Australian Story: Nov 20

In an exclusive story filmed over two and a half years, Australian Story has been following the life of Jimmy and Jane Barnes’ youngest daughter, Elly-May, who has cerebral palsy.

“Elly-May’s disability has never been a secret. But if anything, we’ve tried to keep it a secret from her.” – Jimmy Barnes

Born 14 weeks premature and given only a 50/50 chance of survival, Elly-May was diagnosed when she was three.

She’s endured a lifetime of medical procedures which she thought would limit her musical career to being a backup singer for her father.

“Punters out there used to see my show, saying how great it was to see Elly-May up singing with us, but they didn’t know what it took physically for her to get from the ground up to the stage. It was a monumental effort,” says Jimmy.

Now at 34, Elly-May Barnes is stepping out as a solo cabaret artist – and an advocate for people with disabilities.

Her cabaret show, often featuring special guests including her dad, her brother David Campbell and her uncle Mark Lizotte – better known as Diesel – is usually a sellout.

The success of the show, in which she talks, jokes and sings about her disability, has led to a new role as an advocate.

“I’m in a place where I am comfortable with who I am and to tell my story. It’s OK to be happy and disabled,” she told Australian Story.

“If you have any opportunity to give disability a platform, you’ve got to take it.”

8pm Monday on ABC.