Why do you do it? I've always lived in the regions, I grew up in Tamworth and now live in Bathurst, and I've always loved music: singing, playing, listening to music, talking to people about music – it's soul food and brings so much joy.
Once I started doing gigs, first in Tamworth at a young age, and then here in Bathurst once I moved for uni, I realised that there was a lack of opportunity for us out here in the regions versus the cities and the people gigging there. So when the opportunity came up to apply to be a regional coordinator with MusicNSW, I jumped at the chance to be able to connect with and empower musicians out this way to help them on their musical journeys.
I also love teaching and mentoring young artists because I had a few amazing mentors when I was young and they changed my life. So any chance to pass that on, I'll take. Oh and I do gigs because it's FUN!
What do you love about the city you live in? Bathurst, here on Wiradjuri country, is such a beautiful place to live. The music and arts scene here is always growing and I'm so lucky to be a part of such an incredible and inspiring music and arts community here.
I love being nearby to other gorgeous areas like Orange, Mudgee and the Blue Mountains, and being so close to cities like Sydney and Canberra is awesome. I also love that Bathurst fully experiences all of the seasons – it's autumn right now and the turning of the leaves is really something else.
Where did you go for your last holiday? Forster, Port Macquarie and the Coffs coast.
What's your favourite item of clothing? I have a custom-made western dress that was made for me when I was in Nashville years ago, and every time I wear it I get to live my full Dolly Parton fantasy with its fringing, florals, arrow piping and press studs.
What was your favourite TV show when you were a kid? I'm a massive Stevie Nicks fan and love all things witchy, so I loved 'Sabrina the Teenage Witch'.
If you could travel back in time for a day, where would you go? I would travel back to the '70s (the music, the fashion) and go and see as many gigs as I could in a day.
If we were coming over to your place, what would you cook us? I'm a terrible cook, but boy do I nail a cheeseboard; and there are some amazing local delis around here with a bunch of local cheeses and meats, so I'd make you a charcuterie board.
What's the best lesson you've ever learned? Wait to worry.
Tell us one thing about yourself that nobody else knows... I'm completely obsessed with 'RuPaul's Drag Race'; and my drag name would be Stevie Knickers.
Are you happy with your work/ life balance? I'm getting better at it! I could definitely work on getting some more 'life' in the balance. But music is my life and I love my job, so I find it hard to distinguish between the two sometimes.
How do you define success? Having meaningful connections with people in both work and life, and feeling and giving love and support through those connections. And by being able to find joy in the little things.
What's your spirit animal? Black cockatoo.
