Rebecca’s journey needs to be told.
- Stacey - Founder of WOTM
- 7 days ago
- 3 min read
When we first heard Rebecca Huismann speak at our inaugural Brave, Not Perfect event in Echuca in 2025, we knew immediately that her story needed to reach more people. There was honesty in the way she spoke, but also strength, purpose and a determination that stayed with us long after the event ended.
In July 2026, we had the privilege of inviting Rebecca back to share her story at the Women of the Murray Rural Women’s Day Luncheon in Moama.
Rebecca’s journey is one of resilience, determination and purpose.
She grew up on a farm as one of five children, surrounded by horses, open space and outdoor adventure. Life was active and full until a second serious horse-riding accident, at just 12 years old, changed everything.
Rebecca was placed in an induced coma for five days. When she woke, she had no memory of the accident or her time in hospital, a gap that remains to this day. She had to relearn some of the most basic parts of life: how to walk, communicate, recognise her family and regulate her emotions.
What many people take for granted, Rebecca had to rebuild from the ground up.
Although she underwent approximately six weeks of rehabilitation, the effects of the accident were permanent. Rebecca sustained a brain injury that affected the way she processed information, managed emotions and learned.
School became incredibly challenging. Traditional learning environments did not suit the way Rebecca’s brain now worked. Making friends was difficult, learning took longer, and some teachers doubted what she would be capable of achieving. She completed school with an ATAR of 27.5.
For many young people, a number like that can feel like a final judgement on their intelligence, potential or future. Rebecca refused to let it become one.
She was also fortunate to have strong supporters and role models around her, people who encouraged her, believed in her and reminded her not to give up on herself.
With their support, and through her own determination, Rebecca continued studying and completed certificates and diplomas. She proved that early setbacks, academic results and the doubts of others do not determine what someone is capable of becoming.
At 17, Rebecca began working in the disability sector.
It was there that she found a deep sense of purpose. She understood the difference that meaningful support could make in someone’s life. She valued the relationships she formed and became committed to learning, growing and advocating for the people around her.
Rebecca was not simply interested in providing a service. She wanted to help people feel seen, supported and empowered to build lives that reflected who they truly were.
Over time, that purpose became a vision.
That vision became Vision Fitness and Support Services.
Today, Rebecca is the Founder and CEO of Vision Fitness and Support Services, supporting approximately 45 participants and leading a team of 15 staff. The organisation operates under the motto: “Supporting people to live the life they love.” That philosophy is not simply a business statement. It reflects Rebecca’s lived experience.
She knows how quickly life can change.
She knows what it feels like to struggle in environments that are not designed for the way you learn or communicate.
She knows the difference that belief, patience and the right support can make.
Her brain injury does not define her.
Her ATAR does not define her.
The expectations others placed on her do not define her.
But those experiences have helped shape the leader, mentor and advocate she is today.
Rebecca’s story is a powerful reminder that success does not always follow a straight path.
Sometimes it is built slowly, through persistence, support and the courage to keep going when others cannot yet see your potential.
At Women of the Murray, we believe rural women’s stories matter. Not only the polished stories shared after success has been achieved, but the honest stories of setbacks, rebuilding, doubt and determination that came before it. Rebecca’s willingness to share her experiences gives others permission to reconsider the limitations they may have placed on themselves.
Her story reminds us that numbers do not measure potential, challenges do not erase possibility, and the right support can change the direction of a life.
We first heard Rebecca’s story in Echuca and knew she needed to tell more.
We are incredibly grateful that she continues to do exactly that.
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