Why did you become a Sparkie?
Wanting to reduce loneliness in the community, I got involved through the work I was doing with Good.Better.Best.Men. Hayley invited me to facilitate the co-design for the men’s workshops, and although volunteering wasn’t originally part of my plan, I got swept up in the river of enthusiasm for Spark Mateship and knew I wanted to be a part of it.

Underneath all of that, I have suffered a lot with loneliness and isolation and having some structure around socialising for me personally helps a lot. There’s positive accountability there as it provides me with a reason to come back and I can show up with purpose.

What brings you joy?
Connection and contribution bring me joy. Feeling that I have purpose and that I’m making a difference and contributing to people’s lives. Creating a safe space for people to show up more authentically, that that is the biggest joy of my existence.

So, I get that little bit as a school teacher, but I’m moving towards self-employment to get more of that. I want it more and I want it my way rather than the Department for Education’s way. And so, I’m starting my own business to be able to be in that joyful space more.

Do you have any hobbies?
I’m a musician and I sing and play guitar. I like playing pool and listening to audio books. And walking – if I’m good and doing my self-care then I do walking and journaling.

What’s your favourite movie?
Once, 2007

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