Passion and Perspective Podcast

Today we hear from local musician Gavin Bowles. Raised in the lower Blue Mountains and now living in the Penrith area, music has been a lifelong passion for Gavin. Throughout this conversation, Gavin shares his perspective as a full time musician - providing an honest reflection of his pursuit. Speaking with Gavin, it reinforced to me that for any creative the path is not linear, nor is it easy.  Through the release of his latest album, with his band Gavin Bowles and the Distractions, the music Gavin shares features powerful messages, delivered through upbeat and catchy tunes.

Belle Butler is today's guest on the Passion and Perspective Podcast. Belle shares her honest reflections from the world of creative arts in our conversation. Balancing her time between music, photography, writing and even stop motion art, Belle's journey is one of persistence. Across her life, Belle has navigated self doubt yet she has continued to pursue and refine her craft. It really resonated with me that Belle's determination and hard work has inspired her work and it shines through in her creative pieces. Music: "Friendship" - Annie Burbank

Zoe Cox is the latest guest on the Passion and Perspective Podcast. Zoe is an adventurer at her core and what resonated with me during our conversation was the deep curiosity that Zoe possesses. Intrigued by people, cultures, travel and the natural world, Zoe sees possibility in everything and it is that refreshing perspective that she shares through her counselling practice. Music: 'Friendship' - Annie Burbank

Thank you for tuning in to today's episode of the Passion and Perspective Podcast where we chat with Peter Earl. Peter has long held a love for music, stemming back to his childhood where he had a passion for performance, playing piano and listening to the complexity of classical music. Peter shares his inspiring story, with honest reflections about personal growth, navigating grief and fatherhood.  Music: ‘Friendship' - Annie Burbank

Amanda Spratt will be part of history when the first Le Tour de France Femmes commences on July 24, departing from the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris. All eyes will be on the peloton as they embark on a gruelling 8-stage race, covering over 1000 kilometres. The Springwood resident will call upon her experience from three Olympic Games and multiple World Championships as she competes in arguably the most significant race of her career. A leader for her team, Team BikeExchange-Jayco, Spratt recognises the importance of the moment both personally and for future generations. Music: "Friendship" by Annie Burbank

In the two years since immersing himself into the world of marathon running, Ethan Mulholland has discovered the power of running in driving community cohesion. It is this community focus that motivates Ethan each time he runs. Music: "Friendship" by Annie Burbank

Many musicians will have a particular genre, an era or a style that they are drawn to. Traditionally, classical music and 70's inspired pop tracks should not co-exist. However, local musician and composer Wesley Stormer bucks this trend and has forged his path pursuing the two unique art forms. Raised within a musical household, Wesley was exposed to a myriad of musicians, bands and performers that had significant influence on his composition work today. Without knowing it at the time, the early introduction to an eclectic mix of music sparked a passion for Wesley that has seen him showcase his craft locally and abroad. Instagram: @passionperspectivepodcast Music: “Friendship” by Annie Burbank

Competing in the iconic “Your Shot” DJ contest had long been an ambition for local musician Kristie Lees. Having plied her craft at the Australian Institute of Music – graduating with a Bachelor of Music – Kristie was familiar with the art of performance. Moving into the world of DJ-ing, however, was a step into the unknown but filled with an undercurrent of excitement. Home Nightclub hosted the “Your Shot” competition in 2019 and it was there that Kristie had the opportunity to make her debut set as a DJ. Instagram: @passionperspectivepodcast Music: “Friendship” by Annie Burbank

It has been over a decade since Kati Manning first set foot at Penrith Stadium as a professional dancer. Performing for the Pantherettes in her debut year – 2010 – was a moment that Kati describes as “such a different feeling.” “I was really determined, and I was just stoked to be there”, Kati said. “I had been to so many games in the grandstand before (as a fan), but sitting on the field…it's so different.” Now in her role as lead choreographer and coach for the Panthers' cheerleaders, Kati has come full circle and is able to share her knowledge with the next generation of dancers, passing on her insights and experiences from years in the industry. Instagram: @passionperspectivepodcast Music: “Friendship” by Annie Burbank

Nicole Law is a Blue Mountains local and an artist, with a passion for continual growth. Commencing life as an artist in her late 30's, Nicole took the leap of faith and forged a new path in life. Challenging the conventional measures of success, Nicole no longer focuses solely on the output of her work but embraces the journey and the fact that she keeps on going. The sense of agency that art provides, as she describes, has been liberating for her creative process, uncovering a greater love for the experience and her craft. “For a long time I had a different view of success and I always beat myself up that I wasn't “successful”', Nicole said. “I have really come to redefine what success is for me. I realised that it is a path…success is not the destination, but success if figuring out who I am and keeping going on that journey.” Producing quality work in an efficient manner is a very real challenge faced by all creatives. The pursuit of perfection can inspire, but also impede on the creative process. For Nicole, recognising that the process and the purpose are the most important elements was a key to overcoming roadblocks. “Perfectionism is the enemy of art and the enemy of creativity”, Nicole said. “Being a perfectionist is focusing on the output and not the process. If you remember why you are doing something…that's the interesting part”. The power of art has transformed Nicole. Being able to share this transformation and inspire others is what resonates most strongly for her. “What I am proud of…I am proud that I have shared my process. That is where I think I have inspired the most people. I am proud that I have inspired people through my actions”. Instagram: @passionperspectivepodcast Music: “Friendship” by Annie Burbank

Pushing the limits of physical fitness has been a part of Matt Hamilton's life since his youth. Matt has a deep passion for fitness and is a student of his craft. Beyond just the physical benefits, he believes exercise is critical to positive mental health. The Kurrajong local runs local gym Last Round and is committed to using this platform to help people grow holistically. “It builds you up…to keep on top of a balanced mental attitude and maintain focus, fitness plays a pretty important role in that. It certainly has for me”, Matt said. “That sense of ongoing achievement…you set that goal, you do the hard work, you get the reward. When you start to add those things up…you start to get a pretty decent reserve of resilience both physically and mentally”. Matt knows the power of physical exercise better than most. After nearly two decades in the NSW Police Force, Matt hit rock bottom in 2010. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was the result of years of traumatic moments. Whilst managing the day-to-day challenges, it was the identity crisis that proved just as difficult to overcome. ““The thing that was equally as debilitating as the actual PTSD was the loss of identity…you go through this rollercoaster ride”, Matt said. “It's not until you come through the other side of that and lucidly and go back identify these points along your career path that led to recognising that it was something that impacted me.” Being in a position to help others through fitness underpins Matt's purpose. In a world of instant gratification and quick wins, Matt has maintained a focus on the horizon, ensuring that the long-term goals are the true measure of achievement. He views his role as a guide – pursuing the infinite game – for his clients at Last Round, that each person can untap that potential inside. “What drives me to get better at this is that I don't have all the answers. As a coach, I am big on the education side of it…telling people what they're doing and why they're doing it”, Matt said. “Training is not about the session, it's not about what you get done this week…the goal of coming to Last Round…it's a long term prospect. For me, it's about finding the best path (for the client)…I'm helping them along the way, steering them.” Instagram: @passionperspectivepodcast Music: “Friendship” by Annie Burbank This episode contains references to mental health issues.. If this is at all triggering for you, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 and reach out to your network of family and friends.

