Name: Hayley Frazer
Profession: Creator, Author, Artist, Advocate
Biography:
Hayley Frazer is a visionary artist and writer who has made a significant impact through her creative works and advocacy. At just 15 years old, she published her first book, “Something A Little Different,” which explores themes of friendship, resilience, and celebrating individuality. This book has become a cornerstone for promoting social literacy and has been included in the South Australian Premier’s Reading Challenge 2024.
Storytelling Style:
Hayley Frazer’s storytelling is characterised by its warmth, humour, and relatability. She has a unique ability to blend real-life experiences with fantastical elements, creating stories that are both engaging and meaningful. Her writing is accessible and entertaining, often incorporating playful dialogue and vivid descriptions that bring her characters and settings to life. Hayley’s stories resonate with readers of all ages, encouraging them to embrace their individuality and find joy in everyday adventures. Hayley is not afraid to tackle serious topics with her stories, making them both impactful and thought-provoking.
Community Development Achievements:
Message from Hayley: “Hello everyone! I’m thrilled to share my journey and the incredible experiences I’ve had while engaging with our community. From hosting virtual storytimes to advocating for inclusive education, each event has been a step towards fostering empathy, creativity, and support for learning differences. We all learn differently and in different ways, and that’s something to celebrate. Thank you for joining me on this journey!”
- Virtual Storytime Hayley hosted a Virtual Storytime event in collaboration with the Roxby Community Library. She read from her book “Something A Little Different” and interacted with young readers, encouraging them to embrace reading and storytelling. The event received enthusiastic feedback from parents and children, highlighting the joy and inspiration it brought to young readers.
- Bullying is NOT OK Hayley participated in the “Bullying is NOT OK” online event. Alongside author Catch Tilly, she discussed their books, which deliver important messages about bullying, learning to accept help, embracing diversity, and making a positive impact. This event provided valuable insights and support for dealing with bullying, resonating deeply with young audiences and their families.
- Code Read Dyslexia Network Light it Red Gala Dinner Hayley spoke at the Code Read Dyslexia Network Light it Red Gala Dinner. She shared her journey and insights on living with dyslexia and dysgraphia, highlighting the importance of inclusive education and creativity. Her inspiring speech resonated with many attendees and emphasized the power of advocacy and support for those with learning differences.
- Author Talks and School Visits Hayley regularly conducts author talks and school visits, where she shares her stories and engages with students to foster a love for reading and creativity. These visits often include a creative art component, making them interactive and inspiring for young audiences. Teachers and students have praised these sessions for their ability to ignite a passion for reading and self-expression.
- Advocacy and Personal Stories Hayley participated in the Inclusive Education Expo, sharing her journey through schooling, the challenges she faced, her achievements, and her key message for teachers. This vidcast highlights her advocacy for inclusive education and provides valuable insights for educators and students alike.
- Pursuing Creative Arts Hayley is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Creative Arts, Visual Effects, Entertainment, and Design at Flinders University. This degree further enhances her ability to blend creativity with advocacy, aiming to make a positive impact through her artistic talents.
Achievements:
- Creative Community Award: In 2023, Hayley received the prestigious Creative Community Award at the City of Tea Tree Gully’s Youth Achievement Awards. This award recognises individuals who use their creativity to uplift their community.
- Advocacy for Learning Differences: Hayley is a guiding force for those living with dyslexia and dysgraphia. She shares her personal experiences to shed light on these conditions and advocates for a kinder and more supportive approach to learning differences.
- Workshops and Collaborations: Hayley has run her own workshops and collaborated with the Tea Tree Gully Council Youth Program, among other institutions, to promote creativity and literacy.
- Public Speaking: As an inspiring speaker, Hayley has shared her wisdom at educational forums, championing inclusive learning environments.
- Victorian Premier’s Reading Challenge: Hayley’s book, “Something A Little Different,” is featured in the 2024 Victorian Premier’s Reading Challenge, encouraging Year 3 and 4 students to embark on a literary adventure. It has also been included in various Australian reading challenges for several years.
- “See the Kindness”: Hayley’s latest children’s book, “See the Kindness,” takes readers on a journey of empathy and kindness as they follow Mia and Kasey on their first day of school. This beautifully illustrated story highlights the importance of friendship, support, courage, and being true to oneself. Things will get a little tricky for Mia during her school journey, as she learns to embrace being deaf and also moving to a new school at a young age.
- Bullying Workshops: Hayley has presented at various bullying workshops, sharing her insights and experiences to help students understand the impacts of bullying, build resilience, and connect with supportive resources. Participants engage in interactive activities and discussions that promote empathy, kindness, and positive relationships.
