I was the first of my family to go to university. My granddad had a money box on the wall and he used to fill it with coins and tell me it was my fund for university. It was just silver coins – it wasn't going to pay my way – but that’s what made me want to go. Unfortunately, he passed away a few months before I walked across the stage at graduation, but it was so special knowing that I did that for him. University was stressful because I didn't know what to expect, but it was one of the best experiences. I was president of the Toastmasters Club, where I did public speaking, and that's where I met most of my friends.
I was born on NRL Grand Final day in 1999 and my dad always says I interrupted their Grand Final party. Sport has been a massive part of our lives. My parents told me stories about being in Sydney during the Olympic Games and I worked the 2018 Commonwealth Games as part of my studies. That was phenomenal, so I’m excited about the Olympics coming here in 2032. My sister and I grew up dancing, and playing touch football and netball. Now I'm absolutely in love with cricket. I never pictured myself playing it but last season I captained a Gold Coast Dolphins side and I coach a disability team.
I started a not-for-profit. When I learnt there were only two disability sports clubs in the area, I spoke to my school principal and she suggested doing something about it. After a year of planning with politicians and getting sponsorship from local businesses, I was able to start Gold Coast Inclusive Sports. Kids get to try a variety of sports and at the end of the season I can refer them to a specific program. That has been my baby for the last 10 years and I do it with the help of my family and Griffith students, who volunteer alongside their studies. We have had more than 500 kids and young adults come through the program – it’s super special.
Before I started uni, my dad dropped a fridge on his head. He dissected his artery – the same injury that killed Phillip Hughes, the cricketer – but got back up and just had a bit of a sore head. He then drove a B-double truck back from Mount Isa, land of the Kalkadoon peoples to the Gold Coast, land of the Kombumerri peoples, part of the Yugambeh language region, went to bed, woke up the next morning and had a stroke. He was lucky that he had it at home and not while driving. He has fatigue and memory issues but he is doing so much better. I ended up staying at home for a few years to support my parents and siblings. I’m glad I was able to stay and be with them during that time, while I commuted to university.
I was set on becoming a sports journalist. When I was 14, I started a YouTube channel where I would interview different athletes and people in the sporting industry – one of my first interviews was with the Cronulla Sharks. While studying, I had the opportunity to do an internship and applied at the Gold Coast Titans, but then Covid hit. Once things started to open up again, I reached out to my now general manager at the Titans and she was happy for me to come and do some volunteering. I was so lucky to have that experience and, after a year, I was offered a full-time position.
I was asked to be part of Cricket Australia's Project Inspire, where we’re mentored on a project. Mine is about increasing the participation of women and girls with disabilities in cricket. In Queensland, one in five people have a disability. At the Titans, we have launched a digital learning platform to help other clubs adapt the game for people with disabilities. It’s based on our Leagueability program where we have 80 people out on a Tuesday night training with coaches and volunteers who make sure every single person can join in. We need to normalise accessibility in sports. It shouldn't be this big, amazing thing. It should be something that everyone's doing.
About eight months ago I was diagnosed with ADHD. I feel like that was the final piece of figuring out who I am as a young adult. I've always felt something was a little bit off in comparison to other people. To go through the diagnostic process and hear that was reaffirming. I was able to make a lot of changes in my life to support myself and thrive a bit more, as opposed to just surviving. Even though I kind of expected the diagnosis, hearing it for the first time was overwhelming, but I'm very glad to have it now. I’m always excited for what tomorrow brings. I want to keep working in the diversity and inclusion space, and ensure that, no matter what, people have access to sports.
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Griffith University is aligned with the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and is committed to advancing knowledge, innovation, and practices that promote holistic health and well-being, inclusive, equitable, and quality education, gender equity and equal opportunities, resilient economies, and a more equitable and just society while fostering partnerships for the goals.
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