Teen living with fragile X syndrome embarks on national tour of every ABC bureau
Hayden Eastbury has two great passions in life; garbage trucks and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
It was the 17-year-old’s love for ABC that inspired his epic cross-country journey with his family.
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“I traveled around Australia with my family and met ABC news presenters,” Hayden said.
Hayden, his brother Jake and their parents set out from Newcastle in mid-2024 with plans to visit all 68 ABC offices in Australia, sparking Hayden’s dream of one day working for the company.
“We went to Queensland, the Northern Territory, up the coast, to Western Australia; I met a lot of people and was given a lot of ABC tags.”
Hayden said.
Hayden Eastbury experienced behind the news desk at ABC studios in East Perth. (ABC News: Kenith Png)
Teaching through learning
Hayden and her brother live with fragile X syndrome, a mutation of the X chromosome.
The genetic condition can include a wide range of physical, intellectual, and behavioral symptoms.
It is the leading cause of inherited intellectual disability, affecting approximately 1 in 4,000 men and approximately 1 in 6,000 women, according to the Fragile
The family hopes to spread awareness about fragile X syndrome. (ABC Big South: Kate Forrester)
Hayden’s father Phil hopes the journey will inspire greater awareness and understanding of the syndrome across the country.
“Both Hayden and his brother Jake face many challenges, but as we explored this wonderful country we encountered so many supportive people, like ABC,” Phil said.
Phil stated that while awareness of the syndrome is increasing, a significant number of people are unaware that they may be carriers.
Phil and Hayden met WA presenter Pamela Medlen at the Eastbury, Perth studios. (ABC News: Kenith Png)
“Fragile X is inherited through the X chromosome, so my children inherited it from my wife’s side,” Phil said.
“Symptoms can be linked to things like Dyslexia, in men it can be Parkinson-like tremors, in women it can be attributed to early-onset menopause.
“It’s only when it turns into full fragile X that alarm bells ring – this is often the period of early childhood when milestones are not met.”
“The boys will need support for the rest of their lives but we love parenting them, they are an absolute pleasure to have in our lives.“
Hayden Eastbury hopes to work at ABC one day. (Provided by: Phil Eastbury)
lifelong dream
Hayden’s passion for news and current events started with her favorite anchor.
“Hayden loves hearing jokes,” Phil said.
“Lisa Millar is her favorite presenter on ABC, we hope to catch up with her one day.”
“I love Backroads on ABC at 8 p.m.,” Hayden added.
Hayden Eastbury got the chance to try her luck as a radio presenter at ABC Darwin studios. (Provided by: Phil Eastbury)
The trip will be put on hold when Hayden returns to Newcastle next year and finishes grade 12, but Phil says it will continue after Hayden completes his secondary education.
“If he could one day get a job with a national broadcaster that would be great.”
said Phil.
If that doesn’t work, Hayden will be equally impressed by his other passion.
“I think it would suit Hayden if he could one day get a job doing something trash-related,” Phil added.
“I don’t think you can get a driver’s license, which is a big part of driving.” [garbage truck]But if he could find something about it, that would be great.”
Hayden Eastbury and his family are traveling around Western Australia, visiting offices in the northern region. (Provided by: Phil Eastbury)
