Tell us a bit about yourself

Born and raised on Gubbi Gubbi Country (Sunshine Coast) but the Bay is home now. I moved to Hervey Bay to follow my passions for young people. Outside of work you’ll find me deep into crime docos, enjoying deep conversations with mates, fuelled by coffee, chasing music festivals, or nerding out on research. Big fan of South Summit and Amyl and the Sniffers🕺🏼💃🏼

What is a quick summary of your professional background?

I hold a Masters in Social Work and a Bachelors degree in criminology. My passion stems from early intervention prevention. I take pride in doing things differently. I love being innovative and meeting people where they are at. I’ve worked with young people facing homelessness, mental health challenges and justice system- but what really lit a spark for me was creating and running programs on Butchulla country here on the Fraser Coast. With a background in residential youth work, youth justice and community development, building real connections comes naturally. I believe young people should always be in the driver’s seat of their own journey. I’m just there to back them and walk alongside them.

What drew you to work with Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre?

The Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre is really close to my heart. I started working here at 21 as a fresh face to the sector, and from day one the leadership team and staff believed in me and backed my ideas. I’ll never forget one of my first days- I was handed a long piece of butcher’s paper and told to write a program. That idea turned into “Our Voice, a group program that, with the support of manager, created real employment opportunities for vulnerable young people. Seeing some of those young people still thriving in their jobs today I’ll always be proud of. HBNC gave so much to me, and I’m excited to return now as a more developed professional and give back. I love the innovation here- but most of all, I love the heart. I’m very lucky to be part of this team again.

How do you see your role making a difference in the lives of the community’s most vulnerable?

I see my role as creating safe, welcoming spaces where young people are visible, heard, and genuinely involved in their community. Spaces where young people can share their voices, lead change and know they belong. I love bringing fun and laughter into the work too- support doesn’t have to feel heavy to be meaningful, I want young people to feel supported and enjoy the process. I’m passionate about making youth led approaches the new normal, supporting growth in our town, and making sure every young person has access to care, opportunity and support.

What’s one thing you hope to see happen or change for our community?

The change I hope to see is our whole community, businesses, services and locals coming together to genuinely support young people in better more innovate ways. I want to see young people not just included, but listened to, trusted, and involved in shaping the opportunities around them. When we work with young people instead of for them, real change happens. I hope we continue building a community where young people feel visible, valued and supported to grow, lead and belong