Gina Chick, a writer and facilitator passionate about “rewilding,” recently spent two months in the wilderness and emerged victorious on the reality TV show Alone Australia. At 55, she shares how her grandfather’s influence fostered her deep connection to nature and reflects on how the loss of her daughter impacted her romantic relationships.
Gina Chick’s passion for nature was inspired by her grandfather.Credit: Tim Bauer
The Legacy of a Nature Lover
Gina’s paternal grandfather, Bruce, dedicated his life to planting trees, making significant contributions to the reforestation of New South Wales’ upper Tweed Valley. Family outings often turned into adventures as her Pop would climb towering rainforest trees in search of rare seeds that blossomed only once every six years. Though her youthful self found his passion for trees somewhat tedious, Pop’s lessons about the forest and its avian inhabitants were invaluable.
Bruce lived to the age of 96, making every birthday a reason to scale Mount Warning in NSW, continuing this tradition even at 90. In recognition of his conservation efforts, he was awarded an Order of Australia in 1988, solidifying his legacy as a champion for land care.
A Grateful Daughter
With heartfelt appreciation, Gina expresses her gratitude for her father, Doug, a gentle scientist and educator. Known for his ability to listen, he embodies stability, much like a steadfast lighthouse amidst turbulent waves. He raised Gina alongside her two sisters, Danni and Kristie, providing them with a nurturing and safe family environment.
Gina and her father share a profound view of the world – one filled with wonder and optimism. Both possess a love for adventure and problem-solving, cementing a bond anchored in shared experiences.
Reflections on Early Relationships
Looking back at her childhood, Gina recalls her first crush, Jesse, whom she met in grade four. He was reminiscent of a Storm Boy, embodying both charm and wildness. Growing up, Gina struggled with traditional femininity, often wishing to remain uninfluenced by gender norms. This conflicted relationship with her identity was compounded by a difficult experience at 16, when she lost her virginity to someone much older. Feeling pressured and unprepared, the encounter left a lasting impression that would shape her future relationships with men.
