Okay.
S3 (12:23):
It was pretty good.
S1 (12:23):
That is excellent. That is excellent. So I know you
also you have had interactions. You had talked with Wide
End Youth Disability Advocacy Network. You've had you've had something
to do with them as well haven't you.
S3 (12:38):
Uh yeah I do I've done quite a bit of
work with widen. I've done like um a few things.
I've got some stuff on with widen today actually, because um, um,
later in the day. I'm doing, like a wide end
program thing.
S1 (12:54):
But what are you doing there?
S3 (12:56):
Um, it's for the for us buyers program. They're doing.
S1 (13:00):
Buyers.
S3 (13:01):
For us buyers, and I, I don't I'm not sure
exactly what like it's happening. I don't, I don't.
S1 (13:09):
You're just going to go.
S3 (13:10):
There and. Yeah, just kind of go do it. And
we'll be like talking about stuff and doing things. So yeah.
S1 (13:15):
And get your photo taken.
S3 (13:17):
Uh, that's for something different. I'm doing a photo shoot
today as well, but it's for something different.
S4 (13:22):
So what was that for?
S3 (13:23):
Uh, the photo shoots, um, like, I'm going to be talking, um,
there's like this app called surge, and I've done some
work with surge, and they basically like, um, it's like
an app that helps with, like about accessibility and stuff
and places before, like people go, it's like a know
before you go sort of thing. And I'm gonna be
(13:45):
talking about like, and they're going to record me and
I'm going to talk about how the app can help
autistic kids and stuff. So I've got a very full
day today.
S4 (13:54):
You have.
S1 (13:55):
You're amazing. You're wonderful. I really enjoying talking with you now.
Talking about books. You told me that you have a
book ready to be published very soon and it's called blossom.
S3 (14:07):
Yeah. I'm currently working on the editing process of my book, blossom.
So it's a novel and it basically it's it's semi fiction.
So it basically takes part of my year five and
year six life with what my high school life could
be like and sort of like merges things and thing.
And the main character, blossom, she's basically me, but she's
already in high school. And so some of the things
(14:29):
happening to her now are things that happen to me
in year six, and some of the things like happening
to her are things that could happen to me in
high school, and it basically changes things.
S1 (14:38):
Like you're manifesting what might happen in high school.
S3 (14:41):
Yeah, a little and stuff. And it's it's like semi
fiction and it's like, yeah, pretty cool. And I'm working
with my editor slash publisher slash mentor who's helping me
edit it, and we're going to publish it by the
end of this year.
S1 (14:54):
Okay. Is it going to be a hard copy? Will
it be out in paper or. Yeah.
S3 (14:59):
It'll be a hard copy. And there might be like
a digital one as well. I don't know. But we're
going to do like a launch event. And there's lots
of things that we're going to do with it. So yeah.
S2 (15:10):
You're listening to In Plain Sight on Vision Australia Radio
with Simon Chong and me, Andrew Williams. Our guest this
week is 12 year old Lily Galton, who's a disability advocate,
and later this year will be a published author. And
now it's back to Simon and Lily.
S1 (15:28):
So you've just turned 12 today, and you've got a
book nearly ready to be published. That's just incredible and
fantastic and so inspirational. Do you think you would like
to write more books later on?
S3 (15:40):
Uh, yeah, I do want to write more books later
on and stuff, and I think that would be nice. Like,
who knows, maybe if blossom goes well, maybe there'll be
a second blossom. Like who knows? Yeah, there's lots of
opportunities and things, and I'll be able to write more
books and stuff.
S1 (15:54):
Do you know why you decided you'd like to write
a book? How did you get involved with that?
S3 (15:59):
Well, I'm a really good writer. Like, I write, like,
really good, like, narratives and stuff in school and persuasive
writing and stuff. And, like, I've always liked writing. I've
always been a very good writer at writing, like, stories
and stuff. So, um, I guess I sort of got
the idea for blossom and then, like, I, I started
(16:19):
writing it last year, so I've changed some things and stuff,
but yeah, like, yeah, basically. Yeah. So I've always been
a good writer and I've always liked writing. So.
S1 (16:29):
So I guess in high school your, your, your favorite
subject will be English and English literature. Yeah.
S3 (16:36):
Yeah. My favorite, one of my favorite subjects in school
is writing. So.
S1 (16:40):
And do you play any sports or anything? I know
you just said you did the cost. You just said
you did the cross-country race at school. Do you do
any other sports?
S3 (16:48):
Uh. Not really. I don't really do like any sports.
S1 (16:52):
And what other hobbies have you got? You like writing
and reading? Do you have any other hobbies? Do you, like.
