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Role Model

Taking Up Space in the Fashion World

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Role Model

By: Samantha Harris, Myrna Davison
Narrated by: Gayle Kennedy, Ella Ferris, Samantha Harris
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About this listen

Samantha Harris has one of the most recognizable faces in Australia's fashion industry, but her success was anything but expected. In an industry built on European beauty ideals, her breakthrough as a finalist for the Girlfriend cover-model search was a testament to dreaming big, perseverance and the determination of her mother, Myrna, a survivor of the Stolen Generations.

In this mother-daughter memoir, Samantha and Myrna each share their journeys of breaking down barriers and the redemptive power of love. Samantha attended beauty pageants from the age of four and continually came second to girls with blonde hair and blue eyes, then later had to learn to connect with the camera. Myrna was taken to a girls' home at the age of six with her two younger sisters, making her fiercely protective of her children and grandchildren.

Inspiring and honest, Role Model is the story of two proud Dunghutti women claiming their space and the path to greater representation, highlighting just how much can change in two generations.

Please note that this audiobook includes themes around the impacts of colonisation and, in particular, child removal and institutions.

©2025 Samantha Harris, Myrna Davison (P)2025 Bolinda Publishing Cultural & Regional Entertainment & Celebrities Indigenous Studies Social Sciences Specific Demographics Inspiring

Critic Reviews

'Inspiring, powerful and deeply moving. Role Model is a story of resilience, love and the strength of family bonds.' (Sally Obermeder, Australian media personality and TV show host)
'Samantha Harris walked so we could run. Her story is one of strength, pride and breaking through every barrier. A powerful reminder of what it means to be seen.' (Brooke Blurton, author of Big Love)
'Samantha has forged a powerful path through fashion with her grace, resilience and purpose. Her role as a World Vision Goodwill Ambassador is a natural extension of her commitment to creating lasting impact, in our industry and beyond.' (Edwina McCann, editorial director of VOGUE Australia)
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This was an engaging contemporary story about the beginnings of a model from my era, but it quickly reveals itself as much more than that. Through the perspectives of Samantha and her mother, Myrna, the book explores identity, resilience and the strength of Aboriginal women.

The layers of challenges both women faced were confronting at times. Learning about the adversity Myrna experienced as an Indigenous woman was particularly eye-opening. Despite this, her message throughout the story remains simple and powerful: show them love — tell them. She created a safe, loving foundation for her children, and that support ultimately helped Samantha step onto a larger platform where she could influence change and advocate for community.

A strong theme throughout the book is the importance of having your people — your mob — and standing firmly in who you are while creating space for others to do the same. Their commitment to family and the Aboriginal community is inspiring, and I finished the story feeling far more informed than I expected.

Listening to the book in one sitting, I felt the full spectrum of emotions — tears at one moment, an audible gasp of anger at another, and genuine laughter throughout. It’s a powerful and vulnerable story, and I’m grateful both Samantha and Myrna chose to share it.

I’m excited to see how the legacy they’ve created continues to shape the world for Bella.

Love, Legacy and Finding Your Voice

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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.