Nicolle Edwards is the founder and CEO of RizeUp, a Gold Coast based not-for-profit organisation that provides vital practical support for families fleeing domestic and family violence. RizeUp is not just focused on awareness, but provides real solutions, from helping to create a new home for victims fleeing a violent household and supporting children in their healing process, to raising much-needed funds for families left with nothing but the clothes on their backs. The month of May marks Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month in Queensland, so we thought it was a fitting time to chat with Nicolle about what inspired her to start RizeUp and how they’ve made an impact on the Gold Coast

How long have you been a Gold Coast local?
I have been a local Gold Coaster for four decades, even going to school at St Hilda’s.

What do you love the most about the Gold Coast?
I absolutely love the Gold Coast for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture and diverse community. The people here are warm and welcoming, and it truly is a magical place where you can live, work and play all year round. It’s truly a gem of Australia that I feel privileged to call home.

Tell us a bit about yourself.
Hmm, how do I describe myself? My LinkedIn bio pretty much sums it up by describing me as a wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, activist, champion against domestic violence, and an ally.

Professionally, I am the CEO of RizeUp, a non-profit organisation based on the Gold Coast that provides support to families affected by domestic and family violence. I am proud to say that RizeUp is a leading service in our city and has helped thousands of local families in need.

Personally, my world centres around my two beautiful children and my husband of 20 years, Gareth. Gareth is a supportive partner who shares my passion and commitment to helping others. Together we have built a loving home filled with warmth, laughter, and compassion.

For those who don’t know what is RizeUp Australia?
RizeUp Australia is an organisation that provides practical and tangible support to families affected by domestic and family violence. We began our journey in 2012 on the Gold Coast and have since grown into a national non-profit that operates in multiple locations across Australia.

Our primary goal is to create a safe and stable home for families in crisis. We achieve this by providing essential items such as furniture, bedding and household appliances to families who have fled domestic violence situations. We also offer financial assistance, educational programs and events that promote healing, education and empowerment for victim survivors of domestic and family violence. As super-connectors, we pride ourselves on working collaboratively to obtain the very best outcomes for some of the most disadvantaged people in society.

RizeUp aims to break the cycle of violence and empower survivors to rebuild their lives with dignity and respect. We rely on the generosity of our volunteers, corporate partners, and donors to provide these essential services to families in need.

What inspired you to start RizeUp?
RizeUp was created in response to the growing epidemic of domestic and family violence affecting families on the Gold Coast. I witnessed first-hand the devastating impact this violence was having on families, particularly women and children, and felt compelled to do something to help.

Seeing a gap in services for families who had fled violence and who were starting over with nothing, it seemed obvious to me that practical support was a vital element needed to help families rebuild their lives in safety and security and to avoid families going back to violent situations out of economic necessity.

What’s a typical day in the life as CEO of RizeUp Australia?
My days are mainly spent balancing the demands and needs of families in crisis while building impactful partnerships and managing our team across Australia. While the work is demanding and time-consuming, it is also deeply rewarding as we are making a positive impact for families who are starting again.

From meeting with my team, attending external meetings with donors, politicians and community leaders, managing emails and calls, responding to requests for information, fundraising appeals, event planning, delivering keynote addresses or DFV training sessions for organisations and working closely with front-line agencies – no day is ever the same.

What has RizeUp’s impact been like here on the Gold Coast?
RizeUp’s impact on the Gold Coast has been far-reaching. Since our inception we have provided support to thousands of local families who are fleeing domestic and family violence by providing these families with a fresh new beginning.

What’s next for RizeUp Australia?
We will continue to expand our services to new regions across Australia so we can help more families escaping domestic and family violence situations. We will also continue our efforts to advocate for better policies, resources, and services for families. By prioritising the needs of victim survivors and working with our community and corporate partners, the future of RizeUp looks promising with robust plans to help more families fleeing domestic and family violence.

How can locals get involved?
Locals can get involved with RizeUp in several ways to support the families impacted by domestic and family violence here on the Gold Coast.

Donating funds is one of the simplest ways to make a difference. By donating to RizeUp, you can help us continue our work and provide practical support to families affected by domestic and family violence.

Secondly, locals can become a RizeUp volunteer. We rely on volunteers to help with our programs, events, and outreach. We now have a network of over 1000 volunteers who help in so many ways from moving and delivering furniture, sorting donations, and other tasks. Being a volunteer is a beautiful way to meet new friends, increase your feeling of connectivity to your community and removes feelings of isolation which are so prevalent today.  As an organisation, we are entirely people centric, and with an almost perfect retainment rate our volunteers are valued and appreciated.