Angus Brandt has built an impressive resumé as a professional basketballer. Commonwealth Games gold medallist, 2-time National Basketball League (NBL) champion and being named to Pac-12 All-Academic at Oregon State University headline an impressive career to-date for the 32-year-old. Yet, the journey to this point has not been conventional. From the moment he first started playing basketball alongside school mates in Wagga Wagga, Angus has been driven purely by his passion for the game, a mindset that has seen him overcome many hurdles over the years. “As a kid growing up playing basketball, I was just oblivious to the world of what you could achieve by being a basketball player. I played basketball because I loved it,” Angus said. “There was no thought to doing it (basketball) as a career. I didn't grow up expecting to be a professional basketball player.” Playing locally in his youth for the Springwood Scorchers and Penrith Panthers, Angus made a name for himself with his athletic play and imposing figure on the court. Missing selection to state representative teams as an 18-year-old was not a deterrent for Angus. With a mature and open mind to life, Angus maintained a grounded perspective about basketball. As fate would have it, the right people were watching at the right time. The aforementioned selection trials did not yield a place in the team, but Damian Cotter – then NSW Institute of Sport basketball coach, now Assistant Coach with the Chicago Bulls – was looking on with intrigue and interest. Cotter was impressed with the work ethic and raw skill set displayed by the young Brandt. “For me, that was the first opportunity I had really been given to train with a high-level program. I jumped right in and took full advantage of it (scholarship with NSWIS)”, Angus said. “He said he saw a raw talent in me…he saw the physical attributes I had and I guess he thought he would be able to sharpen those skills and that's what he did. He helped me push past what I thought my physical barriers were.” The persistence to his craft and desire to train started to reap reward for Angus. Fine tuning his on-court game to complement a sharper mental and physical approach, saw significant improvements. With prompting and counsel from Cotter, Angus took a leap of faith in pursuing a place within the USA college system – the leading amateur sport competition in the world. “We trained all the time…we would go wherever Damian wanted us to go and we trained multiple days a week. From that, Damian basically said ‘You've got a shot at going to college in America'”, Angus said. “Up to that point, I didn't think I could do that…the whole world of college basketball was so foreign to me…so foreign that I didn't even consider it as an option.” Instagram: @passionperspectivepodcast Music: “Friendship” by Annie Burbank

Marnie Ponton is an elite athlete, mother of two and an emergency nurse practitioner. As a cross disciplined runner balancing her time between her passion, career and family, Marnie has built a lifestyle centered on consistency. With a strong belief that discipline leads to freedom, Marnie not only manages her time effectively, but thrives in each area of her life. “Everything is very planned in building for whatever race that I am preparing for…everything now is very prescriptive…I know exactly what I am doing, and it is all for a purpose,” Marnie said. “Consistent wake ups (are the key). I wake up at 5.00am every morning and then do my first session.” Having pursued running since her youth, Marnie took a break from running to start a family and forge a path working in health. The time away was beneficial for many reasons. For Marnie, it helped ignite that spark – the love for running that she once knew. Immersing herself back into the sport, Marnie credits the inspiring and supportive community, plus the environment itself, across the Blue Mountains, which helped her reacquaint her love with running. “The Blue Mountains community is packed with runners…I started jogging with them and they were talking about all the local races, like the Six Foot Track (Marathon)…that got me excited,” Marnie said. “I love feeling part of the community…the community we have is super special and it has made me really love the area. Whenever I need to recharge, I go straight into the National Park (for a run). It is beautiful. I love it.” Throughout her career, Marnie has been the beneficiary of influential coaches who have taken her running to the next level around the world. When asked what advice she would pass onto the next generation, Marnie referenced the need for introspection and internal drive to truly unlock your potential. “I think it is really important for young athletes to have that self-belief. I would tell them to enjoy their running and to be consistent,” Marnie said. “The most important thing is to recognise why you are running and to enjoy it.” Instagram: @passionperspectivepodcast Music: “Friendship” by Annie Burbank

Rock climbing is an artform, a moving meditation and a dance on the rock. For Paul Thomson, it is also humbling every time he tackles a climb. “Frothy” – as he is affectionately known in climbing circles – is a well renowned rock climber and new route setter in the Blue Mountains. Immersing himself into the sport, rock climbing has also been an escape for Paul. It has provided solace during times of adversity in his life. A longstanding neurological eye condition – which deteriorated last year - reduced Paul's eyesight and his ability to focus. “My eyes don't focus properly anymore…over the years it has got worse. It's only now it's got so much worse that it impairs aspects of my day-to-day life”, Paul said. “Despite knowing this is permanent – it's amazing how much I forget about it. That it's not this dark cloud hanging over my head…because I'm out there climbing with my mates in these amazing locations.” The commitment to the sport runs deep for Paul and his connections are far and wide. Having given so much time and passion to the local rock-climbing community, it was no surprise that in a time of need Paul was met with an outpouring of support. He credits his shift in perspective and resilience to those within the climbing fraternity. “Before I developed my current eye condition, I would have said that I could not live without climbing”, Paul said. “But now I realise that it wasn't the climbing itself that was integral to my life, but the climbing community. With the right prompting from all the people around me I was able to get climbing again.” Responsible for developing new routes around the Blue Mountains, Paul has a reputation for the iconic and infamous climbs. The rock face is a blank canvas for Paul, which he describes as “art meets engineering”. The routes are unique to Paul and a reflection of his personality. He wants to challenge climbers and to elicit strong emotions from those who choose to tackle his work. “My philosophy is, when I finish with a route – equipping it, climbing it, tidying up the climbing area – it should be the best that I can possibly make it. I want to walk away knowing that the art is properly complete”, Paul said. “It is a stunning feeling to have people repeat your climbs, especially the harder ones or the less visited ones. Maybe they've had a great experience, maybe they don't. Either way they have had an experience.” Instagram: @passionperspectivepodcast Music: “Friendship” by Annie Burbank