Do you play games? Do you play?
S3 (16:58):
Yeah, I like to, like, um, like, listen to music
and play games on my iPad or switch and stuff. And, um,
I got like, some more Lego for my birthday and stuff.
So I like, if I've got a Lego set, I'll
build Lego and stuff.
S1 (17:14):
And, uh, do you just do free form Lego or
do you build the sets?
S3 (17:17):
Build the sets?
S1 (17:18):
Aha. And who's your favorite music artist at the moment?
S3 (17:22):
I don't really have like a favorite. I just listen
to songs I like. I don't really have a favorite
artist or anything.
S4 (17:27):
Okay.
S1 (17:28):
And you get up and dance with it.
S3 (17:30):
Um, well, not really, but like, I sort of listen
to it and I just like. Yeah.
S1 (17:34):
Have you ever done any dance or drama or anything
like that?
S3 (17:37):
Uh, I'm gonna do drama in high school, and then
I want to be able to, like, sing and dance
and stuff, but like, I haven't done anything professional or,
like much. No. I write songs though, and like my
notebooks and stuff.
S1 (17:48):
So do you play an instrument?
S3 (17:50):
Um, I was learning piano like, a while ago, but
I don't really know an instrument. I can't really play
an instrument. No, but I'm going to, at some point, like,
learn to play piano and maybe guitar or something.
S1 (18:02):
Now, do you know, can you tell us about any
other disability advocacy work that you're up to involved with
at the moment?
S3 (18:08):
Lily, I did a lot of stuff last year.
S4 (18:11):
Um, tell us about that.
S3 (18:12):
Like last year, I was a part of telethon. Yeah,
as a telephone champion. So I wasn't a telethon star,
but I still got to do, like, some things with
telephone and be on TV a little. And I've done, like, other, like,
webinars and panels and co-designs and I've done.
S1 (18:30):
Did you meet anyone famous when you were on the telethon?
S3 (18:33):
Uh, yeah, I met um, there was like one actress
I met, um. I don't remember who she was, but
she was like a, like, nurse or like doctor on, like,
a show or something.
S4 (18:47):
Okay.
S3 (18:47):
But. Yeah.
S1 (18:48):
And what other what kind of things did you have
to do as a telethon champion?
S3 (18:53):
Um, well, they kind of, like, just invented telethon champions
last year. So, like, um, people who like kids who
weren't telethon stars, they basically got to be telephone champions,
and they got to still go around and do things
and stuff. I got to walk out with the with
the woman's. I think it was the Eagles.
S4 (19:14):
Mhm.
S3 (19:14):
Um, yeah. I got to walk out with them onto
the field. And I also got to do like I
did like lots of different things on the telethon weekend.
And I got to stay in a hotel and that was.
S4 (19:26):
Oh really.
S3 (19:27):
Yeah.
S4 (19:27):
Wow.
S3 (19:28):
Cause like since everything was up in the city and, like,
there was no point, like, driving ING up, driving down
because we live in Rockingham. So there's, like, there's no.
So we got to stay in the hotel during the
telethon weekend, which was fun.
S1 (19:42):
Now, can I ask you, apart from your mum, who
are the people that you look up to and who
inspire you? Who your role models? Because I think you're
a role model now. Do you know who those people
might be?
S3 (19:55):
Well, I don't know, like, um, I like I have
a lot of, like, friends from in the advocacy community
and stuff. Um, like, especially lots of people from my dad.
So I guess I, like, look up to those people
and I get to, like, um, hang out with them during, like, advocacy.
And it's fun. Like, I think it's important to have
(20:15):
friends in the advocacy community because then when you do
like as much advocacy as I do, you sort of
have lots of friends to hang out with and stuff, and,
and like, you still get to work and stuff, but
you also get to have some fun as well.
S1 (20:27):
And so to anyone listening, what would you like to
tell them about disability and autism?
S3 (20:35):
I think that, like, if, um, they don't have a disability,
then they should like, like support people who do and
they should like, with or without a disability, believe in
themselves and like, do what they want to do in life.
And I think if they do have a disability, then
they should know that they're not alone and they can like,
(20:57):
do whatever they want and their disability doesn't hold them back.
It empowers them instead.
S1 (21:02):
And empowers them instead. Yeah, I think that's really on
the money. Um, Lily and I think you have really
fitted in well with what we are trying to do
here on In Plain Sight, because you've just used that term.
You know, we should feel empowered by having a disability,
(21:23):
not disenfranchised or, you know, put to a side. You're
going to lead the way very soon. I'm sure it's fantastic.
