First Nations, bisexual, a Bachelorette: Brooke Blurton on ‘walking in two worlds’

Loading

Where did that education come from? Coming out of high school, I got my first full-time, big-girl job – a corporate role working in a mining company. I’m [still] very conflicted about it. It gave me an opportunity to build myself up; at the same time, it was off the back of mining Aboriginal land. It gave me employment and financial stability. I needed to pay my own tax, my superannuation. It was mostly self-taught, but with a little bit of advice from money experts: listening to podcasts, reading books. I don’t think a lot of mob understands finance. It’s an effect of colonisation, I think. It was probably something I feared the most. I always found talking about money really difficult and uncomfortable until I gained this confidence. Now I love making money. It goes back to my community; it helps my family.

You’re famous. Are you rich? Absolutely not. I’m not driving an Aston Martin and I’m not living in a mansion – yet. But I’m rich in culture, community and friendship.

How much were you paid to be the Bachelorette? It was in the six-figure mark – more than some of the previous Bachelor contestants. My argument was that I wanted to be paid the same [as the men].

What was your last happy purchase? A very low-key Suzuki Jimny. It’s awesome.

What was your last regret-purchase? My drone. And my $50 emotional-support water bottle. That’s just stupid.

POLITICS

What life experiences influenced and shaped your politics and values the most, looking back? Growing up First Nations, you’re sort of born into politics. I am, just by existing, political.

Because you’re politicised? One hundred per cent. I grew up walking in two worlds: a young person in Western society, but also having a connection to my Aboriginality. I always knew that a lot of people didn’t have much respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It wasn’t until I did some research into the history and learning at school – truth-telling – that I understood where we stood as a people in the eyes of society. That made me more passionate.

Loading

You were the first First Nations Bachelorette and the first bisexual Bachelorette. To what extent are those “firsts” an honour and a burden? When I was doing it, I could feel the gravity of it and understood how much it meant to the people and communities I represent. I feared that I’d be an embarrassment, that I’d come across as tacky or misunderstood. It’s not a burden – just a lot of pressure. You see all these people in similar positions. They can f— up: I can’t.

You’re a strong advocate for the Voice to Parliament. Are you feeling optimistic or pessimistic right now? I always think worst-case scenario. But I’ve always been a huge advocate for the Voice. In 2019, I was part of the youth dialogue, pushing for the Voice and the campaign work that comes along with that. For me, the Voice will determine a lot. A “yes” vote would mean that change is happening. A “no” vote will be reflective of the racism in our country and how we treat First Nations people. One argument is that the Voice isn’t enough. I personally think that the Voice is something, more than nothing. Whether a treaty or the Voice comes first, it’s still change.

[email protected]u

To read more from Good Weekend magazine, visit our page at The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and Brisbane Times.