Not many could have predicted that Tyran Liddiard would be the recipient of the Benaud Medal in his maiden year of first grade cricket. The coveted medal – awarded for Player of the Match in the NSW Premier Cricket grand final – was awarded to 20-year-old Liddiard in the 2018/19 season finale. Many had doubted that he would hold a permanent place in the team, let alone thrive at the premier level. Being an integral part of the premiership winning team is something that surprised Tyran himself. “I wasn't expected to play first grade cricket…but to actually get there, prove people wrong and do well for my area…it was amazing,” Tyran said. “No one thought I could have done that…not even myself to be honest…it's something you dream of.” The premiership win – Penrith's first at that level in 36 years – is now part of local sport folklore. With a close-knit squad of homegrown talent, Penrith's success was a direct result of the hard work and commitment of the playing group, according to Tyran. “I haven't actually thought about it (the premiership) for a while…it gives me goosebumps talking about it. It's an experience I will never forget,” Tyran said. “We played some really good teams that year. For us, everything just clicked. We played as a team…we were not an All-Star team, just eleven local players. We toiled and worked hard all year just to get to that point (grand final)…during that season everyone stood up.” It is the memorable moments and unique experiences forged through cricket that are most important to Tyran. Whilst the cricket resumé and stat book are filling fast – including selection to the NSW Second XI this week – it is not the accolades or personal milestones he is seeking. Whilst his on field performances continue to turn heads, it is his work off the field that he feels can make the biggest difference to the community. As a qualified primary school teacher, Tyran understands the unique opportunity he has, to make a positive difference to the next generation. A large focus of his teaching is educating students on Aboriginal culture. A proud Biripi man, Tyran has grown up with his culture at the core of his life. “I have always known I am Aboriginal, so I have always been very big on culture…all of that has helped me grow as a person. I am so proud of who I am and what I am. Every Aboriginal person should be proud of who they are,” Tyran said. “My favourite time of year is when the whole family gets together (on country)…honestly, it's the most fun I've ever had and I am learning about my culture.” Instagram: @passionperspectivepodcast Music: “Friendship” by Annie Burbank

Set halfway up a sheer cliff face, measuring up her next move, it would be understandable for Angie Scarth-Johnson to be nervous. Yet it is a feeling of calmness and enjoyment that grips the 17-year-old. Honing her craft for over a decade all around the world, you could also expect the monotony of repetition to set in, however for Angie, the spark remains the same as she experienced her first time at a climbing gym as a 7-year-old. “The first time I ever went to a gym and climbed on the easy climbs…that feeling of getting to the top is the same feeling I get now when I get to the top of a climb outside”, Angie said. “The moment I found it (climbing), I knew it was what I wanted to do. I always liked that challenge of getting to the top as a young kid. I love that it is a battle against yourself. I've never really been into team sports…I love rock climbing because you are not against anyone else except yourself and the rock.” The persistence shown by rock climbers is unfathomable whilst also envious. Angie's determination for personal improvement reaped reward, as late last year she became the first Australian woman to complete a Grade 35 (9a) climb, conquering the Vicitmas Del Futur in Spain. Having attempted the climb the previous season – committing countless hours to the pursuit of success – it was an outpouring of relief once she reached the pinnacle. “Coming over the top of that cliff and clipping the last chain, felt like I had released all this pressure that I had placed on myself to send this climb. It felt unreal”, Angie said. “You can be there for hours every day and you don't know if there's actually a way through it…when you achieve it and find that missing link…I find that really interesting and fun”. The ground-breaking moment is reflective of Angie's role as a trail blazer, both in her sport and for aspiring athletes around the world. The ascent also carried extra meaning for her, having missed qualification for the newly included Sport Climbing at the Tokyo Olympics earlier in the year. Whilst many would resort to resentment, Angie is excited about the rise of her sport and the growth of rock-climbing in Australia. “To see these people pushing it for Australia…it is really great. Australia has come really far with climbing”, Angie said. “I see a lot of strong women (climbers) coming out of Australia and I think that is amazing, because that is what helps us push forward”. Not keen to rest on her laurels, the strive for success continues for Angie, as she sets her eyes on conquering more record breaking climbs. “I hope to achieve another 9a (Grade 35)…I feel like I have to do two of them before I move onto a 9a+.” Instagram: @passionperspectivepodcast Music: “Friendship” by Annie Burbank

Jared Anderson is a rock-climbing photographer and adventurer. With an ingrained drive to push human potential, Jared has long chased thrills and endured the suffering that adventure sport offers. From ultra-trail running, to high altitude mountaineering, skydiving and multi day endurance events, Jared has immersed himself into anything that takes him well beyond his comfort zone. It is the stunning surrounds of the Blue Mountains that now has Jared's heart. For the past 3 years Jared has been capturing rock climbers amidst their wild, yet picturesque, ascents. It is a hobby driven by passion, fun and adventure. “My main objective is to have an adventure myself and not just take an awesome photo of climbing…in the adventurous locations I am having just as much fun as the climbers”, Jared said. “I find it (rock climbing photography) creative and artistic, but also adventurous. Sometimes I will sacrifice a good shot for a fun day out”. Rock climbing, as with many outdoor adventure sports, is sacred. It is humbling, meditative and niche. As a photographer, Jared faces a complex – capturing climbers in their element, whilst treasuring that hallowed nature of the sport. When asked about this challenge, Jared acknowledges his role is founded in respect and understanding. “Early on…there were a few people who were cautious about (me) publicising areas and perhaps making them more popular and I totally understand the concerns there. I am really a guest of the rock-climbing community…you have to do it with the climber's graces and their respect”, Jared said. Sharing the incredible climbs is a passion for Jared and a craft he is committed to always developing. With over 80 photo shoots to his name, Jared – with support of the rock-climbing community – has honed his skills with every new adventure. Having experienced a range of hobbies and adventures, Jared is thankful for his enthusiastic approach. A mindset of ‘nothing ventured, nothing gained'. When asked what advice he would give to other people pursuing a passion, Jared commented that until you try something you will not know how much you enjoy it. “You don't have to be an expert on your first day. People will give you a lot of leeway and a lot of support”, Jared said. “You should try a vast array of things…just give it a go. With climbing photography, that first day was really hard…yet at the end of it I thought ‘this is pretty cool'. I am 3 years in now and I love it.” Instagram: @passionperspectivepodcast Music: “Friendship” by Annie Burbank

Adam Blum is the host of the True Blue History Podcast, a volunteer with the NSW Rural Fire Service and committed to helping others prosper. Growing up in the Blue Mountains, Adam has faced and overcome immense challenges, both physical and mental. Adam's resilience has given him a new lease on life and he now channels his energy into sharing the powerful stories of Australia's military history through his podcast. The broadcasting of stories, told by Australian war veterans and military historians, is incredibly important and something that Adam is extremely passionate about. “I want the audience to be proud of our military history. I want to educate the next generation…without learning our history, we have no future”, Adam said. Whilst passionate about sharing our history, the podcast has also been a healing process and has aided Adam in overcoming challenges with mental wellbeing and his physical health. Having hit rock-bottom, Adam has now found peace and is committed to his life's work of helping others overcome adversity, as he did. “The last two years, I've really worked out who I am as a person. The person I am today is the person I want to be going forward”, Adam said. “For the first time…I'm really happy with where my life is going and I'm genuinely happy with what life has to offer.” Today's conversation contains references to mental health issues and suicide. If this is at all triggering for you, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 and reach out to your network of family and friends. Instagram: @passionperspectivepodcast Music: “Friendship” by Annie Burbank