Have you got anything special coming up in the future
to do with disability advocacy? Do you know?
S3 (21:39):
Well, I've got my book, obviously I'm going to publish
and the, um, awards night for the youth award and stuff.
S4 (21:47):
Now, I read that that's the 12th of September.
S3 (21:50):
Yeah, I've got the awards now on the 12th of September,
so I'll find out then, like, I'll get to do
the awards night and there'll be and we'll find out.
S4 (21:58):
So that awards.
S3 (21:58):
Win or not.
S4 (21:59):
Those.
S1 (21:59):
Awards aren't just for young people with disabilities. It's for everyone.
S3 (22:04):
Um, like, yeah, it's not just for like, um, young
people with disability. It's sort of just for like young
people in general who have done like different things and
they get nominated for the awards and stuff.
S1 (22:15):
That's really excellent. With the book that you're putting out blossom,
will it have illustrations or just a basic novel?
S3 (22:23):
Um, basic novel. The only really like, um, illustration would
be like on the cover.
S1 (22:29):
Are you talking about books? You told me your favourite.
Not necessarily book because you're just reading the books now,
but your story is Harry Potter, is that right?
S3 (22:36):
Yeah, I, I really like Harry Potter. I've watched, um,
the movies multiple times, and I'm currently reading the books
for the first time.
S1 (22:44):
What drew, what did you really like about Harry Potter?
The story.
S3 (22:48):
Um, I think it's I like it because it's like
action packed and it's got, like, really good characters and
it's like. It's really interesting, too.
S1 (22:56):
Did you see any similarities between Harry Potter and disability advocacy?
S3 (23:02):
I think like similarities would be that, like, Harry's really
brave and he like, does like like he tries to
like protect like, yeah, the wizarding world from Voldemort. And
he like, that's right. And he like, stands up to
people like Draco and stuff and.
S1 (23:20):
Yeah, stands up to bullies.
S3 (23:22):
Yeah. And I think that's like similar because, um, because
I think, like disability advocacy, you're trying to like, stand
up to people who are like, mean or rude and
disrespectful and you sort of like, um, ignore the discrimination
and just try to be brave and, and do what
(23:42):
you want in the world and stuff.
S1 (23:44):
That is excellent. And that's a great place where we
have to leave this really fun and delightful conversation. Lily,
because you just said it right there. Like you just said,
let's encourage people if they feel like they can support
the people in the community who have a disability. And
if you have a disability yourself, feel encouragement from what
(24:05):
we're saying today that if you think you can give
it a go or find the support that you need
to help support others and be an active person in
the community, like lovely Lily here. Is there anything else
you'd like to say before we have to say goodbye?
S3 (24:20):
Um, thanks for, like, um, inviting me on on to
In Plain Sight. And I had a lot of fun today.
S1 (24:29):
I had a lot of fun too. It was a
great to meet you and really great to chat with
you and I really enjoyed it. So thanks very much.
Lily Kelton for joining us today. Young disability advocate and
an author. Thanks very much. See you next week, people,
and I'd like to speak to you then. Bye for now.
S2 (24:56):
That concludes in Plain Sight for this week. Join us
at the same time next week on Vision Australia Radio,
VA radio digital and online at VA Radio.com. You can
also listen on demand by searching for In Plain Sight
by Vision Australia Radio. Wherever you get your podcasts, or
ask your smart device to play in Plain Sight by
(25:17):
Vision Australia Radio. Thanks for listening.
S1 (25:20):
Thank you.
Hello, I'm Simon Chong and welcome to In Plain Sight,
a program where we highlight people who are making a
difference and impact within the disability sector and their community.
We shine a light on those who otherwise would be
hidden in plain sight, and it's a pleasure to bring
you these programmes on a weekly basis here on Vision
Australia Radio. Hello, how are you? And hello, Andrew.
S2 (00:40):
Hello. How are you? Simon. This week.
S1 (00:43):
I'm great. This week it's been a really good week
and I'm really glad that winter is slowly, slowly leaving us.
I know people whinge about the weather, especially those of
you in Victoria, but in Perth we don't usually get
a freezing cold winter and we have this year and
it has been really debilitating and I have found being
(01:06):
inside cold over the last few weeks has not been
good for me at all.
S2 (01:12):
Yeah. It's, uh, it does get you down with the
constant cold weather and so forth, and there have been
some records of cold temperatures in Perth in recent times,
certainly in south west WA. The the other day Perth
I think, had its coldest day in winter for August anyway.
For something like 50 years it was 11 degrees.
