Anj Barker – Victoria’s 2011 Young Australian of the Year

“we, young people, still deserve every chance to live a full life, give it our best and not be given a life sentence and be left to live with those who are dying…”

Anj, now 24, looks back and describes herself then as a happy, active, enthusiastic, popular, 16 year-old  living in Benalla with her loving family. She enjoyed sport and was a talented high jumper; played netball, basketball, footy, soccer and more. She loved socialising and enjoyed singing with friends. Anj also used her creative skills in abstract art, leadlight and woodwork.

The week Anj commenced debutante rehearsals her life changed forever when she was brutally bashed to near-death by a controlling ex-boyfriend. Anj survived the bashing but suffered a severe brain injury. Initially she was rushed to hospital then urgently transferred to Melbourne. There she lay unconscious for 2 months. After she woke from the coma she underwent a rehabilitation program for the next 5 months. Then Anj and her family faced the next step – the idea of Anj living in a nursing home.

Anj could return to live near her family in Benalla, but this meant living in a nursing home there. If she stayed in Melbourne she would still be living in a home for elderly people. Neither option appealed to Anj. She chose to live in an aged care facility in Melbourne so that she could receive therapy. Anj describes this not as living but as “hell.” She felt angry, trapped and incredibly sad that this was her life. After living there for two and half years, her parents made the brave move to bring her home. Her parents and carers provide the everyday care and help she needs.

Her determination and strength have enabled Anj to keep moving forward despite the horrific injuries she suffered, and the medical concerns that she would not improve. She describes how “with the help of my family and friends I’ve been able to keep soldering on.” This ‘soldering on’ kept her alive, helped her survive living in the nursing home, helped her leave the home to return to Benalla.

Today, Anj continues to live with her parents, Helen and Ian, her dog Molly, and Tom the cat. Her younger brother visits regularly when he has time off from studies at University in Wagga Wagga. Anj still needs help every day and night. She uses an electric wheelchair to move around the house and outdoors, she talks slowly and often uses electronic aids to help with her ability to speak.

This life differs greatly to what Anj had imagined. She had dreamed that by 23, she would have finished school, moved to Melbourne to study psychology, would be working in her chosen profession, be in a loving relationship and on her way to being married and having three boys. She planned to be continuing with her love of art and music.

Anj is a determined young woman and is not only a survivor but has chosen to open the hearts and minds of others. She campaigns and educates the public on anti-violence. She gives talks to students, young women, to police and even to politicians. Anj empowers others to say no to violence, and has represented Australia at the United Nations level. She helps educate others to overcome their barrier to see the person not the disability. In addition she advocates, speaks, and writes to help stop young people ending up in nursing homes.

Anj loves her family dearly but is living with them as there is no other choice. Returning to a nursing home is not a choice. She thinks about her future and wants the opportunity like other young people, to be able to move from away from family to a place she calls her home.

This place, her home, will be close to other young people, will be wheelchair accessible, will have room for family and friends to stay, will have room and space for her art work. She wants to live as a woman with choice and hope. She is aware that she needs some help from carers so that she can live in her ideal environment. This is Anj’s dream.