There are few things Georgie Tomlin likes more than mermaids and sparkles.
The driving force behind the Moira Shire All Abilities Talent Show, Georgie, 28, always knew she was different to her peers.
“When I was quite young, I felt like I didn’t fit in. Especially at school,” she said.
“I had differences that other kids didn’t have.”
Salad vegetables, for instance, would make her gag. As a result, Georgie put on weight — something about which, she said, her peers teased her.
Georgie — who lives with autism — found herself masking.
For those unaware, masking is a defence mechanism people use to conceal their true feelings so that they might conform to societal expectations or pressure.
Georgie said the behaviour was common among people with disabilities.
“They change their personality to fit into society,” she said.
“It’s exhausting.”
Taking sips from a glass of sparkling water, Georgie recalled times when, during school, she and her peers with disability were often segregated from the rest of their classmates.
“If there was a music class, they were just off to the side a bit and ignored,” she said.
“They didn’t get a chance to be themselves and join in the rest.”
Now, Georgie uses social media and everyday conversations to advocate on behalf of those who live with a disability.
Before relocating to Benalla recently, Georgie lived in Cobram for nine years. During that time, she volunteered with Riding for the Disabled. Although she has moved, she makes sure to visit her pet Stimson’s python in Cobram regularly.
In her spare time, Georgie plays with the All Abilities Basketball team in Benalla. Her dream job, she said, is to work with animals. In addition to her python, Georgie also has a pet lizard, two cats and no fewer than 21 fish.
Before starting her work organising the All Abilities Talent show, Georgie battled with low self-esteem.
“I was angry,” she said.
“When I went through the hard things, I always thought I wanted revenge at the time.
“I wasn’t in the right mental state.”
Georgie approached Moira Shire Council in 2022 with a plan to hold a pageant for disabled people in the community.
And on December 1 last year, the All Abilities Talent Show was born.
The show was hailed a success — for more than one reason.
“I think they [the crowd] loved it just as much as the performers did,” Georgie said.
“People with disabilities want to express themselves. When they perform, they finally have that chance to be themselves.”
The All Abilities Talent Show will be held on December 6. The free event showcases the talent of people who live with disability.
Looking back on that time before the talent show, Georgie realised that the hard times only made her stronger. For one, she doesn’t mask her true emotions as much any more.
“It’s made me think, ‘I went through this, but I came out the other side’,” she said, with a smile that augmented the sparkle of a mermaid printed in gloss on her T-shirt.
“And I’m amazing for that.”