Australian of the Year

Abbey Hardie established the South Australian team of What Were You Wearing, a sexual violence charity that offers a lifeline to survivors, and advocates for violence prevention. Abbey volunteers 20 hours each week alongside study and work to advocate against domestic, family and sexual violence. 

A sexual violence survivor herself, Abbey has channelled her trauma into leading calls for Australia to not blame victims and start holding perpetrators accountable. 

Abbey engages policymakers to push for survivor-centred healing supports. Through community mobilisation, petitioning and meetings with the Deputy Premier, Abbey worked to overturn a convicted rapist's visa – preventing his participation in the Adelaide Volleyball Championships.  

Abbey has secured sexual assault education and bystander intervention for local bar staff and is campaigning for domestic, family and sexual violence education in schools. She also runs free survivor healing groups each month.  

Abbey's ability to translate advocacy into policy change is creating safer communities across South Australia.