S1 (01:32):
And now spring is sprung. And I'm really looking forward
to everything that September has to offer.
S2 (01:39):
Indeed. And you know, as we come into the studio today,
it's a bright, sunny day outside. So it really lifts
the spirit.
S1 (01:45):
And, uh, I know this is not related at all,
but the other thing that spring brings is AFL football finals,
and I'm really keen about that. Hopefully my team can
go reasonably well over the next few weeks. All that aside,
how's things been with you, Andrew?
S2 (02:02):
Yeah, really good. Really enjoying my role here on the program. So, um,
it's great each week coming in and having a chat
with you in the studio and hearing the remarkable people
that come into the studio and share their lives with
us each week. It's quite a privilege.
S1 (02:18):
Exactly. And what inspirational or wonderful things were you doing
when you were 12 years old, Andrew?
S2 (02:24):
Oh gosh, that's such a long time ago. That's more
than 50 years ago. Um, but I really can't remember
that far back.
S1 (02:33):
I can't remember what I was doing when I was
12 either, but I certainly know for a fact that
it wasn't as interesting, impacting and as relevant as our
guest is today. Our guest, Lilly, was fascinating and wonderful,
and she's only 12 years old, so it was a
bright and fun conversation. And what else do we know
(02:53):
about Lilly Andrew?
S2 (02:55):
Well, she's a disability advocate. She's 12 years old. She's
in year six this year, starting high school next year.
She'll tell you all about this in the interview. She's
also written a book, and she will have that book
published later this year. So as the publisher lined up
quite a remarkable young life and so much achieved in
such a short time.
S1 (03:15):
And she's been nominated for an award. Tell us about
that award.
S2 (03:18):
She has. She's been nominated for the Commissioner for Children
and Young People award, and that'll be announced later this
month on the 12th of September.
S1 (03:28):
And from everything I can tell, Lily is well deserved
nominee for that award. And we wish her well.
S2 (03:35):
We certainly do.
S1 (03:36):
It was a really great conversation we had with Lily,
and as Andrew just said, she's going to be publishing
a book soon. She has she's an avid reader, and
I do like reading, and I listen to books, and
I often access the Vision Australia library to listen to
their audio books. And I like to, uh, remind people
with a vision impairment who are blind or have other
(03:59):
reading disabilities, that Vision Australia library is a great resource
and a great place to find any book of your
choice that can be listened to in your leisure just
by contacting Vision Australia and their Vision Australia library.
S2 (04:14):
Thanks for that, Simon. And here's Simon's interview with Lily.
S1 (04:20):
Hello and welcome. And today we have a very special
guest in the studio with us. Today it's Lily Galton. Hello, Lily.
How are you?
S3 (04:28):
Good. How about you, Simon?
S1 (04:30):
I'm great now. I just learnt something from you. It's
your birthday today. Is that right?
S3 (04:34):
Yes.
S1 (04:35):
And you've just turned 12 today?
S3 (04:37):
Yep.
S1 (04:38):
So you are definitely our youngest participant in our conversations
that we've been having over the time we've had university students,
we've had 1 or 2 high school students, but you're
still in what year in primary school?
S3 (04:51):
Year six.
S1 (04:52):
Year six. Oh, so this is your last year?
S3 (04:55):
Yeah, last year of primary school.
S1 (04:56):
Wow. And you're looking forward to high school next year?
S3 (04:59):
Yes.
S1 (05:00):
Now, the reason why we've got you in the studio
is that I believe you are one of the most
dynamic and fantastic disability advocates that we've got here in Perth,
as well as only being just turned 12. Now that's
a big compliment. Tell us, firstly, we'll get the basics
out of the way. Just describe if you could your
(05:21):
disabilities for us.
S3 (05:23):
Uh, I have cerebral palsy and I have autism. So
autism basically affects my brain. And cerebral palsy also affects
my brain. And I wear an AFO to walk properly
because of my cerebral palsy.
S1 (05:39):
What's an AFO?
S3 (05:40):
An AFO is like a type of brace, but, um,
I don't like it when people call it a brace.
So it's an AFO and I wear, um, one on
my left leg, so I get like a new one
each year.
S1 (05:53):
So mainly around the autism that you do your disability
advocacy work, isn't it?
S3 (05:58):
Ah, yeah. Like I talk about stuff with autism and
cerebral palsy, Posey and I kind of just like talked
generally as well. Like I share my experiences and then
I also talk like generally and I do lots of
different things and stuff.
S1 (06:11):
Now you're only just turned 12 today, but the list
of things that you have already done and have already
achieved is really, really marvelous and fantastic. I believe that
you were nominated for an award recently. That is going
to be announced coming up in September, is that right?
