Hedley Derenzie’s background is a kaleidoscope of many colours and surprising connections. From corporate trainer to author, public speaker, aged care worker, successful YouTuber and life coach, Hedley’s path has been shaped by the simple wish to help others.
Her thriving life-coaching business helps people make the life they dream about a reality by applying the Law of Assumption.
“The Law of Assumption is based on the premise that life isn’t happening to us, it’s happening through us,” Hedley explains.
“It’s based on the stories we’re perpetuating within our own minds – the stories we think about and the stories we tell that become the stories we experience more often in our reality.
“So, it’s really looking at rewriting the internal narratives first, so that we can start to experience different narratives within our reality.”
Originally from Sydney, Hedley always felt drawn to the Byron Shire and after several visits, formally made the move in 2020, and has “never felt more at home”.
Since joining the Women’s Giving Circle in 2024, Hedley says she is routinely inspired by this unique community of women and their powerful stories of change.
What do you enjoy most about being part of the Women’s Giving Circle?
I really enjoy the connections you make. You realise pretty quickly how many amazing people are doing amazing things here in the Northern Rivers, particularly in terms of the members and the grassroots charities that are creating change.
There are many people who have endured some very challenging experiences that they’ve turned into something empowering that they can then share with others. I am amazed at the resilience people have in terms of what they’ve had to overcome and then using that as a way to serve others and help them overcome their experiences too. The fact that they will ask, ‘How can I help somebody else in this situation?’ is something that I find very inspiring.
Why do you think it’s important to give where you live?
I think it’s important to give locally to support the continued growth of the community, and just also to be part of the community.
There are so many charities all over the world, and so many Go Fund Me’s and for me, personally, the Women’s Giving Circle has helped me prioritise where I give.
In the past, I was getting caught up in global stories but when it came to my community, I wasn’t doing much at all. Being part of the Giving Circle helped me reprioritise and start with my own community, and then if I choose to support more global causes, I can go from there.
Favourite way to spend a weekend in the Northern Rivers?
The thing I love most about the Northern Rivers is the space and being able to spend time in nature. I love that we also have these beautiful and different places you can go, like Bruns or you can drop into Byron – every township has its own mix of cafes and restaurants and then nature in-between all of it. I love being on the freeway and seeing greenery rather than buildings.
One of my places to go for food (and margaritas!) is Rosefina’s in Billinudgel – the atmosphere is just so warm and inviting. I also like Trouble San in Bruns.
Take a look at Hedley’s YouTube channel here or follow her on Instagram: @hedleyderenzie