We rely entirely on the monetary support of our community to assist us with our work.  So, whether you’re an individual, a business owner or philanthropist we would gratefully accept your financial support. Community fundraising events are a great way to raise awareness and funds. You can organise a fundraising event such as a bake sale, a fun run, a trivia night, or a charity auction to support us. Locals can also donate goods. We accept donations of new furniture, bedding, toys, and other household items. Locals can also choose to support RizeUp as a corporate sponsor through a monetary donation or sponsoring an event.

Finally, locals can spread awareness. Any social media post or public mention of RizeUp helps to spread awareness of the cause and encourage more community involvement. By getting involved in one of these ways, locals on the Gold Coast can help make a real difference in the lives of families affected by domestic and family violence.

What are your Gold Coast favourites…
Café/coffee spot: Café Catalina, Southport
Restaurant: Rick Shores
Bar or place for a drink: Hyde Paradiso
Beach: Burleigh Beach

How do you choose to spend your days off?
Recharging by spending quality time with my family and friends or relaxing at home with a good book.

Dr Shabnam Gujadhur was diagnosed with a rare form of ovarian cancer just after her 30th birthday in March 2022. She was busy working as a junior Doctor at Gold Coast University Hospital when suddenly overnight she found herself a patient instead.

Since her diagnosis, Shabnam has made it her goal to help others by spreading awareness about ovarian cancer – a silent killer and ignored killer. As both a doctor and a woman with ovarian cancer, she wanted to use her voice more poignantly, to raise funds for future research.

We chatted to Dr Shabnam about her diagnosis, her work with the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation (OCRF) and how her experience has changed her perspective on life and work.

How long have you been a Gold Coast local?
I moved to the Gold Coast from Melbourne almost 6 years ago. Looking back over those years, I have formed life-long friendships and amazing memories. I have fully immersed myself in the local culture, very much different from Melbourne. The Gold Coast is a beautiful city that has it all, from the coffee culture, exciting new cafes, the beach lifestyle, surf breaks, hiking spots, to the rolling hills of the Hinterland. And I am fortunate to get to live it every day.

What do you love the most about the Gold Coast?
What I love the most about the Gold Coast are the little things about living here that make it instantly feel like home. Growing up in Mauritius, some of my fondest memories were the days at the beach, swimming in the blue lagoons. The beaches here and the smell of the ocean take me back to those days. I enjoyed being able to walk down to the beach after work or on my days off. Besides, the down-to-earth and friendly nature of the locals, makes this city more special. There is a sense of connectedness.

Tell us a bit about yourself.
I grew up in Mauritius, a small island, off the Eastern Coast of Madagascar, known for its stunning white, sandy beaches and coastline.

At the end of high school, determined to follow in my parents’ footsteps to become a doctor, I moved to Melbourne to undertake a Bachelor of Laboratory Medicine. Indeed, Melbourne coffee was enough to convince me to stay upon completion of my undergraduate and I subsequently accepted a position as a medical scientist at a public hospital. Though I enjoyed my work, the spark I had inside me to become a doctor could not be extinguished. I subsequently made the big move to the Gold Coast in 2017 to study Medicine at Bond University where I met some incredible people as well as my partner.

After graduating from medical school, I could not think of a better place to start my career than on the Gold Coast owing to its lifestyle. I have for the past two years been working at Gold Coast University Hospital as a junior doctor, rotating through various specialties and it has been a journey of discovery, education and lots of emotions.

Can you tell us about your experience being diagnosed with cancer last year?
Being diagnosed with ovarian cancer at the age of 30 and at the very beginning of my dream career, was nothing I ever expected. A diagnosis that wormed its way into life’s front row without a ticket. I went from having a normal life to being a cancer patient overnight. The series of events have been embedded in my mind. I went from my GP to an ultrasound, seeing a gynaecologist, then surgery the next week, being inflicted a crushing defeat, seeing the gynae-oncologist the same evening, followed by another surgery the next week for the removal of my ovary and tube. It so happened the same day I was going through my staging surgery that my aunty, diagnosed with metastatic cancer only 6 months ago, lost her battle. It has indeed been a harrowing journey.

As I went from one surgery to another, I was forced to confront the various shades of perhaps, maybe, hopefully and hopefully not. The certainty I once had about my life turning out as planned was gone in a heartbeat. Whilst my colleagues were deciding which specialty of medicine they liked or planning their holiday, I was having to make life-changing decisions in face of the maze of issues.

My future became my parents’ greatest concerns. Nonetheless, I considered myself blessed to have had my family, all my closest friends, my partner and many others, by my side to help me shoulder all my pain, emotion, and dread. The past 12 months have undoubtedly been a long walk in a dark tunnel.

Do you think your medical training helped you deal with the diagnosis?
Perhaps in some way. Being in the medical field helped me probably understand the diagnosis, prognosis, treatment options and what the 10-years surveillance would represent for me. I would not say it helped me “deal” with the diagnosis. I was so focused on the to-do-list: monthly blood pricks, booking the regular scans, attending endless appointments, egg freezing cycles; and hence failed to process the diagnosis and to acknowledge my true feelings. The psychological fallout was the hardest. It felt like hitting rock bottom and it took me months to accept my situation, with the help of a psychologist, along with the support of my loved ones.

