The Makeup Of Human Kind - Episode 1 - Debra’s Story
Welcome to The Makeup Of Human Kind - a project I have started up with Photographer Nigel Gaunt relaying the amazing stories of every day Humans and their stories. Each person will be explored in their own words, the way they want to tell their story. I am a makeup artist of over 20 years and the people I meet in my work are extraordinary and I know so many of us would resonate with other humans but we don’t even get to hear these stories unless its someone we know. Well its time to lift the veil!
In today’s first blog post, we delve into the poignant and heart-wrenching journey of Debra, who bravely shares her experiences from her younger years. From a very young age when she was taken away from her biological parents and placed in a group home, to her tumultuous teenage years spent navigating a fractured foster care system, Debra’s story is one of survival against overwhelming odds.
Her candid reflections reveal the harsh realities of childhood abuse, neglect, and the ongoing challenges faced by vulnerable youth today. As we explore her journey, we aim to shed light on the systemic failures that continue to impact countless children and highlight the urgent need for change. Join us as we listen to Debra’s voice and learn from her experiences, offering insights that resonate far beyond her individual story.
We first asked Debra what she would like to discuss today and why? - “Id like to discuss my life in younger year from 11 years to 16 years, To show people things haven’t changed much over the period of time from when I was experiencing this to now and to bring awareness to child neglect, abuse and why we should be helping loving and supporting our children”.
Recounting the moment she was first removed from her home at the age of 3 from drunken and violent parents and taken to a group home (or orphanage as it was then known). Debra tells us she was at the orphanage on and off for 12 years, and in and out of the foster system. “When I was in and out of the orphanage, I was put in many different foster homes in and around Perth” she also recounted the number of homes she was sent to was well over 30.
Some of what was endured included being locked in cupboards, sexual abuse, physical and emotional abuse and money hungry people who only took in a foster child for the money. “I was also a problem child and I couldn't and wouldn’t be controlled” Debra says. “I would continually run away from these situations in the foster homes as it was the only way I knew I could help myself was to get out of there”
Debra tells us that once she was 15 she ran away from the group home, she then lived under a bridge for a period of time and had to fend for herself. “At this time there was no resources for me to access. Very few if any 2nd hand shops, no food banks. nothing to help me. I had to steal to get anything I needed including any clothing or food. I am not proud of having to steel but I did it for survival”. The system couldn't control me, I was against the world and everyone in it because I felt like no one cared and no one truly wanted to help me”. Debra told us she did want to find herself and who she was but, during these years she didn't know how and felt as if she had no support to or help available to her.
The reason Debra agreed to talk to us and wanted to bring these issues to light, is because she does believe now there is an attempt to make help available but at the same time there is people put in positions to be able to start processes or set up agencies or business’s but the continued funding and support is just not there. The resources to keep these places running are not allocated, there is never enough staff and little to no follow up with funding or workload.
“It seems always left up to the public to continue to donate their time and money to keep programs or centres open. The Government ticks the boxes to be looking as if they are doing the right thing but don't follow up or keep things going and it always seems there is funding cuts in the most vital areas”.
We asked Debra what feelings or emotions were evoked in her when she recounted this era in her life and to describe them. “The emotions I feel today are and also back then are anger - at no one helping me or wanting to help me, sadness - for the same reasons and I feel like todays world is not changing peoples lives, its getting worse”.
She stated she believes Homelessness, mental health, and particularly children are all left to fend for themselves and they cant get the help they so desperately seek. “I speak to people all the time who are desperate to find help and cannot, or who work in the child protection industry and they are overworked, understaffed and nothing seems to ever change for them, they start wanting to make a change and be productive but they get trampled down and over worked with piles of paperwork and it ends up breaking their spirit and they leave”. Debra also stated she believes those who suffer most from this is our children.
Debra also pointed out the alarming rate of suicide amongst our younger generation and stated it scares her. “The level is so high because there is no help for them, there are operations that attempt to help but these do not address the root cause of these issues”. I wish it had changed from when I was a child and it hasn't” Debra said, “I wish there was places to put these people who are struggling and kids who are suffering or being being mistreated and there was more help available to them instead of places being closed and the workers in the system being held back by red tape and paperwork”
We asked Debra if she had the power to change this event or life experience or alter it in any way would she? and why? - She said “Actually no I wouldn't change my life, its made me the person I am today, I am a strong person, I fight for what's right and I fight for my family and have always ensured my family is loved and cared for and has everything I can possibly give them. I wouldn't change it. I would definitely, if I was in politics or power I would try and change as much as I could but the system is so broken where do we even start? It never ends and how do u choose”.
When asked if Debra believed the experience had sculpted her to become part of who she is today she said “Yes it definitely has. I like that its made me the strong person I am today”.
We asked Debra who inspired her most in life and she said “I met my husband when I was just 16 years old, and from that moment, his father became a guiding light in my life. He showed me what it meant to be loved and respected, embracing me wholeheartedly even as the first Australian marrying into an Italian family. His acceptance made all the difference. To me, he was a king—a figure of strength, wisdom, and unwavering support. I can never fully repay him for everything he did for me and our family. He taught me the importance of nurturing our loved ones, creating a home filled with warmth and comfort, and instilled in me the belief that family always comes first. His influence has shaped the person I am today. Though he passed away seven years ago, not a day goes by without wishing he were here. I still talk to him every day; his spirit continues to guide me, reminding me of the values he instilled in me. He is deeply missed, but his legacy lives on in the love and care I strive to give to my family. I am forever grateful for the time we had together and for the inspiration he provided that continues to shape my life.
Debras advice to anyone struggling with these demons is this - “Stay strong. You have to be a strong minded person and fight for what you believe in and what you feel is right and what you deserve in life. Mentally fight and make the right decision for you. I married a wonderful man, I have a family of my own, my children and my grandchildren and I love them all dearly. My advice is to never give up”
Finally - we will be finishing all our interviews with 5 questions and the answer of the first thing that comes to mind for the candidate - here is Debra’s:
What is something that brings you joy - My family
What do you think is your personality type - Terrible (laughs) - I don’t think I have a good personality - sometimes I’m angry, sometimes I’m hurt, sometimes I cry - but I try my best!
There’s a difference between being alone and being lonely - when do you think was the last time you ever felt lonely - 7 years ago when my Father in Law died
What is something that inspires you - My father in law
What are you most scared of right now in life - Losing my husband
We hope you have enjoyed the first instalment of The Makeup Of Human Kind. Please give us a follow or a like on instagram where you can find Videos and Photos of Debra’s interview @themuofhk
We hope this resonates with some of you and you found this story inspiring.
Thanks for reading!
