For more than 20 years, Kathleen Folbigg maintained her innocence. She walked out of Clarence Correctional Centre on June 5, a free woman, 7164 days after she was convicted for the murder of her four infant children.
Now safely at her lifelong best friend Tracy Chapman's farm in Grafton, NSW, Kathleen is beginning the healing process.
Another long-time friend and supporter Karren Hall tells Woman's Day how she has been celebrating there with Kathleen, too.
"It's been a crazy time. I have been with Kath over a couple of days and words can't describe how happy we are," she says.
But amid the joy of finally being freed, Woman's Day has learned that Kathleen is now desperate to visit her children's resting place.
"Kathleen has never properly grieved. She's disassociated her whole life - it's been a necessity, or she wouldn't still be here," Tracy tells Woman's Day. "She's been through 34 years of trauma, and it's going to take years to get through that."
Kathleen's children were foremost in her mind during her incarceration, and when she gave a statement the day after her release, she was quick to pay tribute to Caleb, Patrick, Sarah and Laura.
"For the last 20 years I have been in prison, I have forever and will always think of my children, grieve for my children, and I miss them and love them terribly," said Kathleen, who turns 56 this week.
This story is from the June 19, 2023 edition of Woman's Day Australia.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the June 19, 2023 edition of Woman's Day Australia.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
I SWAPPED RETIREMENT FORT NURSING!
Neysa is embracing adventure and a career change at 70
THE BLOCK - AUCTIONS TAKE TWO!
Just six months after it sold for an eye-watering $4.3 million at The Block auction in November, Eliza and Liberty Paschke's Hampton East home went under the hammer once again.
THE SPICIEST 50TH EVER!
It cost a whopping $480,000 but it was worth every penny!
A HOWLING SUCCESS!
The first memorial statue to the Queen is unveiled — and it's pawsitively adorable!
PRISCILLA CONFRONTED BY ELVIS' LOVE CHILD
Elvis' alleged love child Deborah Presley Brando had Priscilla Presley all shook up ahead of a book signing she was due to attend in May.
JAMES & SARAH - WHY THEY REALLY HID THEIR DIVORCE
After months of rumours, the actress has bravely told the truth
HENRY IS OUR MIRACLE BABY
In an Australian first, Kirsty birthed her son, thanks to her own mum's donated uterus
JEN GARNER FINALLY TELLS MY SIDE OF THE STORY!
The actress breaks her silence at last on her relationship with ex-husband Ben Affleck
MEGHAN WARNS HARRY - ARCHIE'S NEVER SETTING FOOT IN LONDON
Despite her husband's pleas, the duchess is determined to celebrate their son's birthday in the US
FURIOUS EXES.A WALKOUT & WEDDING!
Things have gone from bad to worse for Farmer Joe as his true intentions are called into question