Simon Williams is a High-Performance Mindset coach at Motivation & Performance Partners (M&PP), a business he founded to help aspiring athletes achieve success at the top-level. The ingrained desire to help others succeed has long been the driving force behind Simon's work and has played a large part in shaping where he is today. “I've always found myself being drawn to supporting others, empowering others and inspiring others,” Simon said. “(The mission is to have) more people tasting achievement…more people tasting what it's like to perform at their best." The dream to wear the Baggy Green – to represent his country in cricket – was a very real dream for Simon as he made his way in NSW under-age teams, the AIS cricket academy and all the while churning out runs for his beloved Penrith Cricket Club. Cricket, and the personal growth that comes with it, inspired the love for the game and has helped shape the purpose behind M&PP. “I would think…‘How can I be better than I was yesterday?' That was always part of my mindset (in cricket) …there is always room for me to grow…there is always room for me to be better,” Simon said. Instagram: @passionperspectivepodcast Music: "Friendship" - written and performed by Annie Burbank Music

Bec Slack is the owner of local business, Cleverstuff Educational Toys, a venture she took over in 2015. It was a leap into the unknown for Bec – who revolutionised the business – shifting their products to digital platforms to make them more accessible and reinforcing the importance of education through experience. The importance of education, however, is not a new concept for Bec. Having attended Penrith High School, academics have often been a focus for her and have shaped her passion to promote learning at a young age. “Promoting education through toys is setting up a foundation to love learning...if you make learning fun for a 2-year-old, they've got more chance of thinking learning is fun (down the track),” Bec said. “It's encouraging quality time for families…it's developing language, maths skills, hand-eye coordination. The actual skills children are developing while they're playing…it's phenomenal.” Instagram: @passionperspectivepodcast Music: "Friendship" - written and performed by Annie Burbank Music

Sam Arnold has represented Australia across three sporting codes and this summer was a part of the Sydney Thunder WBBL|06 championship squad. A late call up to the team – that was housed in “hub” at Sydney Olympic Park – Sam immersed herself into the experience and was able to learn and develop her game alongside some of cricket's greats. “That experience was insane…a once in a lifetime opportunity. It came out of nowhere…it was such an unreal experience,” Sam “I learnt a lot of things…you're working with Rachael Haynes, Heather Knight…an amazing amount of cricket knowledge.” Locally, Sam is a leader at the Penrith Cricket Club, and she has witnessed, firsthand, the rapid rise of women's cricket. With surging participation rates for young girls across the country, Sam respects how far the game has come and appreciates the opportunities now available for the next generation. “It's really exciting to see the young talent coming through…knowing that they have so much access and resources,” Sam said. “Growing up, I've really appreciated the development of the game…it's been really good to see, I'm glad to be in this position and understand how far girl's and women's cricket has come.” Instagram: @passionperspectivepodcast Music: "Friendship" - written and performed by Annie Burbank Music

It was a modest upbringing in Whalan where Mark Geyer understood the power of love and kindness and where he developed a sense of putting others before yourself. “My childhood was great…I never knew that we were poor…I didn't know Mum and Dad were working two jobs just to pay our rent…because there was so much love in the house,” Mark said. Mark's charitable endeavours and community support have been far-reaching and reflective of his passion to help local organisations making a difference. Whilst impactful, the support is a responsibility, according to Mark, and one that he is more than happy to honour. “I never do things (in the community) for public recognition…I had my public recognition as a rugby league player,” Mark said. “I love the fact that I can give something to people that they wouldn't have otherwise. Sport brings that (emotion)…sport has got an amazing way of helping people in times of need.” Instagram: @passionperspectivepodcast Music: "Friendship" - written and performed by Annie Burbank Music

Meaghan Potter is an artist and teacher, plying her trade throughout the Blue Mountains and beyond. Growing up in Blaxland, Meaghan completed an Honours in Fine Arts from the National Art School and has gone on to exhibit internationally in Hong Kong, and throughout greater Sydney. Meaghan's artwork is unique in its ability to convey the power of nature from the local area. Exposure to the outdoors and the myriad of wildlife has helped shape Meaghan's work and this was on display at a recent exhibition at the Blue Mountains Botanic Gardens over the summer. “Having my work on display at Mount Tomah…it's been so special to have the connection between my subject matter and the actual location I find the subject matter in,” Meaghan said. “All of the birds and a couple of flowers are inspired by the actual flora and fauna that is at Mount Tomah gardens. I want to reveal the beauty within nature…without knowing it, growing up in the Blue Mountains has influenced me so much.” Instagram: @passionperspectivepodcast Music: "Friendship" - written and performed by Annie Burbank Music

Jason Dundas is a global media icon and has hosted the world's biggest productions, both locally and abroad. Through an energetic and supportive upbringing in South Penrith, Jason was driven to shape his own path and create his future. Success, according to Jason, comes from having the self-confidence and work ethic to enable you to seize an opportunity as they arise. “The key to success is being open for opportunity…be aware of the opportunity, see it, then capitalize on it without hesitation,” Jason said. “You have to back yourself, but it doesn't happen overnight…you have to understand your strengths and what you can do…learn to identify the opportunities.” It was a meteoric rise, to some extent, for Jason. Having been successful in his application to host a new MTV show in his early twenties, Jason went on to host further productions on the network before moving onto other popular shows including Getaway and X-Factor. Now living in Los Angeles, Jason reflects on the learnings he has recognised over the years – all the while remaining true to himself both on and off camera. “From my perspective, the key to being a great host is being the best version of yourself without any inhibition…having the ability to really be as authentic as possible,” Jason said. “(Good hosts) allow themselves to think on their feet…it's a delicate dance between being the truest version of yourself and then also having the energy (on screen).” Instagram: @passionperspectivepodcast Music: "Friendship" - written and performed by Annie Burbank Music

It was growing up in the greater Hawkesbury where Sara Klein uncovered the love for sport, adventure and the great outdoors. An introduction to Little Athletics at the age of 8 put Sara on the path for her career now as an elite athlete – going on to represent Australia at the 2019 World Championships in the 400 metre hurdler. It was a seven-year gap between that 2019 meet and her earlier appearance at the World Junior Championships. Whilst the hiatus was disheartening at times, Sara's perspective enabled her to stay focused and ultimately achieve her goals. “When you're trying to reach a goal, it's not always up…you're not always going to get there straight away,” Sara said. “You've got to keep going and then eventually it'll happen…be consistent with your training and recovery…it's really important to enjoy the process.” In a sport where ultimate glory can be decided by a fraction of a second, Sara reveals the importance of controlling what you can, preparing to the best of your ability and staying focused. “It's hard not getting caught up in thinking about the other athletes,” Sara said. “(The key is to) definitely focus on your own race and what you've been training for…thinking about your own race is the way to go.” Instagram: @passionperspectivepodcast Music: "Friendship" - written and performed by Annie Burbank Music

