Resilient Rebel 2025
Her nominator described her as “an Absolute Star”.
She not only juggles motherhood, working as a writer and editor for Mackay Whitsunday Life and being an amazing friend… Last year she also took on the challenge of beating the big C.
Not one to let it drag her down, she’s instead used her experience to empower others who are on the same journey.
Amanda Wright accepts her Resilient Rebel title at the JSP Women’s Awards. Marty Strecker Photography
In fact, Amanda has always taken life’s twists and turns in her stride.
“For me, empowerment isn’t just about survival—it’s about action. It’s about making sure no one else feels invisible in their fight and proving that even in the hardest moments, we have the power to create something better. Through storytelling, journalism, and advocacy, I want to help drive conversations that lead to lasting change.
I don’t just want women to have a seat at the table—I want them to run the newsroom, ask the tough questions, and write the stories that shape our world. As a newspaper editor, I don’t look for the most polished resumes; I look for passion. I mentor cadet journalists, giving them the tools and confidence to turn raw talent into a career. Journalism isn’t an old boys' club anymore, and I make sure young women see that the editor’s chair isn’t out of reach—it’s waiting for them. Beyond the industry, I uplift women by showing that resilience isn’t just a buzzword; it’s lived experience. I’ve balanced hard-hitting deadlines with chemo sessions, fought for my health while raising a toddler, and kept pushing forward when the odds were against me. I share my story because I want other women to know they can do the impossible too. Whether it's in newsrooms, boardrooms, or hospital rooms, our voices matter. And I’ll keep using mine to make sure no woman feels like she has to fight her battles alone.”
She has the absolute privilege of being a mum… and even though she had to wait much longer than most to hear a little one call her ‘mum’, here she is nailing motherhood.
Her journey with bowel cancer was a very unexpected turn … originally diagnosed as haemorrhoids … once the real cause of her issue was discovered, she was thrown into a brutal treatment regimen. Unlike other cancers, where awareness and resources are more readily available, navigating bowel cancer as a young woman—especially as a mother—was isolating and overwhelming for her.
With a toddler to care for and no family support network in Australia, Amanda continued working full-time as a newspaper editor throughout chemotherapy. Balancing deadlines and daycare drop-offs, all while enduring the physical and emotional toll of treatment.
She had no choice but to be resilient.
What struck Amanda though was how little recognition there was for parents like her going through this. Other forms of cancer have support groups, forums, helpers, children’s support. She was left wondering, why there was such a gap in the recognition and support of one cancer to another and decided, instead of complaining about it, she’s advocate for change. As if she did not have enough on her plate, Amanda has initiated conversations with local MPs to push for better early detection and support for all types of cancers… to ensure others don’t feel as she did.
Amanda is a true believer in empowerment, and to her that means taking control of your own story—even when the odds are stacked against you—and to use that experience to create change for others. It’s about refusing to be defined by hardship and instead transforming it into something meaningful. Through her journey with bowel cancer, she’s learned that strength isn’t about having an easy path—it’s about pushing forward even when the road is unforgiving. That goes for parenting too. It’s on easy, but it’s 100% worth it.
“I’ve learned how to make the uncomfortable comfortable. Whether it’s stepping into situations that require me to speak out, share my vulnerabilities, or advocate for causes close to my heart, it’s something I’ve had to train myself to do. It’s like muscle memory now—the ability to overcome my own reservations, to put myself out there even when fear feels like an anchor.”
Amanda was thrown into the deep end of motherhood, a demanding career, and aggressive treatment, all without a safety net. But instead of letting that define her, she’s made the choice to keep going, to advocate for herself , and for others.
It’s about creating space for others to be heard…especially when it comes to medical advice when something doesn’t feel right.
Ther goal is that the next person in her position has access to better awareness, earlier detection, and real, tangible support. As a newspaper editor, Amanda will do whatever it takes to ensure that happens… she will write, she will speak, she will advocate. And she also just happens to have access to a newspaper to spread the word.
She says it’s the moments that test you—whether in your career, your health, or your personal life—will become the proof that you are capable of more than you ever imagined. So don’t let the fear of failure hold you back. Take the risks, own the setbacks, and trust that the version of you on the other side of struggle is someone truly unstoppable.
Amanda also wants you to know, that while she may appear to be able to ‘do it all’…she could not do any of it, it wasn’t for her rock, her soul mate, that man that stands with her, that pushes and holds her when she needs it. She is stronger because of him and together, they will raise and amazing child, increase Bowel Cancer awareness, improve support networks for those going through it and continue to love and support each other no matter what life throws at them.
Thank you to Denise and Gardian Mackay for sponsoring this award category