Max's Island

Previously, we learnt how Brad's passion and commitment was pivotal in starting a successful community radio station.   In this episode we continue to peel back the layers of person who has achieved so much…as an elite sportsman, talented media personality and a genuinely good bloke. Brad shares his involvement in the Nollamara Primary school basketball phenomena, the passion for surfing and the diverse media experiences he had on both radio and TV. 

The many faces of Brad Cecins…Sports star, media personality, school teacher and community radio entrepreneur. This is part 1 … of a two part series … of Brad's visit to The Island. Whilst sharing his primary journey of starting a community radio station, Brad unearths a story that has a multi-faceted message of commitment, perseverance and self belief. Without this focused drive, the ability to connect with others and be supported along the way by his family, he would not have achieved the amazing outcomes that have occurred. His engaging personality genuinely reflects the Max's Island value of “daring to be human - being unique”.

Simon Carabetta openly describes himself as a typical arrogant, egotistical 20 year old, back in the early 2000's. He joined me on Max's Island to speak about these times and his early introduction into the local ‘pro-wrestling” scene in WA. After a chance meeting with a group of guys of a similar age, he was drawn into being involved in an emerging organisation at the heart of this ‘pro-wrestling' scene. His strong ego put him front and centre of this group and he immediately took on the roles of ‘marketing/PR guru' and ‘event night referee'. He was now in the scene and ready to ride the wave of growth with this enthusiastic band of wrestling brothers. And, then following an event mishap to one of the groups wrestlers, that attracted significant media attention, he was thrust into the public limelight as the spokesman for the group.

We all aim to set ourselves “Everest Events” … those personal quests that when completed, provide internal fulfilment and a sense of achievement. The impact we create for ourselves can be huge … or, it just may be the start of a series of smaller achievements that build momentum and meaning in our lives. But, they don't need to be as grand as scaling the world's largest mountain or crossing the largest oceans. Lois Keay-Smith used the motivation of completing the Cape to Cape trek in the South West of WA, and then striking it from her ‘bucket list' … all at a time where health had become very important for her and living life to the fullest … became a priority.

Paul Skewes admits that over his life he has regularly chosen the road less travelled and this has shaped him. From this, there have been experiences … some intuitively driven, some pragmatically driven and sometimes even driven by nothing other than a feeling for what is the right thing to do. Paul now realises the significance of taking this journey and how important this approach is toward leading a life … in his words … of just “being me”. So, Paul's story, philosophy and life acquired wisdom, fully align with the Max's Island value of “Daring to be human – unique”

Tara is passionate about bringing the beauty and power of Australian Sign Language (Auslan) into early childhood education. This passion is obvious in her emotionally powerful description of the venture she has created with her partner. Called Tiny Hands Signs, it has a purpose to introduce sign language as an additional method to aid the communication development of all children. Tiny Hands Signs supported community is growing and they are taking the learnings from the lived experienced examples being witnessed every day. To find out more, connect with Tiny Hands Signs:- https://tinyhandssigns.com.au/ tinyhands_insta

Raff Di Bartolomeo has spent a career helping others and guiding them to find what's important for them. Particularly, those with an interest in looking at how collaboration, connection and intentional action can address social need and elevate the voices of those most impacted. Ultimately, he has focused on others and embraced social innovation to make their lives better. When the effects of a set of physical challenges began to impact on his own professional perception of himself, he eventually had to realise that there were resulting mental health pressures as well. The lived experience from recurring situations, over a period of time, gradually led him to a place where he could manage the process of recovery, identify trauma informed positive action and just acknowledging the importance of the values he lives by.

On Max's Island, we've spent the holiday period reviewing our purpose and taking the time to really connect with our creative reason for being. It's been exciting to re-discover that each story shared by guests to Max's Island, can be aligned to one of the 5 values that guide our purpose. In the new series for 2025, we will be highlighting this connection and the meaningfulness of each story … they all really matter.

John Meacock has had an extensive business life in consulting and professional services. This has taken him to the boardrooms of many companies and organisations around the world and allowed him to interact with senior C-Suite executives and influential world leaders. Whilst John is well skilled, has extensive technical knowledge and is focused on achieving outcomes, his use of sound human principles of trust, honestly and building genuine relationships has been the key to success.

