Purple Tribe

Vet Nurse

In the game of Survivor, reading people can be key. And it’s a skill Perth-based Emergency and critical care vet nurse Paula has in spades.

An acclaimed Australasian Croupier Champion, she spent 10 years dealing poker in VIP rooms in Perth.

“I've dealt to members of Parliament, I've dealt to Royalty. Anyone you can imagine that is famous, rich, fancy - I've met them, and I've taken their money as well.”

“I can read people very well. I've been trained in international customs, how to read body language, how to read tones of voice. That's what we're trained to do.”

Raised in country Victoria before stints in regional Queensland, Paula and her Mum settled in Perth when she was 11.

“I found out very quickly that in order to get what you want and in order to get further in life, you need to work your ass off to get it, otherwise it doesn't just come to you.”

Nearly making it to Survivor seven years ago, Paula, now 33, had to pull out due to surgery. It’s a decision she’s played on repeat in her head. But here for redemption, she’s not going to go down without a fight.

“I'm here now, I'm healthy as an ox, and I'm ready to go.”

Insta: @paula_drew