This Christmas, nine-year-old Archer from Queensland is sharing a little extra joy with families facing one of the toughest experiences imaginable: having a child in hospital.  Archer is one of 11 young patients whose artwork has been transformed into festive wrapping paper and Heart Tokens as part of BIG W’s annual Christmas fundraiser for the Queensland Children’s Hospital Foundation. His cheerful design, complete with Santa, a present and a cookie, captures the magic of the season and the hope that comes with healing.  For two and a half years, Archer has been treated for Lymphoblastic Leukaemia. His journey has included chemotherapy, blood transfusions, surgeries and long stretches in hospital. Recently, he reached a milestone moment many families dream of. He rang the bell at the Queensland Children’s Hospital, marking the end of his active treatment.  During his time in hospital, Archer found joy in the creative programs run by the Queensland Children’s Hospital Foundation. These activities, funded by community donations, gave him moments of normalcy and connection in an otherwise overwhelming time.  His mum, Marta, says the Foundation became a lifeline for their family. “Two and a half years ago, our lives turned upside down. The Foundation was there through every step, from providing emotional support to creating special moments for the kids. After spending a Christmas in hospital, it feels like such a gift to be celebrating this one at home, together.”  Funds raised through BIG W’s Charity Wrap and Heart Tokens go directly to the Queensland Children’s Hospital Foundation, helping support programs that bring joy, comfort and relief to sick children and their families. This year, BIG W has also donated an additional $20,000 to support these initiatives.  Foundation CEO Lyndsey Rice says the need for support continues to grow. “Each year, the hospital treats more than 110,000 children, and one in three come from regional or remote areas. Many families spend the holidays far from home. Thanks to the generosity of the community, we can help make that time a little brighter.”  For Archer and his family, that generosity means something simple and profound: the chance to spend Christmas surrounded by love, laughter and good health once again. 

By Andrew Harmer How Young Men Are Turning Eco-Awareness into Action For many teenage boys today, the weight of environmental concerns feels heavier than ever. The devastating floods that hit our region, the bleaching of the Great Barrier Reef, the bushfires that darken our summer skies—these aren’t distant problems anymore. They’re personal, immediate, and deeply unsettling. For many teenage boys today, the weight of environmental concerns feels heavier than ever. The devastating floods that hit our region, the bleaching of the Great Barrier Reef, the bushfires that darken our summer skies—these aren’t distant problems anymore. They’re personal, immediate, and deeply unsettling. This growing anxiety about our planet’s future has a name: eco-anxiety. It’s that knot in your stomach when you wonder what kind of world you’ll inherit. For young men especially, who often feel pressure to be problem-solvers and protectors, the enormity of climate change can feel overwhelming. How do you fix something this big? Where do you even start? From Worry to Action But here’s what’s changing on the Gold Coast: instead of being paralyzed by these concerns, young men are discovering that action—even small steps—transforms anxiety into purpose. Take the EcoMarines program partnering with Gold Coast high schools. What starts as worry about ocean health becomes hands-on marine monitoring and dune restoration. Students who once felt helpless about reef bleaching are now collecting data, removing marine debris, and directly contributing to coastal research. The program has seen remarkable growth in male participation, particularly in its technical and fieldwork components. Building Solutions, Building Confidence Across our region, Landcare groups report increasing numbers of young male volunteers joining bush regeneration projects. The physical work—clearing invasive weeds, planting native species, building wildlife corridors—offers something screens and classrooms can’t: tangible, visible impact. Every lantana removed, every native tree planted, represents a small victory against degradation. Community gardens from Nerang to Burleigh have become unexpected hubs where environmental concern transforms into food security action. Young men are learning permaculture principles, composting techniques, and sustainable growing methods. These aren’t abstract concepts—they’re practical skills that build resilience for uncertain times ahead. Catching the Wave of Change Our surf culture is naturally evolving too. Groups like Surfrider Foundation Gold Coast channel ocean love into ocean protection. Young surfers who witness pollution firsthand during dawn patrols are joining beach clean-ups and advocating for better waste management. The connection is immediate: protect what you love. Local schools are responding creatively. Design and technology classes now focus on renewable energy projects. Agriculture programs emphasize regenerative farming. Business studies explore green entrepreneurship. This shift shows young men that environmental challenges aren’t just problems—they’re opportunities for innovation and leadership. The Power of Starting Small The Gold Coast Youth Council’s recent environmental initiatives prove young voices create real change. Their plastic reduction campaigns and urban greening projects started with simple ideas from concerned teenagers and became council-supported programs. The message emerging from all these initiatives is clear: you don’t need to save the world alone. You just need to start somewhere. Join a local group. Learn water testing with Cleanwater Group. Plant trees with Landcare. Build garden beds at school. Each action, however small, chips away at that overwhelming feeling of powerlessness. Moving Forward Together Yes, the environmental challenges are real and the concerns valid. But Gold Coast’s young men are proving that channelling worry into action builds something powerful: community, purpose, and genuine hope for the future we’re actively creating together.

