From the Kimberley to Community Advocate: Bridey’s Story
Bridey Eggleton (Class of 2015), finds it hard to believe she graduated from Santa Maria College nearly 11 years ago. In that time, her journey has taken her from the Kimberley to Perth and into meaningful work centred on community, advocacy and mental health.
In 2016, Bridey returned home to the Kimberley to work as a teacher’s assistant at the school her great-great-great-aunt, a Sister of St John of God, founded. There, she discovered a love for working with children and formed strong connections within the local community.
The following year, she moved back to Perth to study journalism at Curtin University. However, her mental health made the transition challenging, and she made the difficult decision to step away after one semester. She began nannying and volunteering with Headspace in Fremantle, deepening her connection to youth support services.
After losing a family member to suicide in the Kimberley, she felt compelled to take action and started working with Headspace in Fremantle. In 2019, her career in social media began with a remote role running Bondi Rescue and Black As from Fremantle. Alongside her professional growth, she committed to prioritising her mental health and giving back wherever she could.
“I have had a huge mental health journey since leaving Santa Maria and have tried my best to prioritise my mental health when it comes to my personal and work life – I like giving back to the community as much as I can.”
Making an Impact with We Are WM
We Are WM is a Perth/Boorloo-based not-for-profit delivering trauma-informed education to young people across Western Australia. The organisation focuses on consent, respectful relationships, online safety and sexual health, creating safe spaces for open and honest conversations.
Founded by best friends Kate Raston and Nicolette Beard after recognising a gap in comprehensive Relationships and Sexuality Education, We Are WM has reached more than 29,000 young people across Australia through evidence-based programs.
After attending a fundraiser in 2024, she began volunteering with the organisation at the start of 2025.
As Content Coordinator, Bridey plays a key role in shaping the organisation’s voice and visibility. From creating engaging TikToks and informative Instagram posts to capturing workshops and helping coordinate events, she is deeply involved in all aspects of the organisation’s work, including sharing her own lived experience to support others.
‘Text Me When You Get Home’
One of the organisation’s most powerful initiatives is the ‘Text Me When You Get Home’ campaign, raising awareness for women’s safety.
A fellow volunteer, Casey, will walk alone from sunset on 7 March through to International Women’s Day on 8 March to highlight the reality that many women feel unsafe walking alone. In a telling reflection of the campaign’s purpose, friends have insisted on accompanying her due to concerns for her safety, reinforcing exactly why the walk matters.
The campaign also raises vital funds for We Are WM, where every team member – including the founders – volunteer their time. Community members are encouraged to join the walk, sponsor or donate to support the organisation’s reach across the state.
More information can be found at: https://wearewm.com.au/textmewhenyougethome
The Santa Maria Influence
Bridey’s time at Santa Maria played a significant role in shaping her values. She reflects warmly on the teachers who made her feel seen and heard, particularly during a time when she was navigating mental health challenges as a boarder in Year 11.
“It was an isolating experience as a boarder suffering from mental health issues from Year 11. I wanted to share my lived experience and help others understand that it is all normal.”
Leaving school, she recognised the importance of surrounding herself with strong women and creating safe, supportive spaces, something that continues to guide her work today. Reflecting on her school years, she also saw the need for more open conversations around mental health, consent and respectful relationships.
A Message to Students and Alumni
Bridey has a clear message to the Santa Maria community: mental health and grief are not a straight line, and real change begins with everyday courage.
“Mental health and grief aren’t linear journeys. It’s taken me years to realise this.”
She encourages students and alumni alike to call out disrespectful behaviour, even in small ways. Whether it’s questioning a problematic joke or standing up for someone else, she believes each person has the power to shape a safer, more respectful community.
“You can be the change in your community. It’s up to you to create a respectful and safe space for everyone around you.”
Creativity, Connection and Balance
In her downtime, Bridey embraces creativity and calm, enjoying film photography, baking, music and time at the beach. Most importantly, she prioritises surrounding herself with people who make her feel loved and heard.
Creating Change Through Lived Experience
Bridey’s story is one of resilience, reflection and action. From personal loss to purposeful advocacy, she continues to use her lived experience to create impact — helping young people across Western Australia access the knowledge, confidence and support they need to thrive.
- Alumni Spotlight, Consent and Respect, Mental Health Advocacy, Mercy Values In Action, Santa Maria College alumni, We WM Perth, Women's Safety Awareness
Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.
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