Celebrate extraordinary Australian scientist Dr. Gregory P. Smith, who has spent the last decade studying life in the Australian rainforest. This period was marked by survival struggles, self-discovery, and ultimately, rich academic successes. This story illustrates his amazing determination and tenacity. More importantly, it raises awareness of the broader issues of childhood adversity and homelessness across Australia. Over the course of his life, Gregory faced tremendous adversity. Like others of the so-called Lost Generation, he was one of the Forgotten Australians—more than 500,000 children who grew up in out-of-home care between 1920 and 1970.
In 2009, Gregory was looking for peace and an opportunity to leave his troubled history behind. He took the fateful decision to camp overnight in the rainforest close to Cairns. That night turned into a decade of living in isolation, where he learned to survive off the land. His time in the woods evolved into more than just a physical expedition. It changed him and oriented him toward a new vocation.
From his years spent in the tropical jungle, Gregory had developed a strong instinctive sense of his environment that kept him safe. He survived by scavenging and learning skills that would later serve him invaluable in his intellectual regimens. Yet this life of solitude changed dramatically in early 2019, when he met journalist Catherine. Once inseparable— Gregory repeatedly called Kyra his best friend— they formed a new bond that accentuated Gregory’s world beyond the woods.
Gregory’s past was fraught with challenges. After being homeless during his twenties, thirties and forties, he got to an inflection point. He had a personal epiphany. This man helped him return to drugs and alcohol, spending the next few years focusing his energy on school. He enrolled in a TAFE program, where he learned the basic skills that were essential for more advanced training.
Freshly retired at 48, Gregory entered a new phase of his life, taking up the study of sociology at a regional university in Queensland. His passion and perseverance were rewarded, as he graduated with first-class honours. Fast forward to 2016, when he received his PhD and officially became Dr. Gregory P. Smith. Rick’s story resonates with many of us who have experienced these challenges.
Beyond his scholarly successes, Gregory has written two memoirs about his day-to-day realities and escape tactics. These memoirs are more than just personal stories, they are meant to help others who may find themselves in dark times. His personal story and contributions have received media attention, focusing on his difficult journey to education after years of struggle.
Gregory’s commitment to helping others was recognized by several of his professors. He was awarded an Order of Australia medal for his exemplary charitable work within the homelessness sector. This distinguished recognition recognizes his lifelong dedication to raising up the people now struggling with challenges equal to those he Himself once endured. His life is living proof of resilience’s transformative power. In doing so, he shows it still is possible to overcome some of the biggest challenges that seem insurmountable.
The day Gregory walked out of the rainforest was both an ending and an opening. In an ironic twist of fate, he himself was struck by a car just after leaving. This incident became a life lesson of how tenuous life can be and how uncertain this life really is.