Meet Allie Pepper Having recently turned 50, Allie Pepper is climbing stronger than ever. But her latest summit isn’t just about breaking altitude records, it’s about reclaiming her life. Australian high-altitude mountaineer Allie Pepper has spent a huge part of her life chasing the clouds and pushing her limits. Get It Magazine spoke with Allie to hear about a recent summit, Kanchenjunga (the world’s third-highest peak at 8,586 metres!) and to learn more about her journey after a series of deeply personal challenges that nearly saw her hang up her climbing boots for good. “I was at rock bottom,” Allie says, reflecting on a time not too long ago when everything seemed to collapse at once. “I’d lost my dad unexpectedly, my marriage had ended, and I was going through severe menopause symptoms. depression, night sweats, insomnia. I didn’t feel like myself. I wasn’t sure if I could ever climb again.” Like so many women, menopause hit Allie by surprise, and it almost ended her climbing journey. At first, Allie didn’t even realise what was happening to her. “I was 46 and had no idea my symptoms were menopause. I saw three doctors before I found someone who understood. Most GPs aren’t trained in menopause properly. It’s so under-recognised.” Eventually, she connected with a Welfem-trained doctor and began hormone therapy, and Allie tells me: “It absolutely changed my life. Within a month, the depression, insomnia, and joint pain started to ease. After a year, I felt like my body had reversed in time. I could build muscle again, recover from training: it was like night and day.” Allie had already completed major climbs in her earlier career, including her first 8,000m summit in 2007, but the dream of completing all 14 of the world’s 8,000-metre peaks without supplemental oxygen (a feat achieved by only a handful of people worldwide) had always burned in the background. “The project was always in my heart, but I hadn’t fully committed. After everything I went through – it just felt like now or never.” As her peaks have progressed, it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. For Allie’s Kanchenjunga climb, funding came late & the weather window was closing. And while Allie had planned to summit without bottled oxygen,  as she had on five other 8,000m peaks, she made the call to use it. “It wasn’t safe without it,” she says. “I was on the edge of a storm at over 8,500 metres. I wanted to survive and come down.” “It’s so extreme up there” Allie explains, “Without supplemental oxygen, your brain is operating with just a third of the oxygen it’s used to. Even when conditions are perfect, your legs can give way. This climb wasn’t about the view — it was survival.” Behind that physical strength, though, is a different kind of work, an ongoing commitment to deep emotional and mental training. “I worked with a life coach for over a year when I began seriously preparing for the 14 Peaks,” Allie explains. “I needed to master my mind, to stop attaching to fear, to outcomes. I meditate daily. I train mentally, emotionally, and spiritually: not just physically.” Now, she says, “I know my body so well. I feel better at 50 than I did at 40. Stronger. Sharper. I’m climbing better than I ever have – better than most men I’ve climbed with. Only one Australian man has achieved more in the 8,000m peaks than I have.” The milestone of turning 50 – which coincided with her descent from Kanchenjunga – was a calm and quiet celebration. “We drove for hours that day and stayed in this remote hotel. I went to sleep at 8pm. The next day we celebrated in Kathmandu with some incredible female climbers. It was perfect.” She laughs when asked if this was the life she imagined at 30. “Not at all. But I also never imagined how much was possible!” As this next chapter of her life unfolds, Allie is working on a short film about the climb and considering a full documentary. “This journey is about more than mountains. It’s about showing people that it’s never too late. We are capable of way more than we think. You can go through the hardest chapter of your life and still find your way to the summit.” For those standing at their own crossroads, wondering what’s next? Allie suggests turning the mirror back on yourself: “It’s a good time to ask: how do I want to live the rest of my life? It’s not just about being thin or fit. It’s about being well: body, mind and soul. That’s a choice we get to make, every single day.”