Jamie Larson has always been one to travel afar from his native New Zealand, challenge himself and find new ways to connect with people. At one significant moment, with only a ‘basic' high school level of Spanish, he made a decision to relocate from England and go to Argentina. With little expectation and not much of a plan, on arrival he set about using his instincts for meeting people as a way of fitting in and looking for work. He had immediate success … but then the pandemic hit, and Argentina was completely locked down … and his world of opportunity vanished overnight.

Shannon Ziegelaar has had some grass roots experiences in the various levels of local and federal politics. This included supporting a close friend in the City of Perth Lord Mayoral elections and then being a volunteer for Kate Chaney as she entered federal parliament at the last federal election as a successful independent community candidate. The collective views and values of a group of like minded community focused citizens, who were also inspired to think there was a better way for effective representation, has led to the formation of Voices of Moore. Shannon tells her story of being part of the establishment of this group and how it has evolved into a movement that has engaged many aspects of their community, created some common aspirations and is now positioned to find the “ideal” candidate to represent them.

Davy Rowe was back at square one … his business was gone! So what next … especially when the advice from his brother was … "You know, realistically mate ... you've got to forgive the guys that cheated you" Was he really ready for that? The first step toward accepting any change, occurred when he went with his brother to a “men's retreat” for a weekend in the USA. The realisation of who he was, and what he wanted to be, was uncovered…along with an interest in “plant medicines” as a way to help his self discovery. Next was a trip to Costa Rica, where Davy experienced the mind influencing and soul discovery effects of ayahuasca. It changed everything.

"Drive the van off the road Davy … and the pain will stop" These words came from a voice in the mind of Davy Rowe one morning, as he was travelling down the freeway in Perth. It took him many years to share this experience with anyone … but it formed a catalytic moment for drive and purpose in his life from the moment he ‘heard' them. He had arrived in Perth from the UK in 1990 with a wife, two young kids, and a determination to build a business from scratch. The business was beginning to grow when he heard this message, and he was able to use it as motivation for success. He went on to establish Vortech, a successful air-conditioning installation company — it was the biggest in Perth — and Davy was busy. Busy with work, busy with family, busy raising his kids. Then his world collapsed when a trusted contractor refused to pay nearly $1 million in work Vortech had completed.

The inspired decision at a young age to study French in school, has lead Rachael West on a path of living and working in France on multiple occasions. These visits were experiences that have shaped her thinking, allowed her to take study opportunities that have fuelled her passions and ultimately allowed her to be immersed in the French culture. But, these are not the only interesting experiences she has had … there's also “Clown School”. Being part of this intensive program of performance, has positively influence her understanding of how humans perform in front of crowds. She has taken this knowledge into her work as a “speaker coach”.

Frank Scatchard has led an interesting and varied life. During his visit to The Island, Frank shared with us some really interesting details from his original career as an industrial “kiln operator”. Yep, it's not every day you meet someone that has operated an industrial kiln at dangerous temp's of over 1000 degrees…and has lived to talk about it. But whilst that was a significant part of his early working life, there was a drive for the freedom to work for himself. So, after some careful planning and creative working arrangements with employers, Frank was able to build up from scratch … his own lawn-mowing business. This freedom of working for himself allowed him to embrace one of his passions … music … and become involved in community radio. After a couple of goes at it, Frank eventually did a course in radio announcing and then began a commitment to hosting a regular show on 6HFM … RockAria.

As a developing child, Larissa Muir's son was being excluded from aspects of the community and faced challenges in his initial years of education. Through clinical support and a medical process of discovery, he was initially diagnosed with ADHD, and eventually this led to a recognition of autism. But, what do you do when you realise that the way he thinks … is the way you think and view the world. For Larissa, this was a revelation and allowed her to also be diagnosed with both conditions. As a professionally successful adult in her mid 30's, she was now in a position to realise why her intuition and behaviour was shaped the way it was. But, it also presented a dilemma … how would people acknowledge her when she shared with them this important information.

When faced with the emotional pressure of a long term relationship break-up it would seem natural to find the security of a safe space, in the company of loved ones and looking for stability in your life. But for Alexis Naylor, when this happened she chose something quite different. She decided to embark on an adventurous life of living on the road and travelling around the country. With her re-fashioned ex-ambulance named “Van…essa”, Alexis was able to spread her wings, re-capture her independence and take control of her own destiny. Being a successful musician, Alexis spent the next two and half years travelling around Australia, booking into studio's to satisfy her creative expression and just playing gigs wherever she could.

