Rhiannon Tracey


Executive Director
The Next Step Spinal Cord Injury Recovery Centre

After a pool accident made her a quadriplegic just before her 21st Birthday, Rhiannon’s big plans  for the future were suddenly put on hold. Understandably, she initially struggled to come to terms  with her diagnosis of never walking again, but Rhiannon’s tenacious drive and determination saw  her set out to prove the doctors wrong.  

Everything happens for a reason. While it took many years to believe it, Rhiannon says her injury  has given her a newfound purpose she never felt before, enabling her life to blossom into what it  is today. In addition to now being able to walk short distances with the assistance of crutches,  drive as well as own and ride her horse Henry, Rhiannon has also; started a spinal injury  rehabilitation charity and recovery centre called The Next Step, become the Napoleon Makeup  Academy’s first ever quadriplegic graduate, launched her own freelance makeup business, grown  an impressive blog and social media following and forged a career as a motivational speaker and  became the first female on wheels to dominate the catwalk at the 2019, Melbourne Fashion Week.  

In 2016, Rhiannon was named Cosmopolitan’s ‘Game Changer’ Woman of the Year and has also  been awarded 2012 Young Australian of the Year, 2013 Women’s Day Women of the Future  nominee, 2014 Access & Inclusion Australia Day Award recipient, 2015 Wings for Life World Run  Australian Ambassador and in 2019 joined a group of remarkable women raising awareness for  Women’s Mental Health by becoming a spokesperson and ambassador for Liptember. This  woman certainly doesn’t do things by halves!  

Channelling her vivacious energy and passion for living life on her own terms, Rhiannon has  become a highly sought-after speaker, sharing her story at schools, corporate events, small  businesses and workshops. Rhiannon authentically speaks about the journey that has not just  led her from grief to goddess, but to where she is today. A total girl boss and a practising Life  Coach, Rhiannon openly speaks about how she overcame her own heartbreak and mental health  related issues due to her public marriage breakdown, while delivering her take on the power of  positivity, goal setting and most importantly how to make sure those goals are achieved and your  cup is always full! 

In 2019, Rhiannon was snatched up by the prestigious Model and Talent Agency, Bella as the  need for Diversity within both the modelling and fashion industries was becoming apparent and  has since been the go-too for designers and brands wanting to feature “real” and “diverse” women  in their fashion campaigns and showcases as well as being the first disabled women to wheel the  runway at Melbourne Fashion Week in 2019. 

Rhiannon shares her life with raw honesty, amassing a loyal following who love her colourful,  uplifting posts. Equal parts holistic health goddess and fearless boss, Rhiannon knows that in  order to give the best of herself to others she needs to fill up on self-love, nutritious and delicious  food, relaxation and heartfelt intention. In fact, Rhiannon has learnt so much since her accident  and has changed her life in more positive ways than she imagined, she will soon write her first  book. Rhiannon plans to pen an all-encompassing lifestyle guide incorporating nutrition,  spirituality, animal therapy, beauty, fashion and so much more.  

Unsurprisingly, Rhiannon’s flawless feminine style and contagious positive energy have made  her a favourite for brands looking to glean touch of her sparkle. Rhiannon has worked with a  range of fashion and beauty brands including Auguste The Label, Levi’s, Garbo & Kelly and The  Base Collective as well as corporate speaking clients such as Lend Lease and VIC Roads.  

Powerful, graceful and beautiful inside and out, Rhiannon is the absolute definition of an authentic  influencer.