“If my children can have everything they need, why can’t all babies?”  In late 2016, Carly Fradgley was feeding her one-year-old son Noah when a thought struck her. Her children — Noah and three-year-old Isla — had everything they needed: nappies, clothes, a safe place to sleep. But what about the families who didn’t?  That same day, she came across a Melbourne-based charity on Instagram that collected and redistributed baby items to families in crisis. Carly loved the idea, but there was no such service in Queensland. She could have left it at that, but the thought wouldn’t go away.  “I didn’t know how to start a charity,” Carly says. “But I kept thinking, what if it works? What if I can do it?”  With a few friends and a Facebook page, she launched Baby Give Back. The idea was simple: collect good quality, no-longer-needed baby items and pass them on to families in need. The response was immediate. Spare rooms and garages began filling with donations. But as Carly began speaking to frontline support workers, the true scale of the need became clear — women fleeing violence with only the clothes on their backs, parents skipping meals to afford nappies or formula.  “We quickly realised this was about more than just stuff,” Carly says. “This was about dignity, support, and making sure children have a fair start.”  Carly had no formal background in the not-for-profit sector, but her legal experience helped her get the charity registered and operational quickly. From the beginning, Baby Give Back worked through social workers and support agencies to ensure the right help reached the right people.  “Every box we pack is done with care,” she says. “Clothes are folded neatly, items are checked for safety, and each box includes a note that reads, ‘With love from your community’.”  Since 2016, Baby Give Back has supported more than 50,000 children. In 2025, the charity began its largest expansion to date, reaching communities in Townsville, Mount Isa, Doomadgee, and Saibai Island near Papua New Guinea. It’s part of a broader goal to support 50,000 children every year by 2030.  “Six of the ten most disadvantaged local government areas in Australia are in Queensland,” Carly says. “Our state has high levels of need and is also vulnerable to natural disasters. We have to be ready.”  The organisation’s Clothing Program is now central to its operations. By supplying nappies, wipes, and clothing, Baby Give Back helps families ease financial pressure. That, in turn, reduces stress and supports mental wellbeing.  “When a family’s basic needs are met, they can breathe again,” Carly says. “They can redirect money to food or rent. That changes lives.”  For Carly, the most memorable moments are the ones where the cycle comes full circle. One mother, who received support during a tough time, recently returned with a box of baby clothes to donate. “She said the donations had made a huge difference to her as a new mum. Now that her baby had outgrown the clothes, she wanted to help someone else.”  Support workers frequently share stories that reaffirm the impact. One wrote, “When I presented the box to the mother, she cried. She was so happy, relieved and grateful. The kindness meant more than words can express.”  A typical day for Carly starts early with coffee and a walk around the warehouse to greet volunteers. Then come team huddles, meetings, deep work sessions, and policy and strategy planning. Fundraising, government engagement and expansion efforts all sit on her to-do list. “It’s a big job,” she says, “but I’m fuelled by a very real sense of hope.”  Volunteers remain central to the charity’s success. “They’re the heart of Baby Give Back,” Carly says. “They give their time generously and joyfully. The work we do wouldn’t be possible without them.”  Running a charity comes with challenges, and the COVID years were especially tough. Warehouse closures and growing demand made operations difficult. But the team adapted, knowing families needed them more than ever.  Looking ahead, Carly wants every child in Queensland — regardless of postcode — to have access to essentials in the earliest, most critical years of life. She also wants the broader community to understand that helping doesn’t have to be grand.  “There’s something everyone can give,” she says. “Time, items, money, skills — it all counts. I get to see how those contributions come together to create something so much bigger than any of us could do alone.”  To find how you can get involved go to https://www.babygiveback.org/    

