The Unexpected Journey

Julie Fisher and Tina Naughton are great friends who have many things in common. One of those things is that they both have a child with Down syndrome. Julie is Mum to Darcy who is 16 years old and Tina is Mum to Amy who is 21 years old.

Over the years they have become great supports for each other as well as other families and are also great advocates for their children.

Julie is a bestselling author of The Unexpected Journey and The Magic of Inclusion as well as having launched her first TedTalk in 2022. She has worked with Carers Victoria, Down Syndrome Victoria, Friend In Me and Variety – The Children’s Charity Victoria.

Julie speaks publicly to raise awareness for Down syndrome and people living with a disability as well as speaking about the importance of inclusion and acceptance. Recently she has begun working with families to assist them in any areas they need.

Tina has also worked with Down Syndrome Victoria for many years being a point of contact for new families as well as running a support/coffee group for Mums and their children from 2003 to 2018.

She is also the main contact for Special Olympics Westernport where she helps co-ordinate athletes for competitions as well as organising the weekly training sessions for their swimming and basketball programs. She has held the voluntary role of Treasurer for 12 years.

Julie and Tina are both very passionate about helping families and raising awareness and in their show The Unexpected Journey will talk to many service and support providers so people are aware of what is available in the community.

With their many years of lived experience, a strong friendship and love for helping families, this show is a must to listen to.