After only 3 and half years knowing each other, Seb and Rhys chose to leave the professional comfort of Not for Profit organisations working in the disability sector, to create a business for themselves. They had a vision to create an entity that would continue to allow people with disability to exercise their independence through personal choice and control. And they did this in classic “bootstrapping” style … by believing in themselves. The NDIS has created an interesting marketplace in the Australian disability landscape and the opportunity for independent, customer focused contract providers to create an impact, is strong.

Yvette Thomas and her husband had well established, long term careers. But they were forced to make a considered decision, during the worldwide pandemic, to seek a new life … and future. This involved a move to regional Western Australia to operate a tourist accomodation … a project that lasted for 2 years and 9 months. However the intensity of running a 24/7 operation created physical and mental burnout which led to the need for both of them to take a break. The only way to deal with this was to take 3 months for “complete rest and recovery”. After this time of contemplation, Yvette began a process of discovery to determine …”what's next?” This involved a simple Google search of “trauma informed education” and opened her world to new opportunities. The first step was to complete an online course called “The Trauma Informed certificate for Coaches and Healers”

Ali Horriyat established Compassiviste to unite individuals into collectives that can make real change to the world. Following a self described “ mindset experience “ with a homeless person who shared food with him when he was “on the streets”, … Ali embraced a clear understanding of compassion, and most importantly, the actions of compassion that help others to make real change…from these thoughts came Compassiviste.

In 2016, businessman-turned-charity founder Ali Horriyat gave away his entire personal fortune of almost $100m. This was not just a meaningless distribution of cash to satisfy an ego charged desire for personal fulfilment, but it came from a real belief in a better way to shift the social impact dial. He went to the extremes of experiencing homelessness, connecting with people who's human values mattered more than their wealth and spent many hours, weeks, months and years capturing a manifesto of beliefs that were used to set the basis for his future life. He is one of the great moral and social thinkers of our time.

Ryan Honschooten has been on Max's Island before … when he has shared stories about his world renowned blind sailing expertise and his “later in life” interest in playing blind cricket that has also seen him travel the world with his ‘baggy green' cap… most importantly to India, the current heartbeat of world cricket. Ryan is the epitome of the uniqueness that exists in all humans … and that is not to be defined by his life story, but be shaped and cultured by many individual stories of his life. In this episode on Max's Island, Ryan shares his passion for community radio and reflects on his many years of involvement in this world … and then experience of most recently, reengaging with this interest to the extent of becoming the Chairperson of 6HFM 107.3.

In Western Australia where Max's Island is recorded, we are in the midst of another exciting Aussie Rules football season. At the highest level of AFL, the local scene has featured the strong “on-field” improvement of the Fremantle Dockers and “Harley Hype” is gripping the West Coast Eagles fan base. The local WA Football League also continues to generate incredible community support and be the important “feeder” system for the elite players. But, it wasn't that long ago when things were compromised by the pandemic and in WA, we experienced an isolation that actually allowed this local competition to continue and provide a real emotional outlet for many…at a time of collective community anxiety. In today's episode, we reflect on the two occasions Cameron Britt, CEO of the South Fremantle Football Club, visited the island to share his story about his journey in football, how he came to WA and the bizarre times of successfully running a football club during a pandemic.

Following a casual comment at work a few years ago, Dott Dacey and Odette Jordan discovered they both had a hidden desire to not only walk the Kokoda Trail but also absorb the spiritual experiences of those who had gone before them … especially those soldiers who had defended the Australian heritage in WWII. They both challenged themselves to reach the physical and emotional heights of successfully walking Kokoda. Yet, this didn't happen by chance, it came after a determined period of physical training, a focus on mental preparation and a commitment to support each other through the experience.

In her later teen years, Jayne Bryant was given a positive affirmation that she was good at singing and performing. It came from a comment made by her brother, to her dad, whilst they were on a family summer holiday. From that moment she had the confidence to really focus on this passion and ultimately make the decision to postpone the completion of her University Science Degree and venture to Melbourne to undertake a one year course in music performance. Much to her mum's displeasure. During that year in Melbourne her musical skills blossomed and she began to develop into a ‘real' performer. On her arrival back to Perth, Jayne became immersed in her local music network and took the bold step to begin performing live. Whilst this lifestyle was challenging and ultimately not financially viable or fulfilling, an impressive body of work was created that culminated in an album of all her songs … called “Just as it Should” and released in 2008.