How One Mother’s Determination Created a Lifesaving Product Gold Coast entrepreneur Krissy Jarvie has turned a parent’s worst nightmare into a business solution that’s keeping people connected when they need it most.   When Krissy Jarvie’s phone rang that evening, what followed was every parent’s fear—a call for help from her son who had been attacked and was stranded with a dying phone battery. That terrifying moment of lost connection sparked an idea that would eventually become Powerdaze, a compact emergency phone charger that’s now helping people across Australia stay safe and connected. The Spark of Innovation “The most haunting reality was how was I going to reach him because his phone had died completely ,” Krissy reflects. “That single moment made me realise how many people must face similar situations—stranded, vulnerable, with no way to call for help.” Rather than dwelling on the trauma, Krissy channeled her energy into solving a problem she knew was bigger than her family’s experience. “I kept thinking about festival-goers, hikers, people working late, students walking home—anyone who might find themselves in danger with a dead phone.” Building Something Better What started as a mother’s determination quickly evolved into serious entrepreneurship. Krissy spent months researching portable charging technology, studying market gaps, and envisioning a product that would be compact enough to carry anywhere yet powerful enough to make a difference. “I wanted something that could fit in your pocket, wouldn’t add bulk to a purse, but could give you that crucial 50% charge you need to call for help, call an Uber, or let someone know where you are,” she explains. Overcoming the Challenges The journey from concept to product wasn’t smooth. Multiple manufacturers turned her down, dismissing the idea or questioning the market demand. “I heard ‘no’ more times than I care to count,” Krissy laughs. “But I knew this product needed to exist.” Her persistence paid off when she found a manufacturing partner who shared her vision. Together, they developed Powerdaze – a biodegradable, recyclable pre-charged device that provides approximately 50% phone charge and fits easily in a wallet or pocket. Smart Design Meets Real Need What sets Powerdaze apart isn’t just its convenience—it’s the thoughtful design that considers real- world emergencies. The chargers come pre-charged and maintain their power for months, meaning they’re ready when you need them most. The biodegradable and recyclable materials reflect Krissy’s commitment to environmental responsibility.“We didn’t want to create more electronic waste,” she explains. “If you’re going to solve one problem, you shouldn’t create another.” Market Success and Real Impact The response has exceeded Krissy’s expectations. Customers are purchasing Powerdaze chargers not just for themselves, but as gifts for  students, festival-goers, and anyone who spends time away from traditional charging sources. “Parents are buying them for their kids heading to university. Event organisers are purchasing them in bulk. We’ve had hikers tell us these chargers gave them peace of mind on remote trails,” Krissy shares. One customer wrote: “I keep one in my running belt and another in my car’s glove compartment. It’s such a simple solution, but knowing I can always make that emergency call is priceless.” Building a Business with Purpose What started as a personal mission has grown into a thriving business. Krissy has developed relationships with retailers, built an online presence, and is exploring partnerships with safety organisations and educational institutions. “The business side has been a huge learning curve,” she admits. “But when you’re passionate about your product and know it can genuinely help people, that drives you through the challenges.” Environmental Innovation The biodegradable and recyclable aspects of Powerdaze reflects a growing trend toward sustainable tech solutions, unlike traditional portable chargers that contribute to electronic waste.“Sustainability wasn’t an afterthought – it was central to our design philosophy,” Krissy explains. “We wanted to create something that helps people without harming the planet.” Looking Forward Krissy is already working on expanding the Powerdaze range, with plans for different capacity options and exploring potential partnerships with safety apps and emergency services. “I’d love to see these become as common as carrying a spare key,” she says. “Not because people expect to need them, but because when you do need them, they’re there.” Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs For others considering turning a personal experience into a business venture, Krissy’s advice is straightforward: “Don’t let people tell you there’s no market for your idea if you know there’s a real problem to solve. Sometimes the best innovations come from the most personal places.” The Bigger Picture Today, Krissy’s son has fully recovered and is proud of what his mother has built from their difficult experience. “He jokes that he’s the ‘inspiration’ behind Powerdaze,” she laughs. “But really, he’s shown me that you can take something negative and create something positive from it.” Powerdaze represents more than just a charging solution—it’s proof that innovation often comes from the most unexpected places, and that determination can transform even the most challenging experiences into opportunities to help others. “Every time someone tells me they feel safer carrying a Powerdaze, or that it helped them in a tough situation, I know we’ve achieved what we set out to do,” Krissy reflects. “That’s the real success story.” Powerdaze chargers are available online and through select retailers. For more information about the product and Krissy‘s entrepreneurial journey, visit powerdaze.com.au or follow @powerdaze on social media.  

