Legacy to keep young Australians safe
Last week, I had the privilege of visiting Albion Park High School on behalf of the Nicole Fitzsimons Foundation, a cause close to my heart. I’m Julie Fitzsimons, Nicole’s mum, and I shared my daughter’s story with a group of Year 11 students to help them understand the importance of travel safety.
Nicole was a vibrant 24-year-old sports journalist and dancer with the world at her feet. In 2012, she was living in Lake Illawarra with her partner Jamie and their puppy, working her dream job on The Footy Show. Tragically, her life was cut short in a motorbike accident while on holiday in Thailand. She decided not to wear a helmet that night, and the outcome was devastating not just for Nicole but for everyone who loved her.
Since then, our family has made it our mission to ensure Nicole’s name lives on by preventing other young people and their families from experiencing such heartbreak. At the school, I showed students a video about Nicole’s story and spoke about the dangers young travellers often face overseas—risks many wouldn’t even consider at home.
One of the key lessons I shared was about the importance of travel insurance. I highlighted cases where Australians overseas have faced immense financial and emotional strain because they didn’t have the right cover. For example, I mentioned a situation where a woman racked up $477,000 in medical bills after a fall in the US. Simple precautions like travel insurance can make all the difference.
The students, including Kane Rex and Kalani Smith, were incredibly engaged. Both of them shared their travel dreams—Kane hopes to snowboard in New Zealand and explore Europe, while Kalani looks forward to new adventures after finishing school. Hearing Nicole’s story left a powerful impression on them. Kalani even said it made her think twice about taking risks and encouraged her to plan for safety before anything else.
For me, it’s not just about raising awareness; it’s about equipping young people with the tools to make better decisions. Whether it’s using the foundation’s resources, prioritising safety gear, or understanding the significance of insurance, my goal is to inspire them to stay safe while chasing their dreams. Knowing that Nicole’s story might save someone’s life is what keeps me going. It’s not always easy revisiting the pain, but if it helps even one family avoid the tragedy we’ve faced, it’s worth it.
