Cindy Rella
People are always asking if Cindy Rella is my real name?
Indeed it is! it is no stage name as some may think. When you google me, images of my time on the award-winning Australian TV Drama Wentworth will pop up, which is somewhat humorous, as I am more than just a face on a TV show and indeed no actress or thug as the pictures may portray.
I pride myself on being a raw, real and upfront person. I have no skeletons in the closet. Fake it till you make it is NOT how I live my life; being a real person who will own my mistakes and prides myself on my word is my word.
My journey saw me face challenges that had a significant impact on the way I viewed myself, my value and my life. My lowest point came after my divorce, where my mindset was challenged, and I seriously considered my future on this earth.
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It was during this time that I needed to look at who I was and what I wanted out of life. I realised that perhaps my life had a real purpose and that my journey meant something. It was at this moment that I knew I couldn't go back to the old me. Being referred to as Rella by friends and work colleagues, it was a no brainer to become Cindy Rella legally and leave the old Cindy (Cindy Leask) behind.
My lessons have helped me to evolve into the person I was born to be.
Those around me might call me a high achiever, but I much rather consider myself a determined person proving to myself and others I can do anything no matter what life throws at me. My personal motto of "Be your own Brave" has always inspired me to lead the way and allow others to do the same. Never let anyone tell you you can't do anything. You need to work that out for yourself.
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SPORTING CAREER
My sporting resume is quite impressive, something I am very proud of especially at the age of 47, showing those that you are never too old to be a World Class athlete.
I have been an athlete for over 25 years in 4 sports and been fortunate enough to represent Australia in 3 completely different sports. Winning 9 World Championships in 2 of those sports and holding multiple World Records in one.
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Karate (World Champion)
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Ironman (represent Australia in 70.3 distance)
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Kettlebell Sport (World Champion x 9: World Record holder x 5)
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Semi-Pro Boxer (Retired undefeated)
My proudest moments in Sport? Are not all the accolades, the ability to help others struggling, giving them the belief to finish races, or face their fears of competing is what makes me a proud athlete and my proudest achievements. My philosophy has always been, it's not where you finish but how you finish is what makes a true champion.
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Within my Kettlebell community, I have set up an encouragement award for lifters who may not be the best but show great sportsmanship and determination. It is now a sort after award
Community
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Community is very important to me
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I have always felt a need to be connected with my community, being an inspiring leader, someone people could trust and look up to for guidance. I want to the person who speaks from experience and willing to go the extra mile to make sure when help is needed, deliver it to the best of my ability.
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Fundraising has always been my favourite past time whether it be
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Racing Ironman for Breast Cancer and Children's Cancer
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Boxing for Kids Charity & Jockey Trust
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Running for a cause (too many to mention)
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Trekking the jungles of Papua New Guinea for Aids Trust
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Sumatran Jungle for our orphaned Orangutan and Elephants
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Karma Kegs with the Bad Shepherd Brewery for a variety of charities and the Bushfire appeal.
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My favourite fundraiser is always the RCH Good Friday Appeal as a Donation Angel.
Each year I head in with my trusty glitter kit to bring joy to kids (and some adults) along the way while raising much-needed funds for the kids.
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When Lockdown started at the end of March I decided to use my unused studio and a safe space for a Community Jigsaw Exchange, all donated puzzles catalogued, cleaned and swapped with the locals. It's been such a fun project to be involved with and bringing so much joy.
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Mental health is a HUGE focus of mine, being a sufferer of PTSD, anxiety and depression, I see such a need for more support within our community especially in these uncertain times of COVID and why I see such a need for more activity-based therapies, green spaces and updated facilities to allow this to happen.
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