For the past 65 years, the Animal Welfare League Queensland (AWLQ) has provided a safe haven for over 175,000 surrendered and stray animals. The average cost to care for an animal is $750 – and that’s a straightforward case. The organisation never recoups those costs. AWLQ relies heavily on the generous support of their donors to be able to continue to do the lifesaving work they do. At its core, AWLQ is committed to the welfare and protection of animals across Queensland. What many may not realise is the extent of their reach and the breadth of their services. Yes, they rescue and rehome animals, but their impact extends far beyond the shelter walls. One of AWLQ’s most notable initiatives is their Community Vet Clinics on the Gold Coast, Brisbane and Ipswich, which provide vital veterinary services to pet owners who may not have access to affordable care. These clinics not only ensure the health and well-being of beloved pets but also alleviate financial burdens for families who may be struggling to make ends meet. Furthermore, AWLQ operates a wide network of op shops, serving as not only a source of funding but also a sustainable way to support their mission. These shops provide a treasure trove of exceptional goods for bargain hunters, all while raising much needed money for the organisation. The op shops are always in need of quality goods and welcome members of the community to provide donations to any of their sites. Fundraising is a cornerstone of AWLQ’s operations, as the organisation receives no government funding and relies solely on public support. But it’s not just about raising money. It’s about raising awareness, education and fostering a sense of community around their cause. From marathons, to bake sales, to corporate sponsorships, each fundraising event serves as a reminder of the collective power we possess to make a difference in the lives of thousands of shelter animals in need every year. Yet, despite their comprehensive approach to animal welfare, some may perceive AWLQ solely as a shelter, unaware of the myriad ways they serve and educate the community and seek to raise money to continue to support people and animals in need. Others may underestimate the impact of their op shops or overlook the critical importance of their community vet clinics and the affordable vet care model. It’s time to dispel these misconceptions and shine a light on the true essence of AWLQ. They are not just a shelter; they are a lifeline for animals and humans alike. They are not just a charity; they are a catalyst for change and compassion. But AWLQ can’t do it without help. They desperate need community support in their mission to create a better future for shelter animals. You can donate now at awlqld.com.au

    How Men of Business is making a difference  Today’s young men face a range of challenges that can lead them down troubling paths. Thankfully, the Men of Business (MOB) Academy is offering a lifeline to boys who have disengaged from mainstream education, helping them build better lives.  Why MOB Was Created MOB was founded with a simple yet powerful mission: to guide young men into adulthood equipped with respect, resilience, and responsibility. With the help of strong mentors and positive relationships, MOB has become a transformative space for boys currently from years 11 & 12 who need a fresh start. It is more than just a school—it’s a place where boys can develop not only academic skills but also life skills. Since opening its doors in 2020, MOB Academy has made a massive impact on the lives of over 600 boys, many of whom would have otherwise fallen through the cracks. The numbers are impressive: Not only have these boys earned vocational qualifications, but they’ve also found jobs. The academy is a place of second chances, where young men can rediscover their potential and set themselves on a path to success. The Growing Need The need for programs like MOB is greater than ever. Youth disengagement, school dropout rates, and youth crime continue to rise, with some boys turning to destructive behaviour simply because they don’t see another way. Did you know that suspensions from’’ school are at an all-time high, and the cost of keeping one young man in the youth justice system can be as high as $680,000? Without intervention, many young men who leave school early face uncertain futures, often leading to long-term unemployment or worse. MOB steps in to break this cycle. By providing vocational training, career guidance, mental health support, and even meals for families in need, MOB is creating real change. It’s a holistic approach that doesn’t just focus on education but on every aspect of a boy’s well-being. The New MOB HQ The next chapter for MOB is the creation of MOB HQ—a state-of-the-art facility in Southport that will open its doors in 2027. This centre will accommodate up to 450 boys and offer education, hands-on vocational training, a wellness hub, and even a community centre. The boys who come through MOB HQ will not only receive an education but will also learn trades and life skills that can set them on the path to a successful, fulfilling future. . The Power of Community None of this would be possible without the help of the local community. Building MOB HQ is a massive undertaking, and it will require the support of people who believe in giving these boys a brighter future. Thats why MOB has launched a major fundraising campaign, asking the community to buy symbolic bricks for $1,000 each. These contributions will help raise the funds needed to build the new centre and expand MOB’s life-changing work When we come together to support programs like MOB, we’re not just investing in the lives of these boys—we’re investing in a better future for everyone.   To donate or get involved, contact Marco and the Men of Business Academy team today. Your support could make all the difference. [email protected] Menofbusiness.com.au Note: All donations are tax deductible. What started as a small initiative by Marco Renai, a 2024 QLD Australian of the Year, has blossomed into an incredible program that’s changing lives on the Gold Coast. Now, MOB is launching its most ambitious project yet: the new MOB HQ.

