From boardroom to belonging.

12 January 20262 min read

Howard Campbell never imagined a life helping others. For decades, he had been climbing the corporate ladder, thriving in high-pressure management roles where results mattered more than relationships. At 68, he admits he “had little time for people” who didn’t share his drive.

Success had been his focus, and with it came a certain blindness. He rarely considered the struggles of those around him until semi-retirement slowed the pace and gave him time to reflect. “I realised many people around me, including family and friends, faced mental health and substance challenges I had once overlooked,” said Howard.

Determined to understand and make a difference, Howard began searching for ways to help. That’s when he discovered the Certificate III in Community Services at TAFE Queensland. Enrolling was the start of a deep personal journey. “I was amazed that at this late stage in my life I could gain insights I’d been blind to all my life,” he said. “Understanding mental health and addiction challenges has been profound. I now see people I once judged differently and I can actually help.”

“I had no intention of going beyond the Certificate III, but the journey was so rewarding I had to continue to Certificate IV,” he said. Today, Howard works as a Support Worker—a role he finds deeply fulfilling after decades of success in business. “I feel like I’m finally contributing to something meaningful. And that’s a feeling you don’t outgrow,” said Howard.

This sense of purpose has brought him a peace and fulfilment that his high-powered corporate roles could never provide.

Howard’s TAFE experience
Howard’s decision to study at TAFE Queensland was pivotal in his career shift. The Certificate III in Community Services provided him with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary for his new path.

TAFE Queensland’s Southport campus offers a range of courses in community services, including counselling, youth work, child health and family intervention, individual support and mental health. These programs are designed to equip individuals with the tools to make a positive impact in their communities.

The supportive learning environment at TAFE Queensland, coupled with practical placements, ensured Howard was well-prepared to transition into his new role. His experience highlights the importance of vocational education in facilitating career changes and personal growth.

Crafting Spirits with Heart: The Story Behind Imbibis Distillery

Behind every great craft spirit is a story of passion, persistence and a little bit of courage. For Jason and Maree Hannay, the founders of Imbibis Craft Distillery, that story began with a dream to create something uniquely Australian – and deeply personal. Today, their boutique distillery has earned international recognition for its artisan gins and brandy, but the journey to get there has been just as rich as the spirits themselves. Jason, your background is in winemaking. How did the journey into distilling begin? Jason: I spent more than 20 years working in the Queensland wine industry, so fermentation and flavour were already part of my life. But I’d always had a fascination with distillation – the science and artistry of transforming raw ingredients into something complex and expressive. Eventually, that curiosity turned into a dream to craft my own spirits using local ingredients. That dream became Imbibis. What was it like launching a distillery from scratch? Jason: Equal parts exciting and terrifying! We officially launched in late 2019, and within months we were navigating a global pandemic. But the response from the local community was incredible. People really embraced the idea of an Ipswich-based distillery producing premium spirits, and that support kept us going in those early days. Maree, you’ve had a very different career path. How did you become involved? Maree: My background is actually in the corporate and legal worlds. I worked with organisations like Woolworths, BHP and MinterEllison before joining Imbibis full time. But creativity has always been important to me – I’m also a watercolour artist – so stepping into the distillery gave me a chance to bring that creative energy into the brand. These days I wear many hats: marketing, events, customer engagement… and occasionally bottle labelling and glass washing! Your spirits have already won international awards. What makes them special? Jason: We focus on small-batch production and high-quality local ingredients. Many of our botanicals are native Australian flavours like lemon myrtle, native pepperberry and bottlebrush. The idea is to create spirits that reflect where we live and the ingredients available around us. What does it mean to see your work recognised on the global stage? Maree: It’s incredibly rewarding. When we started, we simply wanted to make beautiful spirits that people would enjoy sharing with friends. To now see our gins and brandies winning medals internationally is both humbling and exciting. And finally – what’s next for Imbibis? Jason: We’re always experimenting. Distillation is a constant journey of discovery. Whether it’s a new botanical blend, a small-batch brandy or something entirely unexpected, we’re always looking for ways to keep the creative process alive. Stay tuned for launch of Ipswich’s very first whiskey. Coming soon. For Jason and Maree, Imbibis isn’t just a distillery – it’s a celebration of craftsmanship, local ingredients and the simple joy of sharing a drink with good company. imbibis.com.au

