In Her Own Time
I don't know if it will matter, but . . .
Australia had a hunting and shooting tradition for generations.
Their heritage was the original English right-to-arms, and it worked for them for years. The ownership and use of guns was an accepted part of the culture
Their government, using a false pretext, did what governments do when the opportunity presents itself: it disarmed the population en masse.
Historically the Australian tradition is one of toughness and pioneering spirit.
She has an opportunity to reclaim part of her heritage that is effectively denied to those she's left "back home."
Now, it's common enough for people to be frightened of things that make loud noises and are "dangerous" -- especially when they've been told all their lives that "these are dangerous" and schooled in the belief that "nobody should have them."
In my experience, you won't be able to rush her into accepting or liking firearms. Her acceptance of firearms will come in her own time, not yours.
Also in my experience, you will have better luck starting with small calibers and with guns that are easy and fun to shoot.
My wife was reluctant. She didn't mind that I got a .22 rifle for target practice. She didn't mind that I taught the kids (teenagers) how to shoot. She didn't want one of her own, and had no interest in shooting.
That changed when a mob marched past our front door.
I bought her a 9mm pistol of her own (at her request), but I had her begin practicing with a (Ruger MkII) .22 pistol first. She got halfway through the second or third magazine on the Ruger, stopped, looked at me, and said, "
I want one EXACTLY like this one." It was easy for her to shoot, there was nearly no recoil, she was able to hit what she aimed at. It was, in a word,
FUN.
I will offer a second to the Cornered Cat link (
www.corneredcat.com). Kathy Jackson is a member here (pax) and a moderator at The Firing Line (
www.thefiringline.com) and, best of all, she's in your general area: she lives in Washington.
She can speak to pretty much all of your concerns. Oh, she's also a firearms instructor, which is useful in and of itself.
I wish you success in this endeavor.