How has your perspective on life and work changed since your ovarian cancer diagnosis?
Receiving a cancer diagnosis was like a wake-up call. I used to be so career-driven and I have always put work first before everything. However, in one minute I lost control of my own life. This journey has allowed me to appreciate the things that really matters most to me in life. I chose to be happy, to spend time with my loved ones and to live every day to the fullest. I chose to be persistently optimistic despite knowing that no one can offer a guarantee that the cancer will never return. I chose to live in the moment rather than worrying about what the future bodes.

The leap from being a doctor to a cancer patient has also given me a unique chance to appreciate the endless challenges patients face. Admittedly, I now have more empathy and a greater appreciation of the value of each human being underneath the hospital gown.

What advice do you have for other women who may be going through a similar experience?
In face of the impossible odds, take it day by day and keep persevering. It is challenging and at times disappointing but remember you do not have to fight this alone. Rather, have the courage to reach out for help if you are falling apart. When I received my diagnosis, I did not know what to do next both personally and professionally. I did not want to break down in front of my family. I reached out to support groups – doctors who have gone through similar situations and the love and support I received was just uplifting.

I am a firm believer in what Ruskin once said: “The highest reward for man’s toil is not what he gets for it, but what he becomes by it”. By that I mean, don’t look at what you have lost or gained by going through this experience, rather reflect over how strong and resilient you have become.

How have you used your personal experience to raise awareness about ovarian cancer and the importance of early detection?
Due to the rarity of my tumour, it took months to get a final diagnosis and during the whole process, the future seemed blurry. I told myself back then that I wanted to be remembered for someone who fought for a future where no woman’s wellbeing will be threatened by ovarian cancer; rather than being remembered as someone who lost to her battle to ovarian cancer. This fuelled inside me a need to advocate for women’s’ living with ovarian cancer, for those lost to ovarian cancer and for future generations of women.

Whilst I considered myself lucky that my cancer was detected at an early stage, it definitely should not come down to luck. Every woman deserves the chance of an early detection test.

I knew that being a woman with a lived experience and a doctor, I could share my story to raise awareness about ovarian cancer and the need for an early detection test. I reached out to the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation (OCRF) an independent body dedicated to funding national ovarian cancer research and was asked to serve as an OCRF Community Ambassador. Nearly 12 months later, I’m very proud of the various fundraising events I have been involved from Gold Coast Marathon Fun Run, Witchery White Shirt Campaign and Frocktober.

I have also written a narrative piece, titled ‘On the other side’ for Australian National University (ANU) Link and Grow blog regarding my cancer diagnosis. It was heart-warming and empowering as individuals from outside my friends’ circles reached out to me with such a positive response. I was very honoured to be recognised and awarded by the Australian National University (ANU) for addressing gender inequity in health and medicine through storytelling, for that blog story.

Can you tell us more about your collaboration with Georg Jensen and how it came about?
It had barely been a few months being part of the OCRF community ambassador program and I got an email from the team regarding an opportunity to be involved in the upcoming OCRF X Georg Jensen Heart Pendant Campaign. I was thrilled and said yes immediately. I was absolutely not prepared for this whole experience, but each and everyone behind the scenes and the other incredible women I featured with made me feel so comfortable on the day. I remember walking onto the set with my heart pounding and the feeling of a lump in my throat. As I read my lines from the auto-cue, I could not hold back my tears. The OCRF representative who flew in for the day as well as the Gritty Pretty Productions Team knew how hard this was for me and they were just incredibly supportive. It was indeed a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You can read more about the OCRF X Georg Jensen Heart Pendant Campaign here.

What are your Gold Coast favourites?
Café/coffee spot: Daymaker Espresso in Miami makes the perfect roast. My two other favourite coffee spots are Foster & Black and Tarte. For a laid-back brunch, my top picks will be definitely Bam Bam Bakehouse, Tarte and Daymaker famous Chilli Eggs.
Restaurant: Etsu Izakaya – I love Japanese food and Etsu always delivers a variety
Bar or place for a drink: I’m a teetotaler, however I do enjoy socialising with friends at the Burleigh Pavilion because of the view
Beach: Definitely Burleigh

How do you choose to spend your days off?
My days off are to refresh and recharge. Being a very active person, I usually fit in a workout or an outdoor run most days of the week. However, on my days off, I try to sleep in and go to the gym a little bit later. I also like to spend those days with my partner since we both have busy schedules. It usually involves either a brunch at our favourite local café, a walk on the beach or grabbing fish and chips and heading down to Kirra for sunset. Lastly, I try to handle those unavoidable errands and chores.