What do you do? I'm a radio announcer at Bwgcolman at the Palm Island PCYC.
Why do you do it? I have a real passion for music; people have different ways of listening to music, and connecting with lyrics; and I am really proud of being a facilitator for people to listen to music.
Music has helped my own growth, and helped me through past personal experiences. Lyrics can help us to understand things better, so music is so beneficial for our lives and everyone's personal growth.
What do you love about the city you live in? Palm Island is a beautiful place in my eyes, and I love the people of the community, who provide such beautiful support, and long-life learning for me.
Family and friends here are a huge part of the community we live in. We all connect with the positivity we feel here, which in turn helps us to manage time and stay focused; and keeps us feeling connected to what we do.
Where did you go for your last holiday? Home (Palm Island – the group of islands, including Great Palm Island, located in Queensland) is paradise. I don't have to go anywhere when I have a million-dollar view at my doorstep, looking at the ocean and missionary scenery. (Palm Island is also known as Bwgcolman, which is also the name for the Aboriginal people of Palm Island).
What's your favourite item of clothing? My uniform at the radio station, as it represents my community development. When I put it on, I feel I am part of something, a part of the community, and the good that comes from this community, and its communication. I feel the uniform comes with a certain sense of dignity.
What was your favourite TV show when you were a kid? 'Degrassi Junior High'. When I went to Townsville State High School, I used to watch this show. It was a daily ritual for me.
If you could travel back in time for a day, where would you go? I would go to Townsville and hang out with some friends, just like old times! We'd love to meet up and hang out at the shopping centre, and that holds happy memories for me.
If we were coming over to your place, what would you cook us? Stir fry beef or chicken – it's my go-to dish I have perfected.
What's the best lesson you've ever learned? To be myself and be non-judgemental. I accept people and don't base my impression on their appearance.
Tell us one thing about yourself that nobody else knows... I hold the act of respect in very hard regard. Respect everyone, no matter what. My grandmother and Auntie Jane used to always say that respect is very important, wherever you go.
And to forgive – forgiveness is something my Auntie Jane (who has now passed on) taught us. She also taught us how to hunt, about nature, about the seasons. And to reconnect with nature, with birds, and how it can centre us. She also taught us right and wrong.
Are you happy with your work/ life balance? Yes, I feel I manage it all well.
How do you define success? Personal growth. As well as how to break cycles of trauma, and building strategies, taking steps in life to be better. I speak with my grandma, who is part of the ministry here. I like to remember how far I have come. I always go to my grandmother, and I use the tools she gives me, and always remember my affirmations.
What's your spirit animal? Butterfly. True story here: when I was younger, I often wanted to be on my own, and I would always see a butterfly sleeping near me, in a corner. I feel it would let me know if there was danger, if I was sick. It tells me a lot of things. That's why the butterfly is my spirit animal.
Natasha is one of eight women from regional and remote Queensland who have been selected for a career-enhancing opportunity to develop their skills and connections in the music industry.
Australian Women in Music Awards (AWMA) Queensland Regional & Remote Women's Music Program enables aspiring First Nations women, female, and gender diverse artists and music practitioners from regional and remote Queensland to travel and attend the two-day Australian Women in Music Awards (AWMA) Conference, Ceremony and Concert Program in Meanjin, Brisbane on 8-9 October, 2025.
The Program offers an unparalleled opportunity for aspiring music practitioners to gain professional experience and participate in the entire two-day AWMA Program, which includes a Conference Program, a series of forums and an In-Conversation keynote address, networking opportunities, the AWMA Black Carpet, Award Ceremony, Concert and After Party.
