Did anything good come out of 2020?

Yes, I was able to catch up on many jobs that were on the list, that never get attended to.  COVID event planning became an essential skill and much time was spent on the constant changes needed.  We were able to develop plans for both Brisbane events as well as up north in the Burdekin.  Exercising every day was also a major plus and slowing down a tad, as we work seven days a week normally.

What’s your favourite summer memory?

Taking my family to my brother’s farm near St George and spending weeks with extended family, doing everything “cattle”.  My children learnt to do fencing, separating cattle in the yards, riding motorbikes, campfire cooking and yarns – best experience for city families to do.  From an event perspective, producing Brisbane’s annual Christmas Parade through the city has been something we have done since 2012.  Whilst the 2020 format changed, we normally see thousands of people every night enjoying the parade.

Are you a summer or a winter person?

Summer. I love everything outdoors, from the farm, to running festivals, exercising, backyard parties – it’s the best time of year!

How do you stay resilient during periods of change, like the year just gone?

Being positive has always been a trait of mine – I don’t think about the past, only the future.  Opportunities are always around, we just need to work harder sometimes to find them!

Who were your heroes of 2020?

I don’t really have heroes – I do admire the strength of our Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk and Dr Jeannette Young who fought hard, against most of the nation to keep us safe.  Whilst the pandemic affected most of us, Queenslanders should be pleased with how we came through the year.  Other states did not fair so well and overseas is just a very sad state of affairs.

What’s your secret ambition?

I love older people and plan to help this sector however I can, when I am tad older too!  I was brought up to party, play games and talk, so feel I could bring a smile to faces of people who are alone or in care.

What’s your favourite holiday spot?

Anywhere with water views. We have holidayed at a number of beautiful homes along the Queensland coast that have direct beach access. There is nothing better than starting enjoying unimpeded views of the sunrise and sunsets, and walking straight onto the beach from the back deck instantly makes you feel relaxed. These locations have also been away from popular holiday hot spots, which means fewer crowds.

What are you hoping for in 2021?

Some return to normal for our event management business.  Specialising in large outdoor events, these have been the most affected.  I would also love to get out more to Queensland towns to help regional festivals. Country people know how to work hard and I feel they come together more easily than city folk and “get things done” in their communities.  There is so much to offer in Queensland and most people haven’t explored our great state enough.

What have you been watching on television/streaming services lately?

Our household are not big TV watchers … I do love sport though, so I often have the TV on in the background and if I hear someone take a catch, score a try or whatever, I do stop and check out what happened!

Any people or businesses to watch in 2021?

I think as a whole the millennial generation are really pushing the boundaries in terms of business development and innovation. There has been a huge shift away from the standard 9-5 work format we have typically followed, and that generation is really striving for a different work-life balance.

I know in the event industry we have seen some small business suppliers thrive during COVID through being creative and finding their point of difference in the market. Being a small business, I appreciate the hard work that goes on behind closed doors and love supporting other fellow small businesses in Queensland.