The Narrawallee resident recently took out the Cosmopolitan Fun Fearless Female Author Award, the Cosmopolitan Woman of the Year and was a nominee for the NSW Young Australian of the Year award.

Picking up the Fun Fearless Female award was a big moment for the burns survivor who released her book Everything to Live For, written with Libby Harkness, in August this year.

Turia said winning the award was “Amazing, fantastic and overwhelming,” and said she was surprised to hear her name announced when the winner was called. 

“I didn’t even prepare a speech,” she said.

“I only managed to bumble out a few words.

“I’m just so grateful to all the public who voted for me. 

“I took out my category (author) and was then named the Cosmopolitan Woman of the Year!”

Turia enjoyed the chance to celebrate all her successes during the awards night, held in Sydney on November 13.

Turia said the awards night was “sensational” and attended the event with her sister-in-law Shae.

“We were wooed by Nathaniel Williams (from the X Factor) first up, who performed his new single,” she said.

“The host for the day was Jesinta Campbell, Miss Universe Australia and there was plenty of champagne, so it was a great day.”

Being nominated for the Young Australian of the Year awards was another huge honour for Turia, with her close friends Nicola Tucker and Kristen Briggs putting her forward for the awards.

“I was selected as one of four finalists, out of literally thousands of applicants,” Turia said.

She was inspired to meet NSW Young Australian of the Year winner Jacqueline Freney and hear her story.

“I was so happy for her - she is an amazing athlete who truly shows us all the power of the mind over the body,” Turia said.

“She won eight gold medals as a paralympian in London and she hopes to win nine in Rio! “She even mentioned me in her acceptance speech.”

While Jacqui might have taken the award at the Australian of the Year event, she was also nominated for the Cosmopolitan awards, winning her sports category but missing out on the top spot to Turia.

The NSW Australian of the Year awards were held at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Sydney and Turia said the setting was “beautiful”. 

“We had a fantastic outlook over the Opera House and great canapés and drinks as well,” she said.

“It was just such an inspiring and empowering night with so many like-minded people.”

With a busy schedule over the next few months, Turia has no plans to slow down.

She is sharing her story and inspiring others as a motivational speaker and will be sitting for an artist for a portrait planned for entry into the Archibald Prize. 

Following that, Turia will be off to Nerrenderra to perform her ambassadorial role for the Australia Day Council.

She is also busy fundraising for Turia’s Great Wall Challenge.

Locals can support Turia’s efforts online at www.turiasinterplastgreatwallchallenge.gofundraise.com.au