S3 (06:32):
Uh, yes, I've made it. Um, another finalist for a
Commissioner for Children and Young People award, and this is
my second time being a finalist for this award.
S1 (06:43):
Wow. That's fantastic. Now, why do you think you were
nominated for that award?
S3 (06:47):
I think I was nominated because I do a lot
of advocacy and I try to, like, make a difference.
And I do a lot to, like, um, make things
better in this world for, like, children and young people
and people of all ages with disabilities in this world
and just sort of brighten things up a little.
S1 (07:07):
I think you're already doing a marvelous job, and it's
really great to see that. Now, I'm really curious to
know you've just turned 12 years old today. How did
you become so passionate and interested in trying to make
a difference for others?
S3 (07:20):
Well, my mum's a disability advocate as well, and she
does a lot of that stuff and I don't really
know like what my first like advocacy was and stuff.
But I guess I just sort of realized like the
things I could do and I started like doing lots
of different things and trying to make a difference. And
(07:41):
I became very passionate about, like talking about disability and
making things better and stuff and doing lots of different things.
S1 (07:50):
And you're doing it again. You're a great shining example
of an advocate and a person that we really like
to shine a light on here and in plain sight
on Vision Australia Radio, because you're demonstrating with everything that
you do a desire to make a difference, as you said,
and to be a young leader. Do you think you'd
(08:12):
want to be have leadership roles in the future?
S3 (08:15):
Um, maybe there's like different things that I want to
do when I grow up and things, but I know
that no matter what I do with, like, my job
or whatever, I'm still going to be an advocate and
still advocate for a about disability and stuff and do
all those things.
S1 (08:32):
Now, I believe that you helped instigate helped try to
get started. Recognition for International Day of People with disabilities
at your school, is that right?
S3 (08:42):
Uh, yeah. Last year I did. We were trying to like, um,
do things for International Day of People with disability. My
school didn't go up to the task. They kind of
forgot about it. But this year, um, we are. They're
actually going to like, do more and stuff and I'm good.
And they only really want to do it with the
year 60s. But I'm still going to do like different
(09:05):
things for International Day of People with disability at my school.
S1 (09:08):
That's excellent. Now, I've also believed that you participated in
a webinar discussion with the wonderful Eliza Hull, discussing representation
for people with disabilities in books. Tell us about that experience.
I watched it on YouTube just the other day. It
(09:29):
was fantastic. You did such a great job. Tell us
about that experience, Lily.
S3 (09:33):
Uh, yeah. We basically liked, um, talked about, like, representation.
And I gave, like, a little, um, presentation on, like, um,
the importance of representation of disability in books and stuff.
And I also got to ask Eliza some questions, and
it was really good, I liked it.
S1 (09:53):
How did you get involved with that?
S3 (09:56):
I think I sort of got invited to it. I
don't remember how, because it was last year and.
S1 (10:02):
Oh, so long ago.
S3 (10:03):
Yeah, like I sort of get just told by my
mum when like, I'm going to be doing something I don't.
And like, sometimes I get told like who's invited me
and then sometimes it's just sort of like I've been invited.
S1 (10:14):
And have you heard much of Eliza's music?
S3 (10:18):
Uh, yeah. I listened to, um, the episode she had
on In Plain Sight, and then I went to go
search up some of her music and stuff.
S1 (10:28):
Did you see the film clip that I mentioned within
that conversation with Eliza?
S3 (10:32):
I think I did, I'm not sure, but I did
look a bit.
S1 (10:35):
The song is called Running Underwater. Yeah. And it's got
an amazing film clip. Why did you think it was
important to have representation in books for people with disability?
S3 (10:47):
I think it's important because, like, I think that if
like Information on like disability and what it means to
have a disability should be taught to like kids at
a young age, because if they don't get told and
like taught, taught about disability until they're older, then like
it's harder for them to really like understand it. But
(11:07):
if they sort of like grow up with it or
they learn to start learning or like seeing the representation
in like books and stuff, it normalizes it and it
helps them understand like disability more as they get older
and stuff.
S1 (11:21):
Definitely. Now I'm going to ask you a serious question.
You can answer it if you can or don't have
to answer it if if you feel uncomfortable. But have
you ever felt any difference because of your disability? Is
there anyone ever bullied you? Or have you ever been
made to feel upset because of it or anything like that?
S3 (11:40):
Well, I don't know. There are some disadvantages such as
like with cerebral palsy means I can't always like walk.
I can't walk or run as fast as other kids.