Terrance Plowright is an internationally recognised artist and sculptor – twice winning the Medici Medal, awarded the Order of Australia Medal in 2019 for services to Visual Arts and receiving numerous accolades along the way. Throughout his life, Terrance has chased opportunities to shape his journey. One of the keys to his success in the arts is to challenge himself, striving for continual development and growth. “I am probably the harshest critic of my work…there's a deep desire to always improve, to learn, to explore, to experiment...I am never in a place of satisfaction,” Terrance said. “The beauty of doing that (taking on new projects), was that I was learning…I was learning new skills, I was learning new materials. Wholly and solely to develop a base from which I could then bounce off into new works feeling quite confident that I could implement all of these materials and skills.” Instagram: @passionperspectivepodcast Music: "Friendship" - written and performed by Annie Burbank Music

Rheanna Lotter is a proud Yuin woman, former NSW Indigenous cricket representative and founder of Ngandabaa. Growing up in Willow Vale – in the NSW Southern Highlands – sport, culture and art have been a large part of Rheanna's life. Rediscovering the love for art in her early twenties, Rheanna's first commissioned work was with Sydney Thunder and Sydney Sixers, designing their community jerseys for the Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander T20 Cup. From there, Rheanna's work has extended to the NSW teams at the National Indigenous Cricket Championships, Sydney Thunder Women's Big Bash League, Sydney Thunder Big Bash League, Australian Football League and the Australian Paralympic team, amongst various other projects locally and overseas. “Sydney Thunder and Sydney Sixers were the first teams to approach me about doing a design…that was the first jersey I did in 2016,” Rheanna said. “Sport in itself brings us together…everyone is on that same level and we all have that common goal.” Find out more in the latest episode of the Passion & Perspective Podcast, hosted by Jonathan Robinson-Lees. Lifeline: if after listening to this podcast you feel you need help, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14. Instagram:@passionperspectivepodcast Music: "Friendship" - written and performed by Annie Burbank Music

Shannon Boyd is a local designer and illustrator, who has transformed his passion for art into an occupation. Growing up in South Penrith, art was intertwined into his childhood, mixed with a love for sport and adventure. Eager to learn from the best in the industry – and applying his skills through tertiary studies – Shannon has been patient in his work and continues to hone his craft in every project. Embracing the work as an opportunity to grow has been key to professional development, according to Shannon. “(I've kept) plying my trade, working on the technical things and getting the opportunity with clients to try something different and just get better with different mediums,” Shannon said. “Things have to happen organically. If you place a constraint on a goal, you are putting pressure on yourself…you are going to rush things and you are going to overthink it.” After five years in the education system, Shannon took a leap of faith, leaving his job as a teacher to pursue a career as an artist. With a few doors opening locally, Shannon was able to make the shift. Whilst it has been an adjustment, he has been able to reflect and pass on key learnings to others. “From there it grew – I got enough clients halfway through 2019 to make the call to just teach casually,” Shannon said. “(My advice would be to) start small and don't ever put the pressure on yourself to make your passion a full-time job.” Through his work, Shannon hopes to share messages of empathy and positivity. With a platform to communicate to people, he hopes to inspire the local community. “I do want my work to be more meaningful…I really want to start relaying messages of positivity, empathy, gratefulness…the things that I've really started to bring into my life,” Shannon said. “I would really like those messages to come through (my work). I do want to hit some messages that people need to hear.” Find out more in the latest episode of the Passion & Perspective Podcast, hosted by Jonathan Robinson-Lees. Lifeline: if after listening to this podcast you feel you need help, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14. Instagram: @passionperspectivepodcast Music: "Friendship" - written and performed by Annie Burbank Music

Reece Boyall is a comedian, and producer at Stand Out Comedy – a comedy club he has built from scratch. Through years of toil and honing his craft, Reece has embraced the journey and gets his gratification through extrinsic channels, making others happy through his work. “For me, putting effort into writing material and having time to engage with a complete stranger and make them laugh…it's pretty amazing”, Reece said. “With Stand Out,to create an environment where both audience and performers thoroughly enjoy themselves…it's awesome.” Nonetheless, the art of comedy can be arduous. Channelling your energy to the most captive group of the audience and delivering real-life experiences is the best way to sustain your work, according to Reece. “(When performing) don't care about everyone…just care about the people who are engaging…look at the people right in front of you who are engaged,” Reece said. “I'm a really strong believer that you experience it (the story) and then you can tell the audience.” Instagram: @passionperspectivepodcast Music Credit: "Friendship" - Annie Burbank This episode contains coarse language, sexual references & references to drug use

Mikayla Hinkley was born and raised in Penrith and was surrounded by sports and adventure from a young age. Her career as a professional cricketer started in the summer of 2015-16, earning a contract with the NSW Breakers, along with a spot on the Sydney Thunder roster for the inaugural WBBL season. That season saw history made as the first ball was bowled in the women's domestic T20 competition, at Howell Oval. “(The WBBL in Penrith) was unlike any other feeling I've experienced before playing cricket”, Mikayla said. “To be able to have that experience at Howell Oval, in the first ever game of the Women's Big Bash League, as a 16 or 17 year old…wow, that is something that no one can ever take from me.” Training and playing alongside childhood heroes – such as Alex Blackwell and Leah Poulton – Mikayla was thrust into the professional arena and captivated by the opportunity to learn from some of the world's best athletes. With the rapid rise to professionalism came added pressures and strain on Mikayla's mental health – a weight that amounted in her taking a break from the game in 2017, a decision which proved pivotal in her life. “I gave up something that, deep down, I still loved…I gave up cricket and I think I gave up on myself”, Mikayla said. “If I had never intentionally taken that year off, I would have never had that opportunity to find out who I actually was.” Find out more in the latest episode of the Passion & Perspective Podcast, hosted by Jonathan Robinson-Lees. Lifeline:if after listening to this podcast you feel you need help, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14. Instagram: @passionperspectivepodcast Music Credit: "Friendship" - Annie Burbank

Me-Lee Hay is a musician and composer, and has written scores for various television series, documentaries and commissioned work for Sydney Dance Company and Sydney Theatre Company. In 2017, Me-Lee won a Screen Music Award for her composition in Last Tree Standing. Despite the awards and experience working alongside household names (Geoffrey Rush, Sigrid Thornton, Luke Nguyen), it is not the extraneous recognition that drives Me-Lee, but internal gratification and a genuine love for her craft. “I always try and ground myself by remembering that feeling – from before I started writing music for a career – where I just loved music, for music's sake,” Me-Lee Hay said. “Just trying to remember that passion…there was a reason why I came into this profession.” Born in Malaysia, then moving to Sydney's Inner West as a 5-year-old, Me-Lee learned classical piano from a young age and went onto Newtown High School of the Performing Arts for her final secondary school years. Later on, Me-Lee further honed her craft at Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS) and developed a strong practical understanding of musical composition for the film and television industry. “It helped me with the nuts and bolts of the business…learning to read a contract, understanding how films are made. It showed how a film gets off the ground and actually gets funded,” Me-Lee said. Find out more in the latest episode of the Passion & Perspective Podcast, hosted by Jonathan Robinson-Lees. Instagram: @passionperspectivepodcast Music Credit: "Friendship" - Annie Burbank