  Known as Australia’s “artist to the stars”, international contemporary artist and Gold Coast local, Tracie Eaton, sits down with Get It Magazine to talk about her signature ‘passion-art’, memorable moments in her career, and drawing inspiration from the world around her. 1. How did your artistic career first get started – did you always imagine yourself working in this field? I have always been a creative person, but became rather obsessed with colour in my early 20s. I was working as an occupational therapist in paediatrics and forensic psychiatry and used art and creativity to help clients unlock their feelings and to communicate. It took another 10 years or so before I realised that painting was my true calling – the moment I first put brush to canvas I knew this was me. 2. How did your A-lister reputation develop, and what draws people to your work? Being commissioned to paint for Academy Award nominees for three years most certainly helped me to gain traction and reputation as an artist. We are all drawn to things that make us feel connected, happy and engaged, and my work does this. From a purely art investment perspective, the value of my artworks have tripled in as many years, and continues to, so I’m sure that is an important consideration for some of my clients also. 3. Can you share about the term “passion-art” and what this means? Passion-art, as described by the curator who used it regarding my work, essentially meant that everyone who views my work “falls in love with it”. For me, passion-art stems from the energy within the work – my artwork is colourful and I use colour very specifically to elicit emotion. By incorporating so many colours, textures, media and painting styles, my paintings are alive – I have never forgotten how to play! I am obsessed with colour and how it makes us feel, so I am inspired every day, doing everyday things. 4. Do you have a stand-out career story you could share? One that does come to mind was when I was approached by Jim Carey who asked me what I thought of his art. It was very humbling to have a discussion around someone’s artwork who is so well established! Another stand-out moment for me was when, following one of my exhibitions, I was approached by someone there, who thanked me. He stated he had been colour blind for years, and therefore never appreciated art. However, one of the pieces I created, he saw perfectly. I was blown away that I had painted something that not only he could see, but one that touched his heart so much. 5. You’re based here on the beautiful GC – what are your favourite things about this part of the world? There are so many wonderful things about the Gold Coast and I’m proud to call it my home. I love the climate, the energy and the vibrancy of the Gold Coast. I enjoy the contrast that exists. Where else can you see a surfer carrying their board, walking barefoot, and a business professional heading off to a meeting all at once? 6. For someone looking to get into the art world, what’s your advice for them to carve their own creative path? I am self-taught, and I believe this is a fabulous way of working out what you want from creativity. My advice is to trust your instinct, remove judgement about what you are creating and simply do. Find a way to become business savvy – if you do not want to learn basic business, sales & marketing skills and process, find someone who can do this for you. Oh, and do not listen to people who say art is a waste of time – have faith, work hard and stay focused. 7. What’s on the horizon for you in 2023? There are quite a few exciting things happening for me and the Tracie Eaton Brand in 2023 – most excitingly, there is significant movement on the international stage. I am excited by all this activity, as it will absolutely force me to be the best at what I do and ensure that my focus is on the creation of new, ever-expanding and changing artworks. I feel I am on the precipice of a new creative journey so I guess all I can say right now is “watch this space.” View some of Tracie’s pieces here

  Model-turned-agent Monique Jeremiah is taking bold strides to showcase diverse talent on the Gold Coast. We speak with Monique about Diversity Models, her success stories and how she’s driving change one photo shoot at a time. Can you share with us the mission of Diversity Models? We represent confidence, curves & culture – we want to challenge the existing modelling industry and encourage businesses to recognise the value of diversity in marketing and branding. We specialise in casting unique multicultural, curve and mature aged models aged 30 plus for print, social media and TVC campaigns. Our aim is to promote self-confidence and cast models who are naturally beautiful, relatable and have an everyday appeal so that they resonate with customers of our clients. How did you get started setting up an agency, and how did you bring initial talent to your books? In July 2022 I started Diversity Models completely spontaneously after many people were asking me whether I owned a modelling agency – in my spare time I was modelling on the side for fun. However, during Covid, I realised I truly enjoyed the networking, marketing and public relations side of modelling. So, I created an industry-breaking agency where I managed models just like myself and gave businesses what they needed and lacked – faces of diversity. I recruited our talent through initially advertising on my own Facebook profile and then naturally I created a FOMO culture. Now we have such an amazing team of models which is growing! How much of the fashion industry do you think is truly committed to using diverse models? Personally, I believe that the industry is still lacking diverse models and this is very evident on reality TV – I just came back from Farmer Wants a Wife and saw it first-hand. Whilst filming, I was only 1 of 2 diverse faces on screen – the evidence is there, diversity needs to be included and not just tokenised. What is your advice to a woman at any age who is keen to start modelling? I would say it’s never too late to become a model – I entered the industry at 30 as a mature-aged model. It is vital that you are already self-confident, have strong self-esteem and can take rejection. Being an excellent team player and entering the industry with an open mind and no ego is essential, as it takes time, experience and relationship building to become excellent and known in this creative profession. I look for natural beauty, unique cultural combinations and models who have taken the time to look after themselves mentally and physically as women. I love models who are highly team players, supportive of other women and have a positive personality. What do you love about living and working on the Gold Coast, and do you feel consumers here are wanting even more diverse models? I love living here as it is very relaxed, it is an entrepreneurs’ paradise and it is a great home base. I’ve been here 27 years. Consumers here want more diverse and natural models as they are tired of the typical Barbie doll plastic image of the past on the Gold Coast.

    When life takes unexpected turns, having a legal partner who truly cares makes all the difference. At Richardson Murray, family law isn’t just about navigating the legal system—it’s about understanding what matters most to you and your family and helping you move forward with confidence. Exclusively focused on family law, Richardson Murray’s team of compassionate lawyers knows that every situation is unique. Whether you’re making parenting arrangements for your children, working through property settlements, or seeking safety from domestic violence, they take the time to listen, understand, and tailor their approach to suit your needs. Guiding You Through Life’s Most Challenging Moments Richardson Murray is more than a law firm—it’s a trusted ally during times of change. Their experienced team is skilled in all aspects of family and relationship law, including: Divorce and Separation: Helping you navigate the end of a relationship with care and clarity. Parenting Matters: Crafting parenting plans that put children’s best interests at the heart of every decision. Property and Financial Settlements: Ensuring fair outcomes that set the foundation for your next chapter. Domestic Violence and Protection Orders: Providing strength and guidance to secure your safety and peace of mind. A focus on resolution, not conflict Whenever possible, Richardson Murray emphasises resolving disputes amicably through mediation. This approach aligns with their belief in minimizing conflict and helping families achieve outcomes that support healing and progress. Why Families Trust Richardson Murray Clients often describe Richardson Murray as more than just legal advisors—they’re advocates who genuinely care. What makes them stand out? You Come First: Your story, goals, and priorities drive everything they do. Their advice is tailored to help you achieve what’s most important to you. Unparalleled Expertise: With extensive experience and a commitment to staying at the forefront of family law, you can trust you’re in capable hands. Clear Communication: They believe in keeping you informed every step of the way, ensuring there are no surprises and you always know where you stand. Community Connection: As locals themselves, the team takes pride in fostering strong, trust-filled relationships within their community. A Team That Understands Family law isn’t just about legal outcomes—it’s about people, emotions, and futures. The team at Richardson Murray approach every case with empathy, offering not only legal expertise but also unwavering support when it’s needed most. Here for You in Broadbeach and Byron Bay Conveniently located in Broadbeach and Byron Bay, Richardson Murray serves clients across Southeast Queensland and Northern New South Wales. Whether you’re stepping into their welcoming offices or connecting remotely, you’ll find a team ready to support you with professionalism and care. At Richardson Murray, it’s not just about winning cases—it’s about making a meaningful difference in people’s lives. If you’re ready to move forward with compassionate legal support, their team is here to help you every step of the way.