A fearless journey through polio, communism and war zone.

Flinders alumna Gosia Hill has faced more challenges than most, but is driven by exploration and self-belief.

Gosia (L) with UNHCR colleague, Maisa (R) at Azraq refugee camp, Jordan

Gosia Hill,
Flinders University alumna
(BA ’83, BSocAdmin ’87)

Sitting down to talk with Gosia Hill is an unforgettable experience. Friendly, erudite and passionate about her work, her family and her history, Gosia quickly floods the room with anecdotes that tell of a life incredibly well lived.

Diagnosed with polio at 11 months old, Gosia faced physical difficulties brought on by a disease that left many others permanently incapacitated. Her parents’ determination, her own strength of will and years of rehabilitation set a pattern that has been repeated throughout Gosia’s life - she does not shy away from a challenge. As she grew, a cycle of exercise, massage therapies and diet helped strengthen her body. Her mind however, was already far ahead.

Born in the restrictive environment of communist Poland, Gosia soon became interested in the world outside her borders. International affairs piqued her interest at a young age.

“I was 10 years old, and I started to learn English. My father paid for my lessons. I always subscribed to some magazines from the West, and l listened to the radio, quietly, secretly. There was this radio station that we listened to – Radio Free Europe.”

By the time she was 20, Gosia’s interests led her to Australia, and a new life in Adelaide. Despite three years of university study in Poland, transition to university in Adelaide proved problematic, until the day that Gosia made the decision to explore Flinders’ Bedford Park campus. As she wandered the corridors, a chance meeting with the Registrar saw her walk away with not only directions on how to enrol, but letters of recommendation to several faculty heads. Gosia’s time at Flinders had begun.

“I found a huge difference between Flinders and my studies back in Poland. Three years I studied at one of the oldest universities in the world, in Krakow, during the communist era. It was all very nine to five… lectures, meetings, assignments. It was very direct, very ‘You do this.’ Very prescribed. But here at Flinders, you know, you just do it. You need to be very self-disciplined, and self-directed. You really need to be organised and responsible for yourself. It is a very good tactic, to grow that fearless attitude and approach in life.”

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Gosia’s experiences at Flinders helped her develop her interest in international affairs even further. Graduating with a Bachelor of Arts (Politics, Philosophy) and Bachelor of Social Administration, she has continued on an amazing career path that has seen her work at the highest level as Australia’s senior diplomat in Europe and as a senior adviser in countries such as Jordan, South Africa, Russia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan. Her current assignment with UNICEF, through Australia Assists, is taking her to Tigray in Ethiopia to coordinate humanitarian efforts. The work is vital, but Gosia is also aware of the dangers it presents.

“Our training was with the military, all sorts of different and serious training. Handling weapons, handling potential kidnapping or terrorism. Things like that. Although I have been held hostage, once or twice myself, and I have experienced some very unpleasant guerrillas and militias in some other parts of Africa. It’s a situation you have to be very well prepared for.”

Gosia’s story is unforgettable. Her early years and the skills she developed at Flinders have given her confidence that have allowed her to forge a fearless path through life.