And like, I know I'm sometimes like a bit quirky,
a bit different because of like my autism and stuff
and thing. But I do like also know that even
with differences and stuff, I can still do like, um,
(12:04):
other things that kids do and like other kids do.
And I can still like, do really cool things and
still like, do what I want even with like, disabilities
and stuff. And I also participated in cross country this
year because usually I don't run it, but I, I
did do cross country and um, got 38th place, so.
S1 (12:22):
Okay.
S3 (12:23):
It was pretty good.
S1 (12:23):
That is excellent. That is excellent. So I know you
also you have had interactions. You had talked with Wide
End Youth Disability Advocacy Network. You've had you've had something
to do with them as well haven't you.
S3 (12:38):
Uh yeah I do I've done quite a bit of
work with widen. I've done like um a few things.
I've got some stuff on with widen today actually, because um, um,
later in the day. I'm doing, like a wide end
program thing.
S1 (12:54):
But what are you doing there?
S3 (12:56):
Um, it's for the for us buyers program. They're doing.
S1 (13:00):
Buyers.
S3 (13:01):
For us buyers, and I, I don't I'm not sure
exactly what like it's happening. I don't, I don't.
S1 (13:09):
You're just going to go.
S3 (13:10):
There and. Yeah, just kind of go do it. And
we'll be like talking about stuff and doing things. So yeah.
S1 (13:15):
And get your photo taken.
S3 (13:17):
Uh, that's for something different. I'm doing a photo shoot
today as well, but it's for something different.
S4 (13:22):
So what was that for?
S3 (13:23):
Uh, the photo shoots, um, like, I'm going to be talking, um,
there's like this app called surge, and I've done some
work with surge, and they basically like, um, it's like
an app that helps with, like about accessibility and stuff
and places before, like people go, it's like a know
before you go sort of thing. And I'm gonna be
(13:45):
talking about like, and they're going to record me and
I'm going to talk about how the app can help
autistic kids and stuff. So I've got a very full
day today.
S4 (13:54):
You have.
S1 (13:55):
You're amazing. You're wonderful. I really enjoying talking with you now.
Talking about books. You told me that you have a
book ready to be published very soon and it's called blossom.
S3 (14:07):
Yeah. I'm currently working on the editing process of my book, blossom.
So it's a novel and it basically it's it's semi fiction.
So it basically takes part of my year five and
year six life with what my high school life could
be like and sort of like merges things and thing.
And the main character, blossom, she's basically me, but she's
already in high school. And so some of the things
(14:29):
happening to her now are things that happen to me
in year six, and some of the things like happening
to her are things that could happen to me in
high school, and it basically changes things.
S1 (14:38):
Like you're manifesting what might happen in high school.
S3 (14:41):
Yeah, a little and stuff. And it's it's like semi
fiction and it's like, yeah, pretty cool. And I'm working
with my editor slash publisher slash mentor who's helping me
edit it, and we're going to publish it by the
end of this year.
S1 (14:54):
Okay. Is it going to be a hard copy? Will
it be out in paper or. Yeah.
S3 (14:59):
It'll be a hard copy. And there might be like
a digital one as well. I don't know. But we're
going to do like a launch event. And there's lots
of things that we're going to do with it. So yeah.
S2 (15:10):
You're listening to In Plain Sight on Vision Australia Radio
with Simon Chong and me, Andrew Williams. Our guest this
week is 12 year old Lily Galton, who's a disability advocate,
and later this year will be a published author. And
now it's back to Simon and Lily.
S1 (15:28):
So you've just turned 12 today, and you've got a
book nearly ready to be published. That's just incredible and
fantastic and so inspirational. Do you think you would like
to write more books later on?
S3 (15:40):
Uh, yeah, I do want to write more books later
on and stuff, and I think that would be nice. Like,
who knows, maybe if blossom goes well, maybe there'll be
a second blossom. Like who knows? Yeah, there's lots of
opportunities and things, and I'll be able to write more
books and stuff.
S1 (15:54):
Do you know why you decided you'd like to write
a book? How did you get involved with that?
S3 (15:59):
Well, I'm a really good writer. Like, I write, like,
really good, like, narratives and stuff in school and persuasive
writing and stuff. And, like, I've always liked writing. I've
always been a very good writer at writing, like, stories
and stuff. So, um, I guess I sort of got
the idea for blossom and then, like, I, I started
(16:19):
writing it last year, so I've changed some things and stuff,
but yeah, like, yeah, basically. Yeah. So I've always been
a good writer and I've always liked writing. So.
S1 (16:29):
So I guess in high school your, your, your favorite
subject will be English and English literature. Yeah.
