How did you first encounter the work of Stella?

I didn’t know it at the time, but reading Emily Bitto’s debut novel, The Strays, was the first time I crossed paths with the Stella Prize. I can’t remember if I read this before or after it won in 2015. After that, I was introduced to incredible co-founder and inaugural executive director, Aviva Tuffield, and the rest, as they say, is history. 

What has been your most rewarding experience as Ambassador of Stella?

Meeting authors of exceptional creative ability and intellect has been a pure joy in this role. Stella people are passionate, insightful and in my experience, exceptionally generous. I am lucky to call many Stella authors my friends and, as their friend, I thank them for their contribution as a cultural collective. 

What do you see as Stella’s role in the Australian cultural Sector?

The stories we tell ourselves about ourselves matter, which is why Stella must remain at the heart of the Australian literary landscape. We have worked hard to address diversity, equity, and inclusion at Stella, but whilst we’ve made headway, there’s a lot more to do. 

What role have books and reading played in your life?

Ever since I was a small child, words and writing have been a defining feature in my days. I have used books as a way of dreaming, learning, and escaping. Reading is everything to me.