Standing tall and proud
As the shortlist for this year’s Fairfax Media and Westpac Women of Influence Awards is announced, Laura Walters profiles two women making waves in New Zealand.
Now their siblings are proud of them . . .
StarJam founder shoots for the moon
JULIE BARTLETT has helped young people with disabilities gain the respect and pride of their loved ones through her performing arts charity StarJam, now she’s shooting for the moon.
Bartlett has been named a finalist in this year’s Fairfax Media and Westpac Women of Influence Awards in the newly added arts category.
The Aucklander set up the Remuera-based charity with her husband, Roy Bartlett, in 2002.
Bartlett said she was inspired by her late younger brother who had Down Syndrome, after he gave an ‘‘inspiring, spontaneous’’ speech at her wedding that had a massive impact on her guests.
Even old friends started treating her brother, Ross Moses, like a real person for the first time, she said.
The charity, which gives young people with disabilities the chance to perform through music and dance, gives its ‘‘jammers’’ the opportunity to be themselves.
‘‘Now their siblings are proud of them instead of being ashamed.’’
Bartlett said she was proud of herself for not being discouraged by people who said that her vision was not achievable.
She was also proud of the jammers for embracing the opportunities StarJam gave them.
Bartlett stepped down as chief executive in 2012 to focus on a ‘‘very ambitious’’ new venture that would hopefully make a ‘‘massive difference’’, she said. She would only say it would be ‘‘grander and wider-reaching’’ than StarJam.
Bartlett said it was ‘‘awe inspiring’’ to be a finalist in the awards because there were many New Zealand women doing amazing things. Unfortunately, they were often not given the recognition they deserved, she said.
Bartlett, who was made a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit last year, said it would be a step in the right direction if women’s achievements were seen as normal rather than extraordinary.