Did anything good come out of 2022? 

We held a Festival! After two years of cancellations, to be able to hold an entire Australian Festival of Chamber Music felt like a miracle. To have so many wonderful patrons and musicians from all over Australia and  the world present again in Gurambilbarra (Townsville) was an unbelievable feeling. I will never again take for granted the privilege to work and to be able to deliver a Festival.

What’s your favourite summer memory? 

Swimming in the nets in the evenings on the Strand with the sun setting behind Cutheringa (Castle Hill). Nothing beats the amazing view of the hills, the shimmering sea and the mysterious Yunbenun (Magnetic Island) floating like a dark-green cloud on the edge of the sea’s horizon.

Are you a summer or a winter person? 

Definitely summer. And in Gurambilbarra we have three of them! The pre-wet, the wet and the post-wet.

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

I try and connect to a deeper sense of purpose within myself that has an arc stronger than my short term, conscious understanding. It’s hard to describe – it’s like a solid presence that’s resistant to trauma and shock. Connecting with my husband and going to the gym also helps me stay grounded and sane.

Who were your heroes of 2022? 

My main hero of course like so many other people in 2022 is Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. What an unbearable onslaught they are facing at the moment, from an organised group of international criminals. My other heroes are my colleagues at the AFCM who have come through 2 years of Covid to thrive again in 2022.

What’s your secret ambition? 

My secret ambition is to become a wingsuit skydiving instructor! But first I have to learn how to put on one of these suits.

 What’s your favourite holiday spot? 

My favourite holiday spot is Greens Pools in the southwest of Western Australia. This magical spot is near a little town called Denmark where I have many friends. I love going there to connect with them whenever I can.

 What are you hoping for in 2023? 

I am hoping for more dancing. One thing I learned from Covid and Pink (and now that I have discovered the Mad Cow on Flinders Street in the city) is that life is too short, and I am never not going to dance again.

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

I have been watching terrible, terribly (good)  films on Tubi – which my husband now regrets introducing me to. I have been riveted by classics such as Countdown to Armageddon, Invasion from Inner Earth and Earthtastrophy. So many B grades  -so little time!

Any people or businesses to watch in 2023? 

I will watch Jack Liebeck our talented Artistic Director in 2023. He is a phenomenal force of nature – and an incredible human being to work with. Watch this space…