Role Model: Taking Up Space in the Fashion World

by Samantha Harris, Gayle Kennedy (Narrator), Ella Ferris (Narrator)

Samantha Harris has one of the most recognizable faces in Australia's fashion industry, but her success was anything but expected. In an industry built on European beauty ideals, her breakthrough as a finalist for the Girlfriend cover-model search was a testament to dreaming big, perseverance and the determination of her mother, Myrna, a survivor of the Stolen Generations.





In this mother-daughter memoir, Samantha and Myrna each share their journeys of breaking down barriers and the redemptive power of love. Samantha attended beauty pageants from the age of four and continually came second to girls with blonde hair and blue eyes, then later had to learn to connect with the camera. Myrna was taken to a girls' home at the age of six with her two younger sisters, making her fiercely protective of her children and grandchildren.





Inspiring and honest, Role Model is the story of two proud Dunghutti women claiming their space and the path to greater representation, highlighting just how much can change in two generations.





Please note that this audiobook includes themes around the impacts of colonisation and, in particular, child removal and institutions.

Genres: Nonfiction

Audible Audio

Published November 1, 2025

Reviews

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such a nostalgic read, taking me back to the late ’90s and early 2000s. I remember seeing Samantha Harris (and other finalists) in Girlfriend magazine and thinking she was stunning. What shines through is her humility and genuine perspective, despite early fame and the challenges of the modelling industry. Reading about her mum’s journey was tough, but it highlighted the strength behind Samantha’s story. A grounded, inspiring read.

[Ash · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Vibes: Fashionista, Mother/Daughter Magic, Proud Identity

- - -
A lady never reveals her age, but let’s just say Samantha Harris winning the Girlfriend model competition is lodged firmly in my childhood core memories. I was getting all the peak nostalgia flashbacks of Dolly and Girlfriend mags, Victoria’s Secret runway shows and Australia’s Next Top Model and Samantha Harris was a very familiar name to me in that world.

Listening to this memoir on audio felt like revisiting that era but with so much more depth. It was genuinely lovely to learn more about Samantha not just as the stunning face I recognised but as a warm, thoughtful human being.

Her story offers a fascinating look into the modelling world, but what stood out most was how her journey differed so profoundly from her peers as an Indigenous woman. From navigating beauty standards to managing shyness and courage on the catwalk to even being able to travel to attend competitions, Samantha faced barriers others never had to consider and still pushed through with incredible determination.

I also really enjoyed listening to how Samantha used her experiences wherever possible to help others and support so many important causes outside of her modeling role.

The inclusion of her mum Myrna’s story into this memoir added an extra layer of heart. Hearing about the obstacles Myrna faced and the strength and love she poured into supporting Samantha’s dreams, gave this memoir such emotional richness.

This was such a lovely story and I finished with not only a better understanding of the cut throat realities of the modeling world, but also with a better understanding and huge admiration for these two remarkable Indigenous women and the legacy they continue to build.

[Francesca Pashby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Totally random thing for me to read - the autobiography of one of Australia's first aboriginal fashion models - she seems a total sweetie!

Also, there were some very interesting chapters written by her mum at the end - about HER experiences growing up as one of the Stolen Generation (native children who were forcibly removed from their parents last century). Human beings can be so horrible.

[Madi Cassin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely incredible read. Such an important story for Australia and the rest of the world.
Highly recommend this book!

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I grew up watching Samantha Harris rise in the modelling world. I always thought she was incredibly beautiful and such a breath of fresh air compared to the rest of the ‘00s model scene. I loved that this was written alongside her mother’s life’s story. A concise and accessible memoir; wonderfully engaging, very resilient and very strong women.

[Becc · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. I’ll admit I recognised Samantha’s face but wasn’t sure of her name as i am not much into fashion.
Simple and beautiful read made stronger that both mother and daughter share their story. Can see where Samantha gets her beauty. Thanks to both for sharing.

[Bianca Byrne · Rating 4 out of 5]

lovely. well written and an insight into both modelling and the aboriginal culture. I enjoyed this book.

[kaitlyns_library · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a powerful read.