Being a lover of pets, and dogs in particular, is something familiar to many of us on Max's Island. However, few of us go so far as to dedicate a big part of our lives to making sure ALL dogs have the best possible life. Karen Rhodes was introduced to Homer at the Shenton Park Dogs Home many years ago and that relationship became deep and loving through a mutual bond between them. Homer was a big, strong masculine dog … but with a heart of gold and a loving disposition … and he became the companion Karen needed at the time. She could always depend on him.

Barry Mone is just like any dad … he'll do anything for his children. Since late 2017, when his son Charlie had just turned 8, Barry and his family have been on a crusade. Around this time, through a series of circumstances and even observations of others … including a lady who they met at the local park … Charlie was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) — an incurable and ultimately fatal condition caused by a lack of dystrophin protein. Charlie had earlier in life been diagnosed with Persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous (PHPV) … a common congenital developmental anomaly of the eye that causes a level of blindness, so when his “Duchenne” was diagnosed … life became more complicated. As Charlie is the only “boy” in the world with both conditions.

Charlie Gunningham was a little uncertain about the long term future of his teaching career in the late 1990's. But, like many changes in life, there was a sequence of events … some unplanned and generally not expected, that eventually catapulted his professional life from teaching to something totally different … the tech world of digital real estate. This mixture of influential events included completing an MBA, connecting with an American “hedge fund” manager and entrepreneur who had found himself in Perth WA, investing in untried mapping technology … and even being on stage with his wife at a Dame Edna Everage show at the Regal Theatre in Subiaco WA. And … all of this coming together just as the world wide tech bubble was about to burst.

Estelle Blackburn OAM, is an acclaimed journalist with a career that has included working for WA Newspapers, the ABC and as a media advisor for Carmen Lawrence, Western Australia's first female State Premier. However, for this Walkley Award winner, perhaps her greatest achievement has been the impact made on the lives two men, wrongly imprisoned for crimes committed by Eric Edger Cooke, WA's last man hanged in Fremantle Prison. A chance meeting with the brother of John Button, one of these falsely convicted men, sent Estelle on the passionate pursuit for truth and the quest to right the wrongs of these injustices. And this included giving up her full time job and selling an investment house to fund this journey.

Pat O'Donnell is a couple of years through her graduate degree at Notre Dame University in Fremantle WA. Like many new university students, she started with an initial subject choice, but also like many, that has now evolved and a double major is likely to result…there's even talk of an Honours year and additional studies. This current journey and the planned outcomes sound typical of any new student embarking on a tertiary education…It's just that Pat began this journey at 83 years of age.

Brooke Jones experienced a strong career, which was most recently within the health policy and research sector in WA. With the necessary academic qualifications, she was a knowledgeable policy maker. This allowed her to be involved in the monitoring and implementation of key programs to support those in our society. However, this career was interrupted with her becoming a mother. As can often be the case after a significant life event, she reassessed her professional outlook during pregnancy, after child birth and through the wonder mothering a new born. Brooke changed her focus and has successfully studied to become a “midwife”

We are all confident in what we believe and know that our life experiences are true to us. Thanks again to all the regular listeners to Max's Island for your loyal support.   Continuing our reflection of recent special moments on Max's Island … in this episode we're highlighting another important Value we like follow on the island.  In this second BONUS episode to start our 2024, we will hear stories from recent guests to the island who truly embrace the value of “Daring to be Human” … you know…being uniquely themselves. Last year we had visits to teh island from two musicians who have uniquely different lived experiences that have dramatically influenced the way they make music today.

For this years reflection of special moments on Max's Island we are highlighting the important Values we follow on the island. So … to begin with this year … we'll feature some stories from last year, where visitors to Max's Island truly reflected one of these values. In this BONUS episode we will hear stories that embrace the value “Believe in Everyone” … we know the world is full of individual personalities who add to the richness of our relationships and connection.

David Maddocks recently travelled to New York with many “diehards” to see the final Kiss concert at Madison Square Gardens… all dressed in their favourite black Kiss t-shirts. This was Kiss concert number 69 for David and it delivered exactly what he expected…lot's of pyrotechnics … lots of familiarity and as usual … and finished with “Rock'n'Roll all night”. The Kiss army was out in force at the concert in NYC …and they were joined on-line from all around the world as a pay for view event. Kiss, always looking to make money! AND, the show finished with a teaser for the future … it looks like Kiss will live on !!!!

