Discover the Inspiring Journey from High Society to Advocacy for the Homeless
Glen-Marie Frost once lived a life many would envy. As a prominent public relations expert in Sydney, she mingled with influential figures and lived in a beautiful harbourside mansion. However, her life took an unexpected turn, leading her from luxury to homelessness. Glen-Marie’s journey is a powerful testament to resilience and the reality that homelessness can happen to anyone.
From Glamour to Hardship
Glen-Marie's early career was marked by rapid success. She moved from Brisbane to Sydney at 19 and quickly made a name for herself in public relations. She worked with major organisations, travelled the world, and even became known as the 'Diamond Lady' while working for De Beers. Her rise in the PR world was meteoric. Glen-Marie’s charm, intelligence, and work ethic made her a sought-after figure in the industry. She had a knack for creating compelling narratives and building strong relationships with clients and the media.
Her role at De Beers was particularly glamorous. As head of marketing for Australasia, she promoted one of the world's most coveted products: diamonds. This position took her to London, New York, and various other global destinations. She embraced the sophistication of the job and learned valuable life lessons along the way. "I enjoyed the sophistication of it all. I embraced it. I learned so much about life," she said. It was a period filled with high-profile events, extravagant parties, and encounters with celebrities and influential figures.
Despite her professional success, personal challenges began to surface. Glen-Marie’s marriage to Bob Frost, the executive chairman of the Australian subsidiary of a UK property group, initially seemed like the perfect match. They had a glitzy wedding with around 300 guests, including politicians and business leaders. Life was good; they lived in a sprawling mansion in Bellevue Hill and had a son, Andrew. However, cracks began to appear in their relationship, exacerbated by financial difficulties and the pressure of maintaining a high-profile lifestyle.
By 1997, Glen-Marie’s career had reached another peak when she was approached to work on the Sydney Olympics as the General Manager of Communications and Community Relations. This role was prestigious and highly demanding. "Sydney was on fire. You were so proud to be Australian," she recalled. However, the job was also stressful, and the last couple of years leading up to the Olympics were particularly challenging. It was during this time that the cracks in her personal life widened, leading to her separation from Bob in 2001.
Glen-Marie walked away from the marriage with nothing but her personal effects, dignity, and pride. The financial strain and the end of her marriage marked the beginning of a downward spiral. She found herself without a home, a stark contrast to her previous life of luxury.
Finding Strength in Adversity
Homelessness was a harsh reality for Glen-Marie. She faced it head-on, refusing to see herself as a victim. Her network of friends provided temporary relief, but the struggle to find stable housing was a constant challenge. After undergoing knee surgeries and being unable to work, she had no choice but to depend on social housing.
During this difficult period, Glen-Marie’s resilience shone through. She stayed with friends, slept in her car for two nights, and eventually moved into social housing in Woolloomooloo. Living in her car was one of the lowest points in her life. "I had a lot of soul searching, but there were times you just want to give in," she admitted. However, she refused to let her circumstances define her. "When that happens, I guess you have a choice. You're either a victim and say, 'Woe is me,' or else you think, well, what am I going to do about it?"
Glen-Marie’s network of friends played a crucial role during this time. Former cabinet minister Helen Coonan and other friends took her in, providing much-needed support. She was conscious of not overstaying her welcome and was determined to find her own way. Despite the challenges, Glen-Marie remained optimistic. She focused on her recovery, both physically and mentally, and gradually began to rebuild her life.
Her determination to overcome adversity was further demonstrated when she moved to the Southern Highlands of NSW, staying at the property of former politician Michael Yabsley. What started as a six-week stay turned into nearly four years. It was during this time that Glen-Marie found peace and rediscovered herself. "Where I really found me," she said. This period of reflection and healing was essential for her recovery.
A New Beginning
Glen-Marie's resilience shone through during these tough times. In 2017, she found a new path as a civil celebrant, performing weddings and life celebrations. Her lived experience with homelessness inspired her to become an advocate for homeless women's issues. She now serves on the boards of several foundations and speaks publicly about her experiences to raise awareness.
Her work as a civil celebrant brought a new sense of purpose and joy to her life. "I'm loving it. It's totally different to me, but I'm a born romantic, so it suits me," she explained. Conducting weddings and life celebrations allowed her to connect with people in meaningful ways. Her natural empathy and understanding, shaped by her own experiences, made her an exceptional celebrant.
Glen-Marie’s advocacy for homeless women's issues became a central focus of her life. She shared her story at a NSW parliamentary inquiry into homelessness among older people aged over 55, hoping to raise awareness and inspire change. "One of the reasons I put myself out there was to help other women who say, 'I don't know what to do,'" she said. Her testimony highlighted the systemic issues that contribute to homelessness and the need for better support systems.
In addition to her public speaking engagements, Glen-Marie joined the boards of the Sunrise Foundation and the New Beginnings Foundation. She also became involved with The Equanimity Project, a charity dedicated to helping homeless women rebuild their lives. Her work with these organisations has made a significant impact, providing much-needed support and resources to vulnerable women.
Homelessness Can Happen to Anyone
Glen-Marie’s story highlights an important message: homelessness does not discriminate. It can affect anyone, regardless of their past successes or social status. Her journey from a harbourside mansion to homelessness underscores the vulnerability that many people face.
At AussieQuest, we believe in sharing stories like Glen-Marie’s to highlight the importance of supporting those experiencing homelessness. Her resilience and determination remind us all that with the right support and a strong community, it is possible to rebuild and find new purpose.
Homelessness is often misunderstood, and there are many misconceptions about the people it affects. Glen-Marie's story challenges these misconceptions, showing that homelessness can happen to anyone, even those who have achieved great success in their lives. It is a stark reminder that financial stability can be fragile, and life circumstances can change unexpectedly.
Glen-Marie’s journey also emphasises the importance of community and support networks. Her friends played a crucial role in her recovery, offering her a place to stay and providing emotional support. This highlights the need for strong social connections and the value of helping one another in times of need.
Support AussieQuest
Join us in our mission to support individuals facing homelessness. Together, we can make a difference and help those in need find stability and hope for the future. Your support can provide crucial resources, from temporary shelter to long-term housing solutions, and help individuals like Glen-Marie rebuild their lives.
At AussieQuest, we are committed to creating lasting change and providing a safety net for those who find themselves in vulnerable situations. By sharing stories like Glen-Marie’s, we aim to raise awareness and inspire action. You too can make a significant impact, offering hope and a brighter future for those affected by homelessness.
Glen-Marie Frost’s story is a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit. Despite the many challenges she faced, she never gave up. Her resilience and determination have allowed her to rebuild her life and become a beacon of hope for others. As she continues her work as a civil celebrant and advocate for homeless women's issues, she demonstrates that it is possible to overcome even the most difficult circumstances with courage and support.
We invite you to join us in our efforts to combat homelessness and support those in need. Together, we can create a more compassionate and inclusive society, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Your support can make a world of difference. Let’s work together to ensure that stories like Glen-Marie’s become the norm instead of the exception. Together, we can build a better future for all.
Thank you for being a part of this journey and for supporting AussieQuest.
