Oscar’s finalists receive Women Making a Difference anthology featuring FNQ stories

A Far North author has had a brush with Hollywood after her story hit the red carpet at the Academy Awards this week.

Tablelands author Nicola Baker has been featured in an anthology published by Far North Queensland publishing company Women Changing the World Press, which has been included in gift bags and given to finalists at the 97th Academy Awards in Los Angeles this week. Picture: Sandhya Ram

A Tablelands author has had a brush with the stars after her story, featured in a Far North published anthology, hit the red carpet at the 97th Academy Awards this week.

Ravenshoe author Nicola Baker may be half a world away from the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, but her true story about her son’s journey with chronic illness has made it into the hands of movie stars at the Oscars ceremony in Los Angeles.

Ms Baker, founder of Moyamoya Australia, has written a chapter about her son’s journey with the illness, included in global anthology, Women Making a Difference.

The book featured in gift bags for Academy Awards finalists and winners including Adrien Brodie, Kieren Culkin, Mikey Madison and Zoe Saldana.

“I got an email (about it) and thought, what?” Ms Baker said.

Ravenshoe author Nicola Baker and Far North Publisher Women Changing the World Press will have their anthology Women Making a Difference featured in gift bags for finalists at the 97th Academy Awards in Hollywood, Los Angeles, next month. Photo: Supplied.

“Then I read the list of people going to get a copy of the book and it’s like all my Christmases have come at once. It’s so exciting,” Ms Baker said.

Among the list of big names, Ms Baker has two clear favourites.

“Ariana (Grande) and Cynthia (Erivo) – I’m a huge Wicked fan, I even have The Gimmerie in my cupboard and I can sing Ariana’s songs and the (Wicked) soundtrack word for word,” she said.

“I’m still pinching myself, I don’t think the pinching will stop any time soon.”

Wicked actors Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo have been named finalists in the 97th Academy Awards, to tkae place on March 3, for Actress in a Supporting Role and Actress in a Leading role, respectively. Photo: Supplied

Women Making a Difference, published by Women Changing the World Press, is an endeavour of Far North Queensland businesswomen and AusMumpreneur co-founders Peace Mitchell and Katy Garner.

“(Peace and Katy) continue to provide opportunities for women to get to know each other better,” Ms Baker said.

“Ladies from all over the world have contributed to (Women Making a Difference) with incredible stories from the UK, Africa, and lots from Australia.
“It’s a window to people (we) wouldn’t have had access to before.”

The 97th Academy Awards took place at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles on March 3, 2025.

Originally published as Oscar’s finalists receive Women Making a Difference anthology featuring FNQ stories