Author of Girl on the Edge and Girl over the Edge, she is bringing a personal element to events taking place during Mental Health month, sharing her story of living with mental illness.

Ms Hodges talks about her experiences in a raw, honest and confronting way through reliving her memoirs. 

“If someone had of warned me what depression is capable of, I would never have believed them.

“Nothing in the world could have prepared me for severe depression,” Ms Hodges said.

Ms Hodges grew up in Coolah, a small remote town in Central NSW, before moving first to Sydney and then abroad.

While living in England, she travelled through Europe; also visiting India, Nepal, Morocco and Thailand. 

Already fascinated with the concept of 'difference' after growing up in Coolah and living in Sydney; travelling in developing countries cemented this fascination as she experienced people living in communities with vastly different cultural, religious and political influences compared to Australia. 

Her passion for social justice evolved whilst growing up in Coolah and carried into her career. 

During her mid 40s Ms Hodges commenced writing her memoir to store in the cupboard for her children to read in the years to come, but realised this story was unique and may resonate with a broad readership. 

“Inequality and differences caught my eye from a very young age, as in many ways Coolah was polarised.

“The poverty, wealth, power and gender divisions stood tall,” she said.