Julia Hales
ACTOR CREATIVE THEATRE MAKER ADVOCATE
“I want audiences to hear people with disability and what they want, to really listen to their life experiences.”
Julia Hales is an award winning actor and creative theatre maker with Down syndrome living in Perth/Boorloo. As an advocate for her community, Julia is dedicated to sharing the experiences of people living with disability and platforming authentic representation.
This is exemplified in her critically acclaimed production, YOU KNOW WE BELONG TOGETHER with Finn O’Branagain and Clare Watson. The live stage documentary premiered to a sold out show at Perth Festival before touring internationally to the Southbank Centre in London, Edinburgh Festival, and Sydney Opera House. Other work of Julia’s includes: DADAA, PICA, Hydra Poesis, The Blue Room Theatre, ABC radio, KCAT in Callan Ireland, Sensorium, SPRUNG! and in 2020 she hosted THE UPSIDE for the ABC’s Catalyst. Julia has been recognised for her service to the arts with several awards including a MEDAL OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA, the HESTA IMPACT AWARD for Individual Distinction, an AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR Nominee and the 2023 CREATIVE AUSTRALIA NATIONAL ARTS AND DISABILITY AWARD FOR ESTABLISHED ARTIST.
-
![]()
You Know We Belong Together
YOU KNOW WE BELONG TOGETHER was co-created by Julia Hales and Finn O’Branagain and presented on stage by Julia. Commissioned by Perth Festival, Black Swan State Theatre Company and DADAA, it premiered at the Perth Festival in 2018. YTWBT brought the untold stories of performers with Down syndrome to life in a heartfelt and joyous show.
-
![]()
Black Swan State Theatre Company
Following the audience acclaim of it’s premiere, YOU KNOW WE BELONG TOGETHER returned with an international tour under Black Swan Theatre Company. BSSTC, Julia and company toured to London's South Bank Centre, the Edinburgh International Festival, and Sydney Opera House in 2022.
-
![]()
Screens
In 2019, Julia commenced a new performance work, SCREENS, exploring ethics, value and pre-natal “screening” practices for Down syndrome with Director, Chris Kohn and a company of independent artists from Sydney and Melbourne. Having always aspired to be a director, Chris mentored Julia as she pursued this ambition.
-
![]()
The Upside
Whilst Julia was working on SCREENS, she was contracted by ABC’s Compass program to host an episode titled The Upside of Downs. Drawing on extensive research and her own experiences, Julia explores parent’s thoughts when they face a decision about having a baby with Down syndrome. THE UPSIDE is available on ABC iview.
-
![]()
HESTA Impact Award for Individual Distinction
In 2020, Julia was announced joint winner of the HESTA IMPACT AWARD for Individual Distinction. Julia was recognised for her leadership in changing perceptions of people with disability, particularly Down syndrome, through arts and culture.
-
![]()
2022 WA Australian of the Year Nominee
Julia Hales was nominated for AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR in 2022. This nomination recognised her dedication in dispelling prejudice and sharing the experiences of those living with Down syndrome through her creative practice.
-
![]()
2023 Creative Australia National Arts and Disability Award for Established Artist
In 2023 Julia received the CREATIVE AUSTRALIA ARTIST WITH DISABILITY AWARD for an established artist. This award honoured her outstanding contribution to Australia’s arts - as a writer, actor and theatre maker.
-
![]()
2025 Medal of the Order of Australia
In 2025, Julia was honoured with a MEDAL OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA (OAM) for her services to people with disability and the arts across her 28 year career. This was a moment Julia described as ‘everything’ to her.
-
![]()
Current Projects
Julia is currently developing a range of theatrical productions with her creative partners, alongside her advocacy work within the local community. She is also pursuing her goal of acting in mainstream film and television. Her biggest dream remains appearing on HOME AND AWAY.