Laura Greaves has more than 20 years' experience as a writer globally, across newspapers, magazines and books, however it is not the accolades and awards that defines her success. “For me, the fact that this (writing) is my career is really the pinnacle of success…it's something I can't quite believe to be honest”, Laura said. “I've wanted to be a writer, literally, my whole life. I've been writing stories, poems, scribbling plays since I was 4 or 5 years old. Writing is not just what I do, it truly is who I am.” The internal drive, coupled with a humble perspective, was ingrained in Laura from a young age growing up in Adelaide and largely due to the unwavering support she received from her parents. Nonetheless, there were challenging times throughout Laura's years at high school – a phase that saw her as the victim of relentless schoolyard bullying. “The high school years were formative. It definitely shaped who I am as a person and the way I look at the world,” Laura said. “There is a degree of resentment there, the fact that I didn't get to have an entirely carefree, fun and free-wheeling adolescence. I certainly think that drove me to an extent and it motivated me even more to really succeed in my career and always go after things I wanted.” Find out more in the latest episode of the Passion & Perspective Podcast, hosted by Jonathan Robinson-Lees. Lifeline: if after listening to this podcast you feel you need help, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14. Instagram: @passionperspectivepodcast Music Credit: "Friendship" - Annie Burbank

Eloise Short is a textile designer and illustrator, working with some of the world's biggest brands and creating a number of children's books in recent times. Growing up in Brisbane, Eloise immersed herself into arts and innovation, developing a love for creativity from a young age. Through her experiences, Eloise has developed a clear perspective on her work and a commitment to always honing her craft. “You reach certain milestones and you think that it's going to feel like success…but all of a sudden, you start striving for the next goal,” Eloise said. “I've come to realise that success is actually a whole lot of little achievements put together over many years. There's not one kind of defining thing that makes you feel as though you've achieved a level of success in your industry.” Attending art college in her twenties broadened Eloise's horizon and uncovered a love for textile design, which she carries through to this day. “My idea of being an artist evolved into being a textile designer…that has actually suited me much more over the years than being a fine artist or contemporary artist,” Eloise said. “Art college opened my eyes to the fact that art was actually about much more than how well you could draw or paint. It taught me about the bigger picture of art…consequently I realised that design was more suited to me and my ability.” Instagram: @passionperspectivepodcast Music Credit: "Friendship" - Annie Burbank

Hannah Darlington was raised in Erskine Park and surrounded herself with a myriad of sports from a young age. Support and guidance from her parents ensured that there was more to her upbringing than just cricket, with a deliberate emphasis on socialising with friends and a commitment to education. Being involved with the NSW Breakers and Sydney Thunder squads from her teenage years, Hannah developed a sound understanding of the game and important life skills from her senior players. Experiencing the rise of women's cricket firsthand, Hannah reflected on the impact that the WBBL had on her career ambitions. “I still remember sitting at Howell Oval for the first WBBL game – I sat there and did the sight screen with Dad and a couple of mates”, Hannah said. “Sitting there watching Sydney Thunder play the Sixers and thinking ‘I want to play for the Thunder'. It was a light-bulb moment.” One year on from that inaugural season, Hannah was a member of the Sydney Thunder squad. Biding her time, Hannah went on to make her debut last summer in WBBL|05. Leading Sydney Thunder with 16 wickets, Hannah claimed the Rookie of the Year title across the league. Further experience with Otago Sparks in New Zealand and a surprise debut with the NSW Breakers capped off a magical season for Hannah. The ability to compartmentalise and focus on the task at hand through a whirlwind season, was the key to the on-field performance according to Hannah. “I do put my success down to the fact that all my focus wasn't on cricket. I think having the HSC there to keep my mind off cricket probably helped me to have a good season”, Hannah said. “(I would consider) what I need to get done in the present moment, and that was either study for an exam or go and prepare with Sydney Thunder.” Instagram: @passionperspectivepodcast Music Credit: "Friendship" - Annie Burbank

From the moment he picked up a football in the front yard of the family home in Colyton, Craig Gower's passion for rugby league was ignited. Growing up in the game's heartland in western Sydney, he rose through the ranks of club and school rugby league, all the while having an innate love for the game. “We always used to play footy in the yard with all the kids in the street,” Craig said. “It was all rugby league growing up – I always had a footy in my hand, we used to play all the time.” After debuting for the Penrith Panthers in 1996 at the age of 18, Craig's rugby league career went on to reach the highest level. The honour, and the memorable experience, of captaining the 2003 NRL Premiership winners was the pinnacle of years of hard work. The team chemistry and cohesion experienced that year, according to Craig, is key to any successful team – a trait he sees in the current Penrith Panthers squad. “It all comes down to having that right cohesion with the team, having no injuries and everyone enjoying what they're doing – look at Penrith at the moment, they just love going out there and playing,” Craig said. “It's amazing what winning can do for you. After you start to get that confidence and build on that confidence it's just like a train, it keeps going and going.” Instagram: @passionperspectivepodcast Music Credit: "Friendship" - Annie Burbank

Liam Gray was raised in the Blue Mountains and developed a love for music at a young age. Surrounded by a supportive family, Liam was able to explore the intricate sounds of musical history, which he credits in his craft today. “Music played into my childhood a lot. I was really influenced by my dad's music – he would play quite often around the house,” Liam said. “Influence is the most healthy thing there is in music and it begins at a young age.” Attending Winmalee High School, Liam immersed himself into various extra-curricular musical groups. This exposure plus his creative upbringing helped developed a strong understanding and respect for musicians who have come before him. “You have to have that (musical history) as a good starting point. If you don't know what came before you, it's hard to shape where you are going to take your music,” Liam said. “It's learning what's been done before and then figuring out a way for you to carry that forward. That's where that individuality is going to come from.” That appreciation of music combined with years of learning have culminated in Liam's debut album, Your Light, alongside good friends Adrian Keevill and Kalon Captain. “I'm really with what came out with the album. It was really true to what that music (jazz) is about,” Liam said. “It's very live and it's very in the moment. The true nature of that music is not really rehearsed – it's about using your practice and musical mind to put something together.” Instagram: @passionperspectivepodcast Music Credit: "Friendship" - Annie Burbank

