2 minute read
Standing strong
Bianca Templar is lighting a path for young Aboriginal Tasmanians.
Childhood was far from idyllic for Bianca Templar.
She was born with brittle bones that broke easily, was exposed to trauma and abuse, and her race, weight and disability made her a target for bullies.
Yet the adversity she experienced in her early years only served to solidify her strength and determination. Now 26, Bianca is proving that she is capable of conquering her own hurt and hardship, as well as helping others heal.
The alumna, based in Launceston, is an Aboriginal leader, artist, advocate and activist, who chose a career in caring for other young Tasmanians.
This year Bianca received formal recognition for her role in enhancing grassroots Aboriginal voices when she was awarded the First Nations People Achievement Award. Last year she won the Tasmanian Aboriginal Youth of the Year at the 2020 NAIDOC Awards.
Her own yardstick for success will be measured by the lives she changes.
Bianca’s home life was also hard. She was sexually assaulted as a child and had other trauma experiences, including being bullied at school.
It was a visit to a social worker that transformed Bianca’s life and inspired her to study a Bachelor of Social Work at the University of Tasmania, graduating in 2016.
“It amazed me that the social worker, who didn’t know me, who didn’t have to care about me, showed me so much care,” Bianca said.
Bianca Templar wearing one of her hand-crafted, traditional shell bracelets. Bianca Templar’s shell string necklace and bracelet. Photos: Peter W. Allen
“It inspired me and I have always maintained that if I can positively influence one person in my life journey, then I have been successful, not only in my career, but in life.
“I want to be someone that the younger me would have looked up to.”
Her social conscience was also shaped by her parents, who showed her that charity and advocacy were worthwhile endeavours. Bianca is a descendant of the Trawlwoolway and Plangermaireener people of Lutruwita and the granddaughter of respected Aboriginal Elder and sheller Aunty Gloria Templar.
“I used to sit there as a kid and watch her shell and ask her a million questions,” Bianca said.
“She gifted me the rest of her shells before she passed away, which I feel very lucky to have.
Aunty Gloria Templar also inspired her jewellery business, takamuna rrala designs, which is palawa kani for ‘stand strong designs’.
When she’s not engaged in the ancient Aboriginal art of shell stringing, Bianca is an advocate for our First Nation Peoples through the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre and the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Alliance.
“I really want to teach the wider community about the history of my people and the issues we face, as well as share my cultural knowledge,” she said.
“I hope that by doing this I will contribute to changing how people see the world.”
Lucie van den Berg
