Quaden Bayles isn't any ordinary kid though. 

The Murri boy and his mother Yarraka are leading a new wave of support and education surrounding achondroplasia, the most common form of dwarfism, which Quaden was diagnosed with at birth. 

At six-years-old Quaden has already undergone nine major surgeries, often life-threatening, all related to his condition. 

It’s been a rocky path at times, and one that has convinced Yarraka of the importance of her and Quaden’s role. 

Her pride is obvious as she tells of her transition from someone who knew little about the condition, to a casual expert that has helped others around the world.

“Before I had Quaden, I’d never met anyone with it,” she explained. 

“It wasn't until he was born that he opened up my eyes.”

The early years were tough as she struggled to comprehend the many difficulties that achondroplasia presented. 

“At the start I was like, ‘why me?’” she said. 

“I was in a deep depression for a long time, I just didn’t want to believe it (the diagnosis).” 

With nowhere else to turn, Yarraka started reaching out online. 

It was then that she found a network of people with achondroplasia experience across the globe. 

It kickstarted her ravenous desire to learn about the condition, and now she says “we’re in the position to give the support that I never had”. 

As an Aboriginal dwarf, Quaden holds the rare distinction of being “a minority of a minority”, according to Yarraka. 

Despite coming to terms with Quaden’s condition in recent years, the family still face a series of hurdles. 

While achondroplasia is Quaden's primary diagnosis, many other medical difficulties can arise from the condition, with Quaden spending multiple birthdays in hospital.

Much to Yarraka’s disgust, bullying, perpetrated by both the gutless, faceless Internet trolls as well as people in the street, still occurs.

“Adults have been so cruel, some of the looks and things people say in the street are just disgusting. 

“I had anxiety about sending him to school at first.”

“Kids don’t really understand what they say can be hurtful.” 

When asked his age, Quaden – aware and self conscious that there were no other six-year-olds the same size as him – would say he was three. 

Rather than overwhelm the family, negative instances have galvanised them. 

“It makes me realise that our job is so important,” she said.

“It's about teaching him to be strong, to stand up for himself.”

Quaden agreed, saying that the most important thing he had learnt was to stick up for himself. 

“We address issues on the spot, not in a confronting or negative way, but in more of an educational way,” Yarraka expanded. 

Quaden and Yarraka relocated to Kempsey from Brisbane earlier this year after visiting family in the Christmas holidays.  

“We came down for Christmas to visit and we just haven’t left,” Yarraka smiled. 

“It’s such a lovely community, we’ve got lots of family and friends here which makes it easier.”

Kempsey is also closer to Westmead Children’s Hospital, which Yarraka said has Australia’s leading experts on achondroplasia.

Quaden is settling in at Green Hill Public School where his love of soccer and basketball are a constant point of conversation. 

A family trip to the Dwarf Games in Canada in August this year is likely to further spur Quaden’s athletic flame.

Outside of school, Quaden has any number of paths open to him in the future, with acting one potential profession he has cast his eye upon. 

 A natural entertainer as soon as the camera lens hits him, a bright future beckons if he does decide to take that route. 

“Hopefully he breaks into the TV scene – he brings plenty of diversity,” Yarraka smiled.  

After overcoming their past difficulties, Yarraka said they’ve got a simple philosophy with enjoying each day as it comes.

“He’s just a cool little kid in Australia living his life to the fullest,” she said.

Busy as they are, the two will continue to spread the word about achondroplasia and acceptance – pushed by the initial difficulties they first faced. 

“When people ring and ask for advice we can give it to them – we are real people who have been through it,” Yarraka said.

“It hasn’t been easy, but now we are in a position where we are able to pay it forward.

“It’s great.”