Dylan Logue grew up in Wentworth Falls and attended Blue Mountains Grammar School. Through his upbringing and schooling years, Dylan developed a passion for creativity and spent countless hours exploring and experimenting with screen writing and film making. After high school and despite initial rejection, Dylan was accepted into the Australian Film, Television and Radio School (AFTRS) to study Screen Production. The experience, whilst challenging at times, helped refine Dylan's craft and instilled a sense of resilience and promoted the importance collaboration in screen production. “I remember getting knocked back by AFTRS for their main course – it left me in the position of not doing a whole lot (straight after high school)”, Dylan said. “Once accepted, I learnt a whole lot from AFTRS, especially about teamwork and how much effort goes into getting a project made”. Find out more in the latest episode of the Passion & Perspective Podcast, hosted by Jonathan Robinson-Lees. Instagram: @passionperspectivepodcast Music Credit: "Friendship" - Annie Burbank

Lisa Griffith was introduced to cricket at the age of 5. Growing up in Bathurst, in central west NSW, sport occupied Lisa's time, and her love for cricket saw her feature in representative cricket teams through her teenage years. In 2010, whilst juggling Year 12 exams and cricket, Lisa debuted for the NSW Breakers at the age of 18. A rapid rise through the ranks, the selection came as a surprise to Lisa as she took the field with some of her cricketing heroes. “(It's amazing) when you debut, and you see the calibre of athletes around you and you see what they're capable of – the likes of Alex Blackwell, Lisa Sthalekar, Ellyse Perry and Alyssa Healy”, Lisa said. “You see the incredible things that they do and how you just want to be able to do that”. Shortly after, Lisa left the game of cricket. The pressures of work, study and being an elite athlete triggered a life-changing decision to leave her city-life behind and Lisa restarted her life on cattle stations in Queensland and the Northern Territory. Whilst many would view it as an uncharacteristic career move, leaving a sports career at the beginning, Lisa holds no regrets for the decision that she made. “I just made this really rash decision that, I'm going to go up north to the outback of Australia and I'm going to get away from here and I'm going to get away from cricket”, Lisa said. “In hindsight, as much as it was a rash decision, it was probably the best one I have ever made and one that has led me down this path of growing as a person”. Find out more in the latest episode of the Passion & Perspective Podcast, hosted by Jonathan Robinson-Lees. Instagram: @passionperspectivepodcast Music Credit: "Friendship" - Annie Burbank

Noemie Fox grew up surrounded by sport, adventure and a love for the outdoors. A transient upbringing, travelling between France and Australia, exposed Noemie and her sister to sport and the myriad of experiences that come with it. “We grew up at the whitewater stadium down in Penrith and then we would also spend a lot of time with them (Noemie's parents) in Europe when they were doing tours for the world cups with their athletes”, Noemie said. “We would travel with them, and my sister and I would just play and explore. It was a great childhood, when I think about those moments, because we were just always running around and going down rivers”. The rise of female athletes across the world continues to inspire Noemie, and she knows that people like herself and her sister, Jess, have the opportunity and responsibility to be positive role models. “It's incredibly exciting and incredibly motivating to have so many young girls growing up with idols that are so accessible. I was really lucky to grow up with my Mum who was in the sport as an athlete, so I always had a vision of female athletes and what they're capable of”, Noemie said. The ability to inspire the next generation is hugely important, according to Noemie, and the true measure of success is how you hold yourself outside the sporting arena. “You can have true champions on the water, but if they don't walk-the-walk off the water, it's not that inspiring.” Find out more in the latest episode of the Passion & Perspective Podcast, hosted by Jonathan Robinson-Lees. Instagram: @passionperspectivepodcast Music Credit: "Friendship" - Annie Burbank

Jason Pospishil was born and raised in Penrith and was immersed into sport and the great outdoors from a young age. Attending St Dominic's College in Kingswood furthered his desire to chase sport as a career and instilled a sense of determination and discipline to progress to the next level. Through his success at under-age national baseball championships, Jason received a playing contract with the Minnesota Twins organisation and went on to play three years of minor league baseball. Whilst a humbling experience, his time overseas taught him important lessons in handling adversity and self-reflection. His storied career, as a baseball player and a coach, has often been pioneering. A willingness to challenge the status quo, whilst respecting tradition, has proven fruitful. In his current role, a new journey, leading the Emeralds (Australian women's baseball team), Jason has embraced the opportunity to make an impact. “I'm always looking at what is next, what can I work towards. That (managing the Emeralds) is an exciting challenge over the next 4-6 years that I can have an impact on,” Jason said. Find out more in the latest episode of the Passion & Perspective Podcast, hosted by Jonathan Robinson-Lees. Instagram: @passionperspectivepodcast Music Credit: "Friendship" - Annie Burbank

Linda Swinfield has developed a resilient and respected career in art, through a journey of many different pathways. Commencing as a visual art student in 1979, Linda majored in black and white analogue photography and experimental painting at Meadowbank Technical College in Sydney. Photography has remained a constant diary for her to record events, research family, and develop ideas. Further tertiary studies complemented Linda's practice and continued to provide different perspectives that she has applied to her work. Through her art, Linda continues to incorporate personal, traditional and collective histories to construct narratives. Linda has been able to share her knowledge with up-and-coming artists whilst holding teaching positions at high schools, TAFE and community arts centres. Educating, according to Linda, is about providing opportunities and enabling artists to recognise their unique strengths. “Teaching art is about opening a pathway. It's really important to remember that pathway is individual, and very different, for every artist,” Linda said. MUSIC CREDIT: "Friendship" - Annie Burbank

Josh Mackenzie was born and raised in the Blue Mountains and immersed himself into sport and the great outdoors from a young age. In an ironic turn, Josh uncovered rock climbing when he moved out of the Blue Mountains nearly a decade ago, starting his new hobby at a local climbing gym. Before too long, he was exploring world-famous climbs locally and overseas. Josh has embraced travel and unconventional adventure, continuing to discover different cultures, cycling through Europe and exploring more climbing spots around the world. The full immersion of climbing, and outdoor adventure in general, is what has drawn Josh's interest. “It (the fear and risk) helps you get into a state of hyper-focus. You are entirely focused on that next move,” Josh said. “You are not focusing on anything more than you are doing at that exact time. It is a moving meditation.” Photo credit: Jared Anderson @_jaredanderson_ Music credit: "Friendship" - Annie Burbank

Glen Liddiard grew up in Werrington, with three older siblings and a love for the great outdoors. Sport, specifically rugby league, consumed Glen's upbringing and proved an effective means of socialising with the local community. First playing rugby league at the age of 4, Glen often idolised his older brothers on and off the field. A chance encounter at the age of 16, following his older brother David to England (his parents), saw Glen become the youngest ever professional rugby league player in the UK, debuting alongside his brother and going on to play 28 top-flight games that season. Under the guidance of British rugby league legend Frank Myler, Glen jumped at the opportunity to have a run with the Oldham Rugby League Football Club, alongside his older brother. “He (Myler) said, ‘We'll give you 10 quid a week to play in Reserve Grade'. That first game I scored a hattrick on the wing – I think I was just running scared! The following week Frank said, ‘We've picked you in First Grade'”, Glen said. Back in Australia, Glen debuted for Parramatta in 1988, alongside greats such as Peter Sterling, Peter Wynn, Eric Grothe and Brett Kenny. At a club that had dominated the past decade, it was Kenny specifically, who mentored Glen and even shifted positions (from five-eighth to lock) to cater for the new kid on the block. “I just followed Brett Kenny around at training and watched what he did. I tried to base my game around what he did”, Glen said. MUSIC CREDIT: "Friendship" - Annie Burbank

