Upturned Tasmania

14/06/2026

An incredible opportunity to be involved in MESS FEST!

THEIRS

12/06/2026

I was cleaning out a cupboard and stumbled across my pitch slide cards from my ABC Trailblazers pitch.

Looking back at them made me realise just how quickly the past 18 months have flown by 😅

I remember that season of life being incredibly chaotic, yet in many ways, it was only the beginning of an amazing journey.

At the time, I was:
• Working full-time in the employment sector
• Planning a wedding and honeymoon (which was only 3 weeks away from my pitch date!)
• Studying a Diploma of Applied Health and Community Support at UTAS
• Studying a Certificate in Event Management
• Running a business and preparing for what was shaping up to be a huge year ahead

If someone had told me then what the next 18 months would hold, I probably would have laughed and said, “You’re dreaming.”

But it wasn’t a dream.

It became reality.

The opportunities, the challenges, the growth, the people I’ve met, the projects I’ve been part of, and the impact I’ve been able to create have far exceeded anything I could have imagined.

It’s a good reminder that sometimes the most overwhelming seasons are also the ones that lay the foundation for something extraordinary.

And for that, I’m so bloody grateful. ❤️

10/06/2026

11 days until b kinder Day on 22 June 💛

Kindness doesn’t have to be grand gestures. Sometimes the smallest acts can make the biggest difference in someone’s day.

Here are 11 things you can do to be kind:

1. Check in on a friend or family member.
2. Compliment someone genuinely.
3. Thank a teacher, colleague, volunteer, or community member.
4. Donate food, clothing or items you no longer need.
5. Support a local business.
6. Leave a positive review for a business or organisation.
7. Write a thank-you note to someone who has helped you.
8. Let someone go ahead of you in a queue.
9. Smile and say hello to someone you pass.
10. Offer to help someone with a task or chore.
11. Be kind to yourself and take time to rest, reflect and celebrate your achievements.

Kindness is contagious. Imagine the impact if each of us committed to just one act of kindness each day between now and b kinder Day.

What act of kindness will you do today? 💛

Grab your b kinder kit today. Link in the comments 👏🏼

The b kinder foundation

08/06/2026

Do you know someone making an extraordinary difference in their community?

Nominations are now open for the Australian of the Year Awards across four categories:
⭐ Australian of the Year
⭐ Senior Australian of the Year
⭐ Young Australian of the Year
⭐ Australia’s Local Hero

These awards celebrate people who are creating positive change, leading with purpose and inspiring others through their actions.

This year, I had the incredible honour of being named Young Australian of the Year for Tasmania. It was an experience that opened doors, connected me with remarkable Australians and provided a platform to share the work and vision behind Life After School and Upturned.

This year’s nominations feel especially significant.

In recent weeks, Australia has lost three remarkable Australians whose lives and legacies highlight the profound impact one person can have on our nation. Special mention to former Young Australian of the Year and social entrepreneur Nikhil Autar, whose work transformed healthcare access for vulnerable communities; 2025 Australian of the Year Neale Daniher, who inspired the nation through his tireless fight against MND and helped raise more than $115 million to support research and find a cure; and 2024 Australian of the Year Professor Richard Scolyer, whose courage in the face of his own diagnosis inspired millions while advancing groundbreaking cancer research. Their leadership, determination and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of others will leave a lasting legacy for generations to come. 🤍🩵🤍

If someone comes to mind while reading this, take a few minutes to nominate them. Recognition can be powerful, not just for the individual, but for the cause, community or movement they represent.

You never know where a nomination might lead. PLAY ON 🤍

Fight MND
Neale Daniher
Australian of the Year Awards
Australian of the Year Awards - Tasmania
Professor Richard Scolyer AO - My Uncertain Path
Youthgovau

05/06/2026

Last night, I took my two youngest nieces to see the Burnie Musical Society’s production of The Wizard of Oz, and what a wonderful night it was.

