What do you do in your role at TACSI?
I work with the team to design, plan and facilitate projects that try and include new voices in the design of services, policies and systems. Day-to-day that means lots of working with passionate people trying to make change — each with a different story to tell and lever to pull — and trying to create a space for them to work better together.
When you're not at work, what do you get up to?
I'm a partner to an amazing wife and dad to two high school kids (!) so I'm a pretty busy person outside work.
We're a creative family — my daughter sings in several choirs, my son plays trumpet in several bands and I'm trying to join in by learning jazz guitar in a combo. Let's just say I'm very much in the deep end without my floaties at the moment! :D
I love running around with my son and his cricket team and swimming a few laps at the pool when I get time.
What change would you like to see in the world, and why?
Oh gosh. That's a biggie. Just more listening really — assuming that when people making decisions hear what's really happening for others, then they are better able to focus on prioritising what really matters.
What were you doing before working at TACSI?
I worked in design and brand strategy and before that was at Uni studying Fine Art — hence my compulsion to visualise many of the ideas I hear from people and collaborators in TACSI projects!
Who inspires you, and why?
Pretty much everyone that brings their lived experience to the work we're part of. It takes a lot of energy to keep showing up and telling services and systems what needs to be better and I feel really privileged to have met so many strong and resilient people along the way.
Looking back at your career, what’s been the highlight?
I've loved getting out into regional areas. I grew up in the countryside in the UK so I love getting out into bigger spaces and working with good folk from regional towns. Meeting the Hospital and Health Service and locals in Charleville in South West Queensland or listening to students, teachers, community and Aboriginal Elders in Ulladulla are highlights.
What are you reading/watching/listening to at the moment?
I'm not finding a lot of time for reading at the moment — we often squeeze in a quick funny show before bed — a family favourite is Would I Lie to You — particularly the Bob Mortimer stories!
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you 'grew up'?
Maybe an artist — something where I can earn a crust being creative. Tick!
What's something on your bucket list?
I still want to go and hang out in the Himalayas at some point. And maybe one day go and live in Barcelona or the French countryside.