Annie Burbank resides in the Blue Mountains and is a classically trained pianist. From an early age Annie has honed her own eclectic style of playing, with influences from the classics, great jazz pianists, and ambient styles. With a worldly experience, complemented with tertiary study in music, Annie continues to share her experiences through her musical education practice and has maintained regular gigs at iconic local venues, such as the Hydro Majestic. “I feel very privileged to be one of the people who have that tool (music) and that ability to do evoke emotion through music,” Annie said. “There are very few things that will do that, music is one of the only things. The thing I love about music is its ability to change your emotional state.” Despite her humble nature, Annie still has grand ambitions to develop her craft, write more original music and bring the power of music to her listeners. Being a musician has enabled Annie to learn and develop personally and professionally and she encourages anyone to push themselves to always improve. “Building your skills is really important. As a musician, practice is the most important thing you can do and listen to lots of different musicians. You pull in your influences the more you listen,” Annie said. Find out more in the latest episode of the Passion & Perspective podcast and at annieburbankpiano.com.au MUSIC CREDIT: "Friendship" - Annie Burbank

Andy Nielsen is a musician, a drummer for The Lazys, a band that has exploded in the Canadian rock N roll scene. Growing up in Winmalee, in the Blue Mountains, Andy was first introduced to drumming at the age of 8 by his Dad and continued to hone his skills through his high school years. A strong respect and understanding for music and its pioneers have helped maintain a balanced perspective for Andy. “Even today I really only listen to old music. I was always interested in finding out who influenced them (musicians), and where their influences came from,” Andy said. “I always have a strong respect for musicians from the past, because they've paved the way for what we have today.” Embarking on his first tour straight out of school, then on numerous overseas adventures, Andy has embraced the lifestyle as a touring musician, but has a strong appreciation for what he has given up getting to where he is today. MUSIC CREDIT: Beyond Dreams by Scott Holmes

Ashlee Bucholtz grew up in Oaky Park, Lithgow and developed a love for art and painting at an early age. Having attended the Newcastle Art School and National Art School, she took valuable learnings as a person and an artist that helped shape her perspective. “They (art schools) teach you how to challenge yourself and to challenge your skills, to have a standard that you want to achieve,” Ashlee said. “But, also to understand that it's okay to make a bad artwork. The more you fail the more successful you will be.” Currently residing in the Blue Mountains, Ashlee continues to develop her artwork and spends time as a part-time art educator. The focus of her work is on ambiguous spaces using unconventional colour, stimulating the sensory experience for the viewer. Music Credit: Beyond Dreams by Scott Holmes

Jarrah is a local musician who strives to share stories of empathy and compassion through powerful lyrics and intricate acoustic guitar playing. A loving and alternative upbringing in Emu Plains stimulated a passion for creativity and music. Jarrah has a strong respect for music and its history, but it is not the bright lights and fame that he longs for. It is the ability to inspire through meaningful music that motivates Jarrah. “My overall goal is to play music to as many people as I can,” Jarrah said. “(And to) write songs that have meaning for all the different situations people face in life.” Music Credit: Beyond Dreams by Scott Holmes

Brenna Tarrant first had the urge to play football at the age of 9, and it was 4 years later that she started playing competitive Aussie Rules for the local Emu Plains club. With the rise of the AFLW, Brenna's passion for the sport and dream to shape a professional career from it, has turned into reality. Last year, waiting in her school library during the AFLW Draft, there was the fear of not knowing when her name would be called and as the picks ahead of her were taken. “I felt it fading away a little bit, but you've got to have hope. You've got to think ‘If my name gets called out, I have a chance at playing AFLW'. If it doesn't, well I have to wait another year,” Brenna said. “I was just clinging to hope really – I felt like I was hanging on by a thread.” The nerves were worth it for Brenna, after 5 years playing the game her dreams came to fruition, as the Melbourne Demons selected her as the No. 72 pick, meaning she would join the roster for the 2020 season. Music Credit: Beyond Dreams by Scott Holmes

Growing up with a love for sports and the outdoors, it was a trip to the local climbing gym at the age of 12 that sparked Tom O'Halloran's fascination and imagination into the world of rock climbing. The challenge of rock climbing, both physical and mental, is what has driven Tom's love of this extreme outdoor sport. “You're against yourself and an inanimate object or obstacle when you're climbing,” Tom said. “It's just you, and you need to get better. There's something fun and satisfying about that “ Moving to the Blue Mountains (from Brisbane) in 2011, the epicentre of Australian rock climbing, Tom was able to immerse himself into his craft. The shift to the Mountains life further stimulated the love of climbing and appreciation for the great outdoors, whilst he juggled work, family and fine tuning his skills. The ability to test himself on some of the most picturesque and difficult climbs in the world and also competing in competitions is motivation enough. The immense self-discipline is worth the reward, according to Tom. “Sometimes there's a bit of pressure that can creep in and it can feel all a bit overwhelming and a bit hard and you just want to shy away from the uncomfortable stuff. But ultimately that's what keeps you coming back. It's motivating to try and push through those feelings and rise up and take on that challenge. You just always want to be pushing yourself,” Tom said.

Growing up in Wagga Wagga, exploration and adventure formed a large part of Jodie McLeod's upbringing. This freedom stimulated a sense of creativity, which has helped her journey as a writer and, more recently, a passion for ultra-trail marathon running. Jodie's early love for the written word took her to university, where she completed an Honours degree in creative writing. Post-university, an opportunity to move into writing for and editing magazines attracted Jodie's writing energy. In 2018, with a passion to educate local children and inspire their sense of creativity, Jodie wrote and published her first children's book – Leonard the Lyrebird. The same year, Jodie threw herself into ultra-trail running, first contesting the Six Foot Track race. With hard training and disciplined routine, Jodie went onto win the 2019 Mount Solitary Ultra in a course record and reached the pinnacle, representing Australia at the World Trail Championships in Portugal last year.

Josh Lalor is a professional cricketer who has represented New South Wales, various Big Bash League clubs and, more recently, relished a stint playing in the Caribbean Premier League. The past decade has been a dynamic and fast-moving experience, juggling a cricket career, work career and a young family. Having twice been de-listed from the New South Wales contract list, Josh has had to maintain resilience and perspective in the face of adversity. Adversity and resilience are reflected in Josh's continual success, on and off the field. His ongoing experiences keep opening doors and creating fresh perspectives on life.