General News
22 October, 2026
Chantal’s real-life fairy tale
IF I had a dollar for the times I have said, “there is just so much talent in our small part of the world”, I would probably be resting up on a superyacht somewhere out on the Coral Sea right now.
Well, once again, in the ‘Goss’, the time has come to celebrate another colourful and super talented locally- based individual.
On this occasion, it’s all about a fairy’s life of storytelling, art and imagination.
Chantal Munro has been a professional fairy since the early 90s and is a pioneer in the face painting industry, with 80,000 face painting books sold globally. And, yes, I did say professional fairy.
Credited with helping shape the children’s entertainment industry in Australia, her vaudevillian-style performances have toured as far away as Miami, USA, to remote communities in Australia’s Northern Territory.
Now based in Julatten, Chantal completed her debut novel, ‘TickleTouch: An Environmental Fairy Tale’, which was written over 30 years while navigating undiagnosed dyslexia. Blending fantasy and magical realism, the story was written for young adults and adults who are young at heart.
Her work now spans storytelling, gardening and cultural commentary, including ‘Garden Cookbook – For My First Edible and Medicinal Garden’ and two candid books on menopause, ‘Surviving the Change’ and ‘The Secret Society of Sweaty Sisters’.
All Chantal’s writing is known for its honesty and trademark humour.
Growing up in Adelaide, Chantal was always the odd one out. “While other girls fussed over boys, I’d spend my lunch times performing one- woman plays,” she said.
As Chantal explained, it was the era of Boy George, so flamboyant, dramatic make-up was in high demand.
“I spent most of my school life crouching behind playground equipment, hiding from bullies. My red hair, freckles and buck teeth didn’t help. But I muddled through the school years and after that became a make-up artist.”
After trying to hold down jobs, splitting with a boyfriend and many tears, Chantal reflected on her childhood.
“I remembered the quirky little redhead running around trying to spread whimsical joy. That’s when I made plans to become a fairy.
“Under the name ‘Chantal the Fairy’, I started painting kids faces at the weekend,” she said.
“Studying magic books, I taught myself juggling, ballon modelling and rope tricks to add to the facepainting. I didn’t need to practice being a fairy, that came naturally.
“I even added comedy to my act,” Chantal said.
With a few years of experience behind her, Chantal then self-published a face painting book, ‘Face Art: The Face Painter’s Guide’. This book alone amazingly sold 70,000 copies worldwide.
In 2000, Chantal felt very honoured to be nominated Northern Territory Citizen of the Year for her contribution to the children’s industry.
That same year, after 20 years as a fairy, Chantal hung up her wings, “After all I was 550-years-old in fairy years” she said.
Chantal then focused on training children’s entertainers and hosting facepainting workshops.
“I often tell people I suffered from ‘suppressed clown syndrome’ in my youth” she said.
Chantal and her now husband Gordon lived in Darwin from 2013 and then moved to Julatten where they now live with their son Corin.
Over time, at this location, they have reforested and set up a permaculture garden which inspired the garden cookbook.
Always on the go and keeping busy, ‘Surviving the Change’, is Chantal’s most recent publication, released in 2025, highlighting issues such as menopause. This book was the basis of a recent talk to the Rotary Club of Douglas FNQ about menopause and women’s depression.
Well, as you can see, Chantal is a worthy addition to my list of amazing local people.
I’m now off to discover even more talent, no doubt, so for now it’s Gazza signing out.
Send your stories to gazza@cairnslocalnews.com.au
