An acclaimed author, who has travelled the world since those early days watching the planes, Ms Kennedy realised her dreams when returning from Europe for the first time.
As a child, I used to watch the jet trails of planes flying overhead and wonder about the people on those planes and whether I would ever be up there looking down at the land below.
A key turning point in my life was the award of a scholarship to Queenwood where I completed my HSC in 1974. Life in Sydney was completely different from where I had grown up but I was welcomed by the teachers and students. I made great friends and am still in touch with the girls I met when I first arrived. From the very first moment I felt completely and utterly at home. Miss Medway was Principal then and she was all about providing a high standard of education for girls – no domestic science or any of those subjects that used to be taught to girls. I loved English and History but I was a bit of a daydreamer.
Writing is something I just have to do. I can’t stand looking at a blank computer screen. I think a lot and it’s pretty well written in my head. I tell my writing students you just have to let the stories out.
I love connecting with students and humour is very important. It is very much part of what I write, even in the most serious sections. Sharing laughter makes you feel good. Laughter is up there with music in life.
In addition to writing, I am a campaigner for the rights of people with disabilities. I had polio as a child and spent long periods in hospital. As a wheelchair-user I understand the physical barriers and obstacles that face people with disabilities but too often everyone else gets up to talk for us, which I find very frustrating.
We’ve got voices! I speak out a lot to bring about change because you can’t effect change by staying silent.
I remember the first time I flew back from Europe. I couldn’t concentrate on a movie or book, so I was watching the flight tracking system. I saw the plane fly over my hometown of Hay and I realised: I was up there. I was in the plane that created those jet trails.