Meet Gade: Growing, Giving Back and Joining Us in Brisbane

There’s something pretty special about seeing someone who grew up with Hands grow into their own.

This year, we’re excited to have Gade joining us in Brisbane for Night of Celebration 2026.

Many in our Hands family will remember Gade from her younger years, growing up at Baan Tharn Namchai (BTN). Today, she’s a confident young woman building a life of her own and helping support the next generation of children at BTN as the Head of Home Division.

Gade’s days are full. She supports wellbeing and development, plans activities and leads the team of caregivers who are there for the children, every day. She has also recently stepped into a new leadership role, bringing new responsibilities and plenty of opportunities to learn.

But Gade has dreams beyond her work at BTN. She’s interested in building a career in aviation, after discovering her love for the industry during a university internship with Thai Lion Air. Even waking up at 3am for a 5am airport shift didn’t put her off! One day, she aims to work as a Ground Service Agent, hopefully for an international airline.

When asked what a Life of Choice means to her now, Gade described it beautifully:


"My life is like a flower that is blooming. It means I am growing and becoming the person I want to be."

We think that says a lot about Gade.

She continues to learn, make her own choices and build the future she wants, while also helping other kids discover their own possibilities.

Gade also knows firsthand what support and opportunity can make possible. When asked what she would like to say to Hands supporters at Night of Celebration, her message was simple:

"Your support changed our life."

Today, she is helping pass those opportunities forward.

We’re incredibly proud of the young woman Gade has become and so excited to have her with us in Brisbane.

She’s excited too.

"I'm excited to go back to Australia this year."