Where did you originate from?
I was born in Wyndham, an isolated northern town in the Kimberley region of Western Australia in 1969. My dad worked for the Shell Company, and we moved around a lot, living in Darwin, Papua New Guinea, and Queensland. Eventually, my parents decided to settle in Perth where I completed my schooling at Willetton Primary and Rossmoyne Senior High. They wanted me to have a stable education and lay down some roots. The rugged beauty of the Kimberleys, where I spent my early years, has a special place in my heart.
Did you enjoy school and go to university?
From the age of 12 to 16, basketball was my life. My dad was the coach, and as a left-hander, I was always training and playing games. High school was a struggle as I juggled basketball with my studies and dealt with bullying because of my severe cystic acne. By 16, I decided to give up basketball to relieve the immense pressure. Although my dad was disappointed, I was relieved and eager to move on to the next chapter of my life.
At 17, I worked full-time to save up for my first car and gain independence. I got a job at a local book shop and moved out of my strict upbringing at 19. I found working in hospitality exciting and managed pubs and clubs in Perth and Fremantle. One of my most memorable moments was working at the Rose Hotel, which later closed and turned into a medical centre.
Working nights in hospitality made me yearn for a more regular schedule that allowed me to have a social life again. I made a career move to work