Laura has 4 children who have never been to school, that is, in the formal sense of learning. But this does not mean they haven't experienced an education process that has prepared them for life and their future endeavours. Initially through specific circumstances and then from a deliberate desire and a belief in her eyes to give her children the best opportunities to learn, Laura has chosen to home school them all. She in fact does not call it home schooling, but refers to them as a ‘home educating family”, with the ‘holy grail' of achievement is her children being able to read. Laura and the children have also managed a number of neuro diverse conditions that have added to the complexity of their journey.

After suffering from a work related head trauma, Mark Ewing developed an acquired brain injury that needed to be managed as he attempted to return to work. But this was challenging when colleagues kept saying “you look fine to me” … and his manager even said “if you don't recover, you will be dismissed”. It took the astute recognition from his GP, of his real condition, for things to change … finally someone who took interest in his post traumatic growth recovery. And then, a considered referral to a psychologist who knew what was possibly happening to his brain, unlocked the inspiration for taking positive action. The link to art, as a way for Mark to demonstrate his emotional position and feelings, provided the inspiration to follow a path toward recovery. Initially, this art reflected how Mark associated these emotions exclusively through colours and positioning them together.

Rutchi Kaushal was embedded in her chosen career in accounting and finance … and behind the closed door of her CBD office, she had the confidence and skill to successfully be herself and achieve peer recognition. However, whilst always maintaining this professional outlook and persona, there was a hidden desire to something different. Something that was a true reflection of who she was … what her passions were … and something she saw as her real future. It took a few years for Rutchi to begin to share these dreams with friends, family and then her work colleagues. But once the “idea” had been released, there was no turning back.

Cynthia Bartolomei and her husband decided it was really important for their family to experience a journey around Australia together. So taking their two boys out of school, with the blessing of the headmaster, they chose to follow the sun and head north from Perth WA in April 2021. This was just when WA was being locked down due to the pandemic … and whilst getting into WA was not possible, actually leaving Perth and eventually the state, was not a problem. They soon discovered the two boys were actually learning so much from their experiences on teh road and most importantly, learning from things that interested them … and not just what was in a formal curriculum.

In her own words, Jay Wood got a “bop on the head” in a motor vehicle accident. But this was really serious … and resulted in a major “invisible injury” … a catastrophic traumatic brain injury. The symptoms are so unique and specific to Jay it often makes it difficult for her to acknowledge how her behaviours are perceived by others. Nonetheless, she honestly believes she didn't lose her essence following the accident … as she says …”her heart didn't get damaged”. She still believes LOVE is the most important thing in the world and tries to live her life this way. The impact of the accident, which happened in her early twenties, robbed her of many youthful experiences and doing the things she wanted to do. So, re-learning the forgotten skills of her life … those lost in the brain injury … was important. Especially re-capturing the magic of her music that now inspires her ongoing passions. It took two years for Jay to re-learn to play the guitar and understanding the essence of her songs … how the lyrics and music went together …was her greatest challenge.

Suzie Aries … actor, performer and someone with a positive outlook on life. Her world was shattered following the removal of a “mass” from her body and the realisation she had to acknowledge the diagnosis of cancer. Her acting career was still at the forefront of her life focus, even when the cancer treatment resulted in losing her hair and having to deal with the physical and mental challenges of fighting this horrible disease. Recovery was long … but positive … and eventually Suzie was able to recover her health and the zest for a full life. BUT, this became a new life … different from being an actor. She discovered a passion for “sign language” and the career path toward becoming a “communications support worker” for people who are deaf and hard of hearing. With a “glass half full” approach to life, Suzie is now forging this new career and looking forward to a future that is exciting and complete.

Paul Hansen is a confident, well educated and strong professional, who has built a successful career for herself in organisational development and leadership. This has been both as a senior manager in major mining companies and as an independent consultant in the sector. So it came as a shock, when once a ‘new' manager of her team adopted an adversarial approach that featured a high level of personal bullying and unsupportive team behavour. The explicit negative actions and the implied undermining of individuals in the team … including Paul … saw a number of them leave within a 3 month period. Paul was the second to leave the team, and this was at a time that coincided with the start of the infamous GFC in October 2008.

