This week, Australia welcomes the iconic Jane Fonda and tonight I’m among the audience of 5,000 mainly women watching her headline the Wanderlust True North Series, with her final event in Sydney at the ICC following two shows in Melbourne. Jane Fonda’s visit is more than a speaking tour; it’s a celebration of a life dedicated to activism, empowerment, and environmental stewardship.
In this month’s interview with The Australian Women’s Weekly, she expressed her enthusiasm for returning to Australia after seven years:
“I’m deeply honoured and excited to be coming to Australia to join Wanderlust True North for these special events. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve come to see ageing as a gift — a time to embrace life fully, share our knowledge, but also laugh a little more.”
Her commitment to women’s empowerment is evident in her advocacy for mature women to embrace their confidence:
“Gain the confidence that is rightfully yours.”
Her environmental activism is equally noteworthy. Jane has been a vocal advocate for climate change awareness, participating in numerous protests and initiatives to promote environmental sustainability. Her efforts have earned her recognition, including the National German Sustainability Award.
As she takes the stage at Wanderlust, she continues to inspire with her unwavering dedication to causes that matter. Her presence in Australia serves as a reminder of the power of resilience, advocacy, and the enduring impact one individual can have on the world.
Ten of Jane Fonda’s Many Achievements
- Academy Awards: Won Best Actress Oscars for Klute (1971) and Coming Home (1978).
- Fitness Revolution: Released Jane Fonda’s Workout in 1982, the highest-selling VHS of all time, sparking a global fitness movement.
- Political Activism: A prominent anti-Vietnam War activist, she has remained a steadfast advocate for peace and social justice.
- Environmental Advocacy: Founded Fire Drill Fridays to protest climate inaction, leading to multiple arrests in her 80s.
- Women’s Media Centre: Co-founded this organization to amplify women’s voices in media.
- UN Goodwill Ambassador: Appointed in 1994, focusing on reproductive health and rights.
- Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award: Honoured in 2025 for her outstanding career and humanitarian efforts.
- Documentary Subject: Featured in Jane Fonda in Five Acts (2018)
- Author: Published the memoir My Life So Far (2005), offering insights into her personal and professional journey.
- Television Success: Starred in the acclaimed series Grace and Frankie, portraying vibrant ageing and female friendship.
Jane Fonda’s enduring influence stems from her unwavering commitment to activism, her transformative impact on fitness and media, and her powerful advocacy for women’s rights and environmental causes. Her visit to Australia not only celebrates her illustrious career but also reinforces her role as a beacon of empowerment and change.
My Favourite Jane Fonda Quotes
1. On embracing change and growth:
“It’s never too late — never too late to start over, never too late to be happy.”
— Jane Fonda, TEDxWomen Talk (2011)
2. On the power of women supporting each other:
“When women come together, great things happen. We’re not afraid to talk about our vulnerabilities, and that’s where our strength lies.”
— Jane Fonda, Oprah’s SuperSoul Conversations
3. On taking ownership of your voice and truth:
“The challenge is not to be perfect… it’s to be whole.”
— Jane Fonda, from her memoir “My Life So Far” (2005)