'I was on the street and an addict': Coast nominee's amazing rebirth

A YOUNG Entrepreneur of the Year winner and ex-addict has been nominated for the Harvey Norman Gold Coast Women of the Year awards for her work helping people return to the workforce. LAST CHANCE TO ENTER

• Nominate now: 2021 Gold Coast Women of the Year
• 2020 winner: Shock plans for Women of the Year winner

ELEVEN years ago Amelia Gow’s life hit rock bottom.

She was living on the streets of Melbourne and suffering from an addiction and surviving through mental and physical abuse.

“It was 10 years of addiction and self worth issues,” Ms Gow, now 35, said.

“I was abused by someone I knew who held me hostage and beat me.

“It was then that I knew I had to make a change and take control of my life.”

Her change began with small steps.

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“The big thing was being vulnerable and admitting I was an addict, (and) admitting I wasn’t OK,” she said.

“Getting back into the workforce took someone looking at me and asking me what my real story was.”

Those brave steps slowly grew into something bigger, with Ms Gow now earning a nomination for the Harvey Norman Gold Coast Women of the Year awards.

Now owner of not-for-profit recruitment company Active Opportunities, the Surfers Paradise resident assists people with disabilities and barriers to employment get back into work with practical training and life skills.

Ms Gow won the Australian Young Entrepreneur of the year Award in 2019. She said she never expected to be going down the business path.

Amelia Gow has been nominated for Women of the year. Picture: Richard Gosling

Active Opportunities was founded 2015 and “grew exponentially ever since”.

“I have no formal education in business, I have no idea what I am doing most days, I do it because it’s my passion,” she said.

“If I could get out of the gutter and make something of my life than anyone can.”

Ms Gow admits moving to the Gold Coast gave her a “fresh start”.

“It became my home and a safe place, the place that embraced me and didn’t judge me and gave me fresh prospects,” she said.

“I don't think I would have gotten where I am and built what we have if it wasn’t for the GC and the community – it just wouldn’t have worked anywhere else.”

The Harvey Norman Gold Coast Women of the Year is also brought to you by Star Gold Coast, Southern Cross University, St Hilda’s School, Mx Skincare and Phoenix Management.

‘Make a real difference’: Bold plan of Coast’s reigning Woman of the Year

THE 2020 Harvey Norman Gold Coast Woman of the Year winner Tani Bloudell is making an even bigger difference in 2021.

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The 24-year-old charity volunteer remains focused on a political career but is keeping up selfless work as the East Coast fundraising coordinator for Radio Lollipop, which brings cheer to children in hospital.

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Gold Coast Woman of the Year 2020 winner Tani Bloudell at The Star Gold Coast. Picture: Jerad Williams

The Everybody Deserves Global Education (EDGE) founder – which furnishes schools and helps rebuild hospitals in developing countries – has boosted her recognition and respect in the community after being crowned the 2020 winner.

“ … which has helped me continue to make a bigger difference.”

Before long, she might be seen on an even bigger and more public stage.

“I would love to get into politics – and make a real difference. I want to take my young blood into office because I feel the Cabinet needs young voices too. I would have been 10 when I realised I’d like to be Prime Minister – and now I’m launching my platform to make a difference in the political world.”

The past year’s global pandemic had impacted Radio Lollipop fundraisers.

“We had to rely more on grants and the support of businesses who were doing okay and change the ways we look at fundraising. We have ‘sponsor a volunteer’ now, so people can sponsor a volunteer.”