What do you do, why did you choose to go down that path, and what do you love about it?
I am a singer/song-writer, poet, story-teller and social justice advocate. This path chose me more or less – it wasn’t really any choice I had. I was singing as soon as I found out that my words could run longer and I found words coming really easily to me. My social justice advocacy was dawned on me during high-school when I felt deep within myself that I couldn’t sit by and let people suffer without at least speaking up.

What are you currently working on project-wise?
I am currently in a social-justice alternative rock band called “The Change”. We sing about things that really mean something to us from Human Trafficking to poverty to depression to bullying to self-esteem. We are devoted to letting people know we want to help them, and that they aren’t alone. This really ties in with my love of human rights, social justice, creative writing and music and that just makes me really happy. I’m always really interested to learn about new charities and organisations that exist for the purpose of helping people- such as “Hope Movement” whose founder I had the ultimate pleasure of meeting at a music festival. I love their purpose and their vision… AND their merch!

The Change, a social-justice alternative rock band.

What would you say led you to where you are today? Eg background, achievements, inspiration?
I have heaps of things that led me to where I am. One blessing after another, a million lessons learnt through failure and a passion so strong I couldn’t ignore it even if I wanted to; which I don’t. I’m hopeful for change and truly optimistic about the positive impact the world will see.

What do you get up to in your down time? Do you have any hobbies?
In my down time I drink copious amounts of coffee (which really isn’t all that different to my busy times). Not only that but I love going to and helping out with my church’s events and services, getting more involved in my community and travelling. I have this epic hunger for travel that never seems to be satisfied no matter where I go. I’m ridiculously blessed to have the ability to travel and I will go far and wide to help people and play music.

What’s it like being a young person in Brisbane? What suggestions would you make to improve the city?
Being a young person in Brisbane is actually really good. I wasn’t born here- I was born in a rural, far-northern Queensland town and from there moved to multiple places down the state before settling in Brisbane. Seeing the different lifestyles of the communities I’ve been a part of has really inspired me to get everything out of what is offered to me. Brisbane is so full of life and culture and an incredibly diverse range of people. The only improvements I can think of really are a lowering in public transport prices, cleaner streets and more cheap recording studios.

What advice or inspiration would you share with other young people?
I wouldn’t even know where to start. Be yourself really. Find what makes you happy, work on it, develop it, put it into practice  Singing, dancing, computing, ANYTHING- just make sure you don’t hate where you are or what you do because that will make you unhappy. Never give up on doing something you love- persistence and perseverance are key.