Turia Pitt has a double degree in Mining Engineering and Science. She worked as a model before landing her dream job with Rio Tinto at their prestigious Argyle Diamond Mine and moving to Kununurra with her partner, Michael.

Their lives were turned upside-down when she was trapped by a grassfire in a 100 kilometre ultra-marathon in September 2011, and suffered burns to 65 per cent of her body. Turia lives in her hometown of Ulladulla. She is studying for her Masters and travels the world giving inspirational speeches.

She is a well-recognised humanitarian, dedicating her time to causes she is passionate about. Interplast is one such cause – a charity that provides free reconstructive surgery to people in developing countries.

Turia was named the NSW Premier’s Woman of the Year and was a finalist for Young Australian of the Year. She also graced the cover of the Australian Women’s Weekly and is a judge for the Australian Woman of the Future Fund.