Tara Ulrich went on a years travel following high school. This gave her a chance to reflect on the career expectations she had to be an Auslan interpreter … and those encouraged by close friends and family. Whilst this expected career direction was something she new well, was emotionally close to and was something she could easily do … she had doubts. Did she really want to do this. On her return to Perth, an opportunity to enter the corporate world appeared … she took a leap of faith, and ultimately has found a place to professionally thrive. This was quite different to her previously “expected” career.

Stefan West is a solo artist from Melbourne Australia. Pulling from his own life experiences he uses music as a canvas to paint the experiences of his own life. His previous project, The Velvet Addiction, saw many successes with the likes of national airplay on Triple M, Rebel Fm and MTV. During his visit to Max's Island, Stefan continues to openly share his past experiences with drug addition, mental health and friends lost to suicide. He uses this opportunity to weave a story of how his realisation of the past and the personal reconciliation of his actions can be shared through his music. Stefan has just left the studio finishing his debut album “Cambridge”, with the first single “Take what you need” to be released on September 1st, 2023.

Shaun Williams was well entrenched and purposefully building on the foundations he had already laid in his corporate life. Then, following a chat with a friend at a party, he became aware of a “nature quest on Noongar Boodja”, run by Claire Vanderplank from Partnering with Nature. He researched, prepared and finally made the decision to do it. So, not long after the suggestion was made to him, Shaun found himself travelling to country Western Australia early one morning - after attending a “bucks night” - to test himself over 8 days - 4 of them in solitude - and experience some something that was approaching spiritual enlightenment.

James Hoare was born with a brain injury called hydrocephalus and had 4 brain surgeries before he was 7 years old. However, that didn't hold back his inherent competitive nature to try challenging and exciting past times during his life. He started mountain climbing in 2011 with Mt Kosciusko then Mt Kilimanjaro in 2013. After Mt Kosciusko he created the goal of being the first person with hydrocephalus to ever climb the 7 summits - the tallest mountain on every continent.

Clare Allen has been a successful C-Suite executive for many years. Her intensity to performing at the highest CEO level comes from self-confessed personality traits … but also has been complimented by strong philosophies toward life and work balance. The heavy spiritual influence in her life was highly influential when she chose to re-assess her approach to work following a series of serious, related health challenges. This experience steered her toward writing books on how to balance the human spiritual and belief system with the physical demands of leadership and being a CEO.

Dylan Lamb had a recent experience that he finds difficult to explain. This mentally challenging episode may have been influenced by drugs … it may have been influenced by his state of mind at the time … or it might have been influenced by deep mental health characteristics. No-one really knows. This event lasted for just over a week, but it saw him become paranoid around his business and social network, take a swim with sharks in a Brisbane river and even discard valuable possessions as a way to protect his identity. He was supported by family and friends to recover and reset, but a mystery remains around the entire occurrence, as Dylan continues to really understand what happened.

Sally Grandy and her family's relocation to Perth Western Australia came from a promise of a job, a new opportunity and the thought that “their stars were aligning”. But, it didn't happen the way it was meant to. Literally 1 week before leaving the UK … the job offer was withdrawn. Nonetheless, they still qualified for a visa to travel, so they decided to take the risk and within 3 days of landing in WA … employment was found. So for a second time it seemed life was actually working out … But yet again, things didn't pan out the way Sally thought.

Shane Landers is an educator … a leader in his community. He is passionate about leading young people to become educated and to use this to become meaningful contributors in society. So, when he had the opportunity to be a relief Principal at a remote community in northern Western Australia, he jumped at it. This was the chance for him to push himself, contribute to his education network and most of all, experience the challenge of supporting those who need it the most. By authentically engaging with this community, Shane was able to add value as an educator, be a friend to many and feel like he was making a difference.

Michala McMahon came to Australia from Manchester on a working holiday …and has stayed. Whilst Manchester is a big cosmopolitan city, it cannot compete with the weather and unique lifestyle of Australia. On her initial arrival in Bundaberg QLD, a chance exchange in the street with an engaging couple captivated her attention and was the start of a new life … down-under.

Bec Bowman is someone who is always on an adventure and looking for new challenges. This has seen her travel the world and follow dreams that have created memorable, life enriching experiences. But for the past few years she has been deeply ensconced in Perth WA, and has become totally immersed in the creative arts scene. By working casual “night shifts” as a nurse - her initial working profession - she can fund this lifestyle and begin to make real social impact in the sector. These pursuits include being a radio presenter, an organiser, an emcee, a panel facilitator and a writer.