Key Points: Breaking the Silence
- A Legacy of Advocacy: Guest speaker Sarah Monahan shared her evolution from a child star on Hey Dad! to a courageous trailblazer for survivors.
- The Danger of Silence: Monahan reflected on the reality that "behind the scenes," speaking out often felt more perilous than staying silent.
- Essential Sanctuaries: The importance of the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Women's Shelter was highlighted through Sarah’s personal memories of finding safety with her grandparents.
- Me Too Origins: Sarah was recognized as one of the pioneering voices of the 'Me Too' movement, helping to pave a path for others to speak their truths.
- Defining Balance: The 2026 theme 'Balancing the Scales' was framed as a pursuit of justice, safety, and the collective courage to create systemic change.
- Community Support: TThe Event demonstrated the power of local businesses and organizations in amplifying the female voice.
I spent Friday at a table hosted by the wonderful team at Community Bank Lindfield, attending the International Women’s Day event for the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Women’s Shelter. While the atmosphere was one of celebration, the message was one of profound truth.
This year’s theme, ‘Balancing the Scales,’ was brought to life by guest speaker Sarah Monahan. Like many of you, I remember watching Sarah every week on Hey Dad! but on Friday, she wasn’t the child star we grew up with. She was a survivor and a trailblazer.
Sarah shared her journey from childhood trauma to the bright lights of a TV set, where she eventually realized that “behind the scenes,” speaking up felt more dangerous than staying silent. Her story reminded us that:
- Abuse thrives in the dark. It depends on victims feeling they have no choice but to stay quiet.
- Safety is the foundation of healing. Sarah spoke of the sanctuary she found with her grandparents intermittently; a reminder of why the work of the Women’s Shelter is so vital.
- Breaking the cycle takes immense courage. Sarah was one of the first voices in what we now know as the ‘Me Too’ movement, forging a path for others to speak their truths.
“Balancing the Scales” is about more than just numbers, it’s about justice, safety, and the courage to create change.
A huge thank you to Community Bank Lindfield for the invitation. It was an honor to sit at your table and witness such a brave testament to the power of the female voice.
