FOLLOWING the release of her first children’s book in March, the local teenager who founded “The Rainbow Shoelace Project” (RSP) has received state recognition.
Abbie Jane attended the Young Achiever Awards in Sydney where she was a finalist in the category “Create Change”.
Although widely known for her innovative and love-fuelled initiative, being named as a finalist in the awards still came as a shock.
“It honestly still feels surreal,” Abbie told News Of The Area.
“ I was completely shocked when I found out I was a finalist.
“To be recognised alongside so many amazing young people is incredibly humbling.
“I’m so proud of how far the Rainbow Shoelace Project has come, and being nominated just reminds me how important this work is.”
For those who know her, the challenges that Abbie has faced to reach the stage are overwhelming, but also a reminder of how incredible she is.
“It always comes as a surprise [when Abbie is nominated]), her Mum, Sophie, said.
“Particularly seeing how amazing all of the finalists were.
“But I also have to see the obstacles that Abbie has to overcome.
“I see firsthand what she has been through to get where she is.
“I have seen the effect that significant bullying, harassment and abuse has had on her.
“I see what it was like for her to feel like she had no choice but to leave her [former] hometown and family behind.
“I really think she is exceptional for doing everything that she does.”
A highly competitive category, the Create Change Award recognises and celebrates the dedication of young people from regional NSW who contribute to or lead positive initiatives that drive change.
Although Abbie didn’t walk away with the crown, she couldn’t be prouder of herself and the change that young people are creating in the world.
“There were so many amazing finalists, it would have been so hard for the judges to select the winners.” Abbie said.
The winner was 20-year-old Phoebe Britten from Avoca Beach for her change-making initiative, InspireTomorrow Education.
It is a youth-led nonprofit that offers free tutoring, scholarship support, and AI-powered resources to help disadvantaged students pursue higher education.
It’s something that Abbie says reminds her that young people are the future.
To see young people stand up, speak out, and support each other – just being part of that makes me feel hopeful for the future.
“ It reminds me that change can come from something that starts as a small act of kindness.”
The 15-year-old from St Columba Anglican School was a shell of herself when she founded RSP with a friend at the tender age of 12.
Growing up in the remote town of Broken Hill NSW, Abbie made the move to Port Macquarie last year after suffering relentless bullying at school.
A proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community, Abbie was feeling isolated and alone, removing the pride-coloured beads she threaded onto the laces of her school shoes for fear of harassment.
“I was already trying to figure out who I was, and hearing people casually throw around homophobic slurs made me feel like I didn’t belong. It was scary”, she said.
“That moment really affected me. I felt invisible and worthless, like I had to hide who I was to be safe.”
Abbie could have withdrawn from the community, but instead, her experience was the catalyst for creating incredible change.
“I realised how powerful visibility can be, and why it’s so important to show up for others.
“That’s what led me to create the Rainbow Shoelace Project.
“I didn’t want anyone else to feel that kind of isolation.
“It is also why it’s so important that allies wear the beads on their shoes as well – to show their support.”
What began in 2022 with Abbie and a friend giving away free rainbow beads to wear on shoelaces as a symbol of support for the LGBTQIA+ community, has now turned into a global movement.
In 2023, Abbie gave away 10,000 packs of beads at Sydney World Pride and now they are a regular feature at Pride festivals all over Australia.
Since inception, RSP has distributed more than 320,000 free beads worldwide, has featured on ABC’s Miriam Margolyes: Impossibly Australian, and has received support from Dannii Minogue, Christian Hull, and Joel Creasy to name a few.
Abbie has won multiple awards, including Regional Entrepreneur of the Year at the Teens in Business Awards, “One to Watch” at the NSW Women of the Year Awards, and the 2024 Young Achiever Award at the ACON Honour Awards.
She was also named the Young Ambassador for Qtopia Sydney earlier this year.
Most recently, Abbie co-authored her first children’s book, “Abbie’s True Colours”, which shares the true story of the Rainbow Shoelace Project; an inspiring story about inclusion, courage, and kindness.
The book is available for purchase at Book Face in Port Macquarie where there is also a glass bowl full of rainbow shoe beads just waiting to continue spreading love and acceptance throughout the community.
By Rikki WALLER