S3 (16:36):
Yeah. My favorite, one of my favorite subjects in school
is writing. So.
S1 (16:40):
And do you play any sports or anything? I know
you just said you did the cost. You just said
you did the cross-country race at school. Do you do
any other sports?
S3 (16:48):
Uh. Not really. I don't really do like any sports.
S1 (16:52):
And what other hobbies have you got? You like writing
and reading? Do you have any other hobbies? Do you, like.
Do you play games? Do you play?
S3 (16:58):
Yeah, I like to, like, um, like, listen to music
and play games on my iPad or switch and stuff. And, um,
I got like, some more Lego for my birthday and stuff.
So I like, if I've got a Lego set, I'll
build Lego and stuff.
S1 (17:14):
And, uh, do you just do free form Lego or
do you build the sets?
S3 (17:17):
Build the sets?
S1 (17:18):
Aha. And who's your favorite music artist at the moment?
S3 (17:22):
I don't really have like a favorite. I just listen
to songs I like. I don't really have a favorite
artist or anything.
S4 (17:27):
Okay.
S1 (17:28):
And you get up and dance with it.
S3 (17:30):
Um, well, not really, but like, I sort of listen
to it and I just like. Yeah.
S1 (17:34):
Have you ever done any dance or drama or anything
like that?
S3 (17:37):
Uh, I'm gonna do drama in high school, and then
I want to be able to, like, sing and dance
and stuff, but like, I haven't done anything professional or,
like much. No. I write songs though, and like my
notebooks and stuff.
S1 (17:48):
So do you play an instrument?
S3 (17:50):
Um, I was learning piano like, a while ago, but
I don't really know an instrument. I can't really play
an instrument. No, but I'm going to, at some point, like,
learn to play piano and maybe guitar or something.
S1 (18:02):
Now, do you know, can you tell us about any
other disability advocacy work that you're up to involved with
at the moment?
S3 (18:08):
Lily, I did a lot of stuff last year.
S4 (18:11):
Um, tell us about that.
S3 (18:12):
Like last year, I was a part of telethon. Yeah,
as a telephone champion. So I wasn't a telethon star,
but I still got to do, like, some things with
telephone and be on TV a little. And I've done, like, other, like,
webinars and panels and co-designs and I've done.
S1 (18:30):
Did you meet anyone famous when you were on the telethon?
S3 (18:33):
Uh, yeah, I met um, there was like one actress
I met, um. I don't remember who she was, but
she was like a, like, nurse or like doctor on, like,
a show or something.
S4 (18:47):
Okay.
S3 (18:47):
But. Yeah.
S1 (18:48):
And what other what kind of things did you have
to do as a telethon champion?
S3 (18:53):
Um, well, they kind of, like, just invented telethon champions
last year. So, like, um, people who like kids who
weren't telethon stars, they basically got to be telephone champions,
and they got to still go around and do things
and stuff. I got to walk out with the with
the woman's. I think it was the Eagles.
S4 (19:14):
Mhm.
S3 (19:14):
Um, yeah. I got to walk out with them onto
the field. And I also got to do like I
did like lots of different things on the telethon weekend.
And I got to stay in a hotel and that was.
S4 (19:26):
Oh really.
S3 (19:27):
Yeah.
S4 (19:27):
Wow.
S3 (19:28):
Cause like since everything was up in the city and, like,
there was no point, like, driving ING up, driving down
because we live in Rockingham. So there's, like, there's no.
So we got to stay in the hotel during the
telethon weekend, which was fun.
S1 (19:42):
Now, can I ask you, apart from your mum, who
are the people that you look up to and who
inspire you? Who your role models? Because I think you're
a role model now. Do you know who those people
might be?
S3 (19:55):
Well, I don't know, like, um, I like I have
a lot of, like, friends from in the advocacy community
and stuff. Um, like, especially lots of people from my dad.
So I guess I, like, look up to those people
and I get to, like, um, hang out with them during, like, advocacy.
And it's fun. Like, I think it's important to have
(20:15):
friends in the advocacy community because then when you do
like as much advocacy as I do, you sort of
have lots of friends to hang out with and stuff, and,
and like, you still get to work and stuff, but
you also get to have some fun as well.
S1 (20:27):
And so to anyone listening, what would you like to
tell them about disability and autism?
S3 (20:35):
I think that, like, if, um, they don't have a disability,
then they should like, like support people who do and
they should like, with or without a disability, believe in
themselves and like, do what they want to do in life.
And I think if they do have a disability, then
they should know that they're not alone and they can like,
(20:57):
do whatever they want and their disability doesn't hold them back.
