Why did you accept the offer to become the official photographer for Lifeline North Coast?
Photography has always been a passion of mine so what better way to make use of my skillset utilising it for a fantastic under resourced charity that does awesome things for the community.
What does being a Volunteer mean to you?
It’s a special lovely warm feeling you get when you volunteer your services and time to help others. I know what a fantastic job Lifeline North Coast does and just how over stretched they are at the moment with the cost of living, high mental health numbers and homelessness being higher then ever before. I love the feeling of being able to help contribute to a team of wonderful people doing the best job they can with limited resources to make a real difference and help save life’s.
What made you interested in becoming a Lifeline Volunteer?
I am aware they need an unpaid photographer.
I would love to help contribute to what the great team at Lifeline North Coast do. If my services can help the way, they operate and help make their daily work easier that’s all I need.
During your time as the official photographer for LLNC, what would you like to achieve?
Help try and capture any lovely moments from events, shows or promotions they have. If I can help reduce their marketing costs by providing them with professional images at no cost this will help Lifeline spend funding on other areas to help save life’s.
What are your personal interests? And What do you do when you are not volunteering for LLNC? (eg work/role)
I love the outdoors, walking, fishing, kayaking, boating, beaches, bushwalking. I also love motorbike riding and checking out the beautiful areas we have on the North Coast. I love coffee, exercise, healthy living, music, technology, photography, people and traveling.
What inspires you?
I am a positive person and what inspires me is making a difference. I do love helping people it makes me feel good. I also try and be the best person I can be to myself. I do often put myself last because I want others to be happy and thrive. Success, happiness, love, and health are what inspires me.
What is the best advice you have ever been given?
Always treat others the same way you expect to be treated yourself.
Can you tell us a bit about your own struggles and difficulties – and how you have come through them?
My marriage ended unexpectantly 4 years ago. This was an unsettling time for me. I struggled with this for some time as I adjusted to a new, different life. Now I have a lovely partner who I love dearly and I am very close to my two boys and new families. I am happy at work and in my personal life. I look forward to the future.
What would you say to encourage someone to reach out for help?
Don’t hesitate to reach out. People are lovely and genuinely want to help. There is no shame in reaching out for help. Everyone including myself has low times in their life. Circumstances change, life’s not always straight forward and a walk in the park. There are so many variables out there that can affect people. Call friends, call family or just ask someone. Awesome services like Lifeline are there and are available 24/7.
What is next for you?
My life is currently great. I have a great job at a great organisation. I have a loving family and a beautiful supportive partner. I look forward to my future and everything that’s in it. I intend to try and remain as happy and healthy as possible and enjoy every day! Lots of travel and good times ahead (including lots of photos).