A few weeks ago, my niece Winter asked if I would go to the musical with her as we share the same love for theatre. How could I possibly say no?
What made it even cuter was that she wanted to support her best friend who was in the show.
From the moment the curtain went up, we were completely captivated.

Watching the show through my nieces’ eyes made the experience even more special. Their excitement, laughter and amazement throughout the performance were a reminder of just how powerful theatre can be. The cast, crew and volunteers did an outstanding job bringing this story to life, and it was clear how much hard work, talent and passion had gone into every detail. I can only imagine how proud their families and friends must be. 👏🏼

Congratulations to everyone involved in the production, you should be incredibly proud.

Thank you for giving us such a magical evening somewhere over the rainbow. 🌈✨

02/06/2026

Two books. Two powerful stories. Two Young Australians of the Year making a huge impact in completely different ways. 📚✨

I’ve been reading books by Sita Sargeant, ACT Young Australian of the Year, and Nedd Brockmann, NSW Young Australian of the Year and national 2026 Young Australian of the Year.

What I love is how different their journeys are, yet both share a common theme of using passion, purpose and persistence to create change.

Sita’s work shines a light on the incredible women whose stories have too often been left out of Australia’s history, while Nedd’s story is a reminder of what’s possible when you show up, push through discomfort and use your platform to help others.

These are the kinds of stories that leave you inspired, motivated and reflecting on the impact one person can have.

Highly recommend adding both to your reading list. 📕

31/05/2026

Last week I had a really honest conversation with someone about imposter syndrome, and the truth is, I carry a serious case of it sometimes. 🫣

When I was awarded Young Australian of the Year for TAS, my first thought wasn’t “I deserve this.”
It was “Why me?”
How did this happen?
Am I really making enough impact?
Am I doing enough?

I think a lot of people feel this way, especially when they care deeply about what they do. We spend so much time focusing on what still needs to be done that we forget to stop and recognise how far we’ve already come.

So this is your reminder, and mine too: trust yourself.
You are right where you need to be. ☀️

The opportunities, the growth, the recognition, the challenges, they didn’t happen by accident. Keep showing up, keep backing yourself and keep doing the work that matters to you. 🤍

30/05/2026

Sitting in the Great Hall at Parliament House listening to Casey Donovan absolutely belt out You’re the Voice was one of those moments I’ll never forget. 🎤

Watching this back makes me emotional because this room is where my journey really began, standing here for the ABC Trailblazers pitch only 12 months prior. To walk back into the same space, now with more happening than I could have imagined, felt incredibly full circle. And yes I was absolutely sobbing in this moment! 🥹

And seeing my face up on the screen in the Great Hall? Pretty surreal for the girl who once just had an idea and a whole lot of hope. 🤍

29/05/2026

Honoured to be one of the first five participants selected from Tasmania for the National Impact Forum. Looking forward to growing alongside incredible leaders and continuing to advocate for stronger futures across regional communities. 🌱

FRRR
Australian Rural Leadership Foundation

25/05/2026

Still pinching myself to be recognised as one of the Coast’s 40 Under 40 🎉

Huge honour… but let’s be honest, my screen time probably deserves its own recognition too at this point 😂

In all seriousness though, it’s such a humbling feeling to be recognised alongside so many incredible people making a real difference across our region. There are so many passionate leaders, business owners, volunteers and changemakers doing amazing things for the Coast, and it’s inspiring to be surrounded by people who genuinely care about creating impact.

Over the past few years, my focus has always been on supporting young people, strengthening communities and creating opportunities through the work we do at Upturned Tasmania and Life After School. Seeing those ideas, conversations and programs grow into something meaningful has been incredibly rewarding.

This recognition is a reminder that community work matters. The small conversations matter. Showing up matters. Supporting people matters. Even if juggling multiple projects at once has basically become my personality at this point 😂

Huge thank you to everyone who has supported me, backed my ideas, collaborated with me and believed in the work we’re building. This recognition is just as much yours as it is mine 🤍

40 UNDER 40: Who better to kick off our list than the 2026 Young Australian of the Year for Tasmania? Read more: https://links.acm.media/Adv40U40