It empowers them instead.
S1 (21:02):
And empowers them instead. Yeah, I think that's really on
the money. Um, Lily and I think you have really
fitted in well with what we are trying to do
here on In Plain Sight, because you've just used that term.
You know, we should feel empowered by having a disability,
(21:23):
not disenfranchised or, you know, put to a side. You're
going to lead the way very soon. I'm sure it's fantastic.
Have you got anything special coming up in the future
to do with disability advocacy? Do you know?
S3 (21:39):
Well, I've got my book, obviously I'm going to publish
and the, um, awards night for the youth award and stuff.
S4 (21:47):
Now, I read that that's the 12th of September.
S3 (21:50):
Yeah, I've got the awards now on the 12th of September,
so I'll find out then, like, I'll get to do
the awards night and there'll be and we'll find out.
S4 (21:58):
So that awards.
S3 (21:58):
Win or not.
S4 (21:59):
Those.
S1 (21:59):
Awards aren't just for young people with disabilities. It's for everyone.
S3 (22:04):
Um, like, yeah, it's not just for like, um, young
people with disability. It's sort of just for like young
people in general who have done like different things and
they get nominated for the awards and stuff.
S1 (22:15):
That's really excellent. With the book that you're putting out blossom,
will it have illustrations or just a basic novel?
S3 (22:23):
Um, basic novel. The only really like, um, illustration would
be like on the cover.
S1 (22:29):
Are you talking about books? You told me your favourite.
Not necessarily book because you're just reading the books now,
but your story is Harry Potter, is that right?
S3 (22:36):
Yeah, I, I really like Harry Potter. I've watched, um,
the movies multiple times, and I'm currently reading the books
for the first time.
S1 (22:44):
What drew, what did you really like about Harry Potter?
The story.
S3 (22:48):
Um, I think it's I like it because it's like
action packed and it's got, like, really good characters and
it's like. It's really interesting, too.
S1 (22:56):
Did you see any similarities between Harry Potter and disability advocacy?
S3 (23:02):
I think like similarities would be that, like, Harry's really
brave and he like, does like like he tries to
like protect like, yeah, the wizarding world from Voldemort. And
he like, that's right. And he like, stands up to
people like Draco and stuff and.
S1 (23:20):
Yeah, stands up to bullies.
S3 (23:22):
Yeah. And I think that's like similar because, um, because
I think, like disability advocacy, you're trying to like, stand
up to people who are like, mean or rude and
disrespectful and you sort of like, um, ignore the discrimination
and just try to be brave and, and do what
(23:42):
you want in the world and stuff.
S1 (23:44):
That is excellent. And that's a great place where we
have to leave this really fun and delightful conversation. Lily,
because you just said it right there. Like you just said,
let's encourage people if they feel like they can support
the people in the community who have a disability. And
if you have a disability yourself, feel encouragement from what
(24:05):
we're saying today that if you think you can give
it a go or find the support that you need
to help support others and be an active person in
the community, like lovely Lily here. Is there anything else
you'd like to say before we have to say goodbye?
S3 (24:20):
Um, thanks for, like, um, inviting me on on to
In Plain Sight. And I had a lot of fun today.
S1 (24:29):
I had a lot of fun too. It was a
great to meet you and really great to chat with
you and I really enjoyed it. So thanks very much.
Lily Kelton for joining us today. Young disability advocate and
an author. Thanks very much. See you next week, people,
and I'd like to speak to you then. Bye for now.
S2 (24:56):
That concludes in Plain Sight for this week. Join us
at the same time next week on Vision Australia Radio,
VA radio digital and online at VA Radio.com. You can
also listen on demand by searching for In Plain Sight
by Vision Australia Radio. Wherever you get your podcasts, or
ask your smart device to play in Plain Sight by
(25:17):
Vision Australia Radio. Thanks for listening.
S1 (25:20):
Thank you.
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Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
Are You A Charlotte?
In 1997, actress Kristin Davis’ life was forever changed when she took on the role of Charlotte York in Sex and the City. As we watched Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte navigate relationships in NYC, the show helped push once unacceptable conversation topics out of the shadows and altered the narrative around women and sex. We all saw ourselves in them as they searched for fulfillment in life, sex and friendships. Now, Kristin Davis wants to connect with you, the fans, and share untold stories and all the behind the scenes. Together, with Kristin and special guests, what will begin with Sex and the City will evolve into talks about themes that are still so relevant today. "Are you a Charlotte?" is much more than just rewatching this beloved show, it brings the past and the present together as we talk with heart, humor and of course some optimism.
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