- Creative Community Award: In 2023, Hayley received the prestigious Creative Community
- “The Magical Tram”: Hayley’s upcoming book, “The Magical Tram,” is inspired by her grandfather’s real-life adventures as a tram conductor in Adelaide. This enchanting story promises to blend local history with imaginative storytelling, captivating readers of all ages. Hayley is working closely with her 95-year-old grandfather, who also appears in promotional photos.
- Sneak Peek: Step aboard The Magical Tram with Tram Conductor 647, also known as Clem, and his loyal dog companion. This isn’t just any tram – it’s a magical one, ready to whisk you away on a journey through Clem’s most unforgettable memories. From hilarious mishaps at the zoo to unexpected encounters on Memory Lane, every stop is filled with wonder and laughter. Join Tram Conductor 647 and his friends for an adventure that promises to be as heartwarming as it is magical. Ding, ding! All aboard!
- Speech Pathology Australia Book of the Year: Hayley’s debut book, “Something A Little Different,” was shortlisted for the Speech Pathology Australia 2020 Book of the Year award, recognising its positive message of hope and acceptance in a world of diversity.
- Spirit Super Awards Nomination: In 2024, Hayley was nominated for the Spirit Super Awards under the category ‘Connecting Communities Award,’ acknowledging her efforts in fostering community connections and promoting kindness.
- Child Care Certificate: Hayley has successfully completed her Certificate III in Child Care & Early Education, demonstrating her commitment to nurturing and educating young children.
- Support and Mentorship: Hayley is incredibly grateful to have supporters spanning the far corners of Australia, including Senior South Australian of the Year, Mark Le Messurier. A stellar influence on Hayley, Mark encouraged the release of “Something A Little Different” and invited her to co-facilitate What’s the Buzz? workshops. Additionally, Hayley mentored Year 2 students while at school, providing guidance and support to help them navigate their educational journeys.
Media:
Interviews
- ABC Radio (December 2019): Hayley was interviewed by Sonya Feldhoff on ABC Adelaide. During this interview, she discussed her dyslexia journey and the inspiration behind her book, “Something a Little Different.”
- Coast FM (December 2019): Hayley discussed her new book, “Something a Little Different,” on Coast FM. This interview highlighted her creative process and the inspiration behind her work, focusing on themes of differences, values, and courage.
Articles
- Messenger Press (2019): Hayley was featured in the Messenger Press with the headline “DETERMINED TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE,” highlighting her achievements and contributions to the community.
- The Gully Grapevine (2020): Hayley was covered in The Gully Grapevine, focusing on her local community engagements and initiatives.
- Southern Cross (May 2024): Hayley was featured in The Southern Cross, emphasizing her ongoing efforts and recent projects.
- SCBWI Membership: Hayley is a proud member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), which connects her to the global children’s book community and provides access to professional development events, marketing opportunities, and valuable resources.
- Community Service Award: In 2020, Hayley was recognised as the Runner Up for the Community Service Award at the City of Tea Tree Gully’s Youth Achievement Awards.
Notable Works:
- “Something A Little Different”: Hayley’s debut book, which delicately weaves together themes of friendship, courage, and the celebration of individuality.
- “Educator’s Review:“ A great book to share with young students to help them understand the impacts of bullying, working through challenges with resilience and connecting with supports around them.” – Nathan, Educator
- “See the Kindness”: A heartwarming children’s book that encourages empathy and kindness.
- “The Magical Tram”: An upcoming book inspired by her grandfather’s adventures as a tram conductor.
Impact:
Hayley’s work extends beyond her writing. She has been instrumental in nurturing a culture of empathy and connectedness through her visits to libraries and educational forums. Her story inspires others to embrace their uniqueness and fosters a more understanding and compassionate society.
Hobbies:
- World Building: Hayley enjoys creating intricate and imaginative worlds for her stories. This hobby allows her to blend her creativity with her love for storytelling, crafting unique settings and characters that captivate her readers.
- Nature Exploration: Hayley loves spending time in nature, whether it’s exploring local parks or simply enjoying the beauty of the outdoors. Her connection with nature often inspires her creative works.
- Reading: A passionate reader, Hayley enjoys diving into a wide range of genres, from classic literature to contemporary fiction. She finds inspiration and relaxation in the pages of a good book.
Contact Information:
- Website: www.hayleyfrazer.com.au
- Website: www.themagicaltram.com.au
- Email: hayleyfrazer20@bigpond.com