Past lived experiences do not define you or your future. That was the message last Friday at the CLink Theatre in Port Douglas during the book launch of The Power to Rise Above.

The book has been made possible by Douglas Shire writers Sandy Davies, Tahlia Burchill O’Brien, Jasmine Marshall, Rena Scott and Lesley van Staveren, who have bravely shared stories of overcoming bullying, abuse, trauma and family suicide to remind others you are never alone.

The launch was held on the International Day Against Bullying and Violence with the CLink Theatre - an historic jail - chosen as a symbolic reminder that we each hold the key to the cell that confines us.

The Power to Rise Above is an anthology about overcoming bullying, abuse, heartbreak and trauma.

The project was the dream of positive ageing women’s advocate Sandy Davies with a foreword by humanitarian Dr Tererai Trent, who is a regular guest at the Oprah Winfrey Show.

The cover of the book was created by Kuku Yalanji Artist Sheryl J Burchill in collaboration with local designer Sally Weavers.

The book has been shared with local non-profits, women’s legal services, transitional housing, outreach programs and in domestic violence shelters across Cairns and Australia, the USA and UK.