Local Profiles

Growing strong girls, empowering futures

By Megan Stray More than a decade ago, while working as a kinesiologist in a small clinic beneath my home, I began noticing a pattern that was impossible to ignore. Young people were arriving not with the usual childhood complaints, but with something far heavier. Seven-year-olds struggling with debilitating anxiety and missing large amounts of school. Ten-year-olds already prescribed antidepressants. Bright, sensitive young girls battling eating disorders far earlier than anyone expected. Behind every child was a family searching for answers, hoping to find the missing piece that would help their daughter feel safe, confident and whole again. Watching these stories unfold, it became clear that something needed to change. From that realisation, Heal.ed Tribe was born. What began as a deeply personal response has grown into a local not-for-profit organisation supporting young girls across the Gold Coast. The first initiative was a small three-day retreat for five girls experiencing eating disorders and their mothers, alongside two teenage girls living in homeless shelters. There was no rigid clinical agenda. The intention was simple: to create a space where young people felt seen, supported and genuinely cared for. Today, almost eleven years later, Heal.ed Tribe continues to focus on education, prevention and early intervention, helping young girls build resilience and strengthen their mental wellbeing. Every program and conversation is grounded in a core belief that no young person should feel alone in their mental health journey. The challenges facing young people continue to grow. Experts predict that by 2030, mental health concerns could become Australia’s greatest disease burden, surpassing cancer and heart disease. Yet beyond the statistics are the real stories and quiet breakthroughs that remind us why community support matters. Because these girls are the women of our future. Watching a young person rediscover hope, confidence and a sense of belonging is powerful, not only for them, but for the families and communities surrounding them. To learn more or support the work of Heal.ed Tribe, visit healedtribe.org.au

Local Profiles

Elevated Alfresco: A Conversation with Mary Sidey of Dune Outdoor Luxuries

For more than 17 years, Mary and Ben Sidey have been shaping how Gold Coasters live outdoors. As the founders of Dune Outdoor Luxuries and the exclusive Australian distributor of iconic U.S. brand Brown Jordan, Mary has become synonymous with timeless design, premium craftsmanship, and serene alfresco living. We sat down with her to talk inspiration, luxury materials, and the secrets to creating outdoor spaces that truly feel like home. The Inspiration Behind the Craft What inspired your passion for luxurious outdoor spaces? MARY: I’ve always wanted to create a sanctuary at home – a place for family and friends to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Travelling overseas exposed me to brands that were operating at a higher level. Brown Jordan stood out for its heritage, attention to detail, and marine-grade materials. Becoming their exclusive Australian distributor was a natural step. Their designs from the 1940s are still relevant today — timeless and enduring. The Art of Effortless Elegance What’s your secret to transforming an ordinary outdoor area into a sanctuary? MARY: Layering and using only the best materials. Sunbrella solution-dyed acrylics are non-negotiable for us – they last and elevate every space. I also keep accessories minimal; the furniture should always be the hero. When the design is strong, the space feels calm, inviting, and effortlessly elegant. Alfresco Trends – and What Lasts What trends are shaping luxury outdoor spaces? MARY: I focus on understanding a client’s lifestyle. Onsite consultations help create flow from indoors to outdoors, making the space feel cohesive. I don’t chase trends – create long-term spaces. For apartment living, I recommend deep seating instead of dining, encouraging more use and comfort. Timeless design always wins. The Dream Outdoor Haven If you could design your ultimate outdoor space, what would it include? MARY: A pool and covered seating area layered with an outdoor rug and sheer Sunbrella curtains. An outdoor kitchen with a built-in Weber BBQ, oversized pots filled with lush plants, and furniture that connects seamlessly to the interior. Outdoor rooms should feel just as beautiful and inviting as the indoors. A Standout Project Is there a project that holds a special place in your heart? MARY: One home in Sanctuary Cove stands out. The developer asked me to stage the outdoor areas. I encouraged them to invest in quality furniture, and it transformed the property. Interiors were staged professionally, and I styled the outdoors with Brown Jordan furniture, cushions, and plants. The result? Top-dollar sale — and the buyers purchased all the furniture. It was the perfect example of how powerful outdoor design can be.

Local Profiles

Hearts of gold: Archer’s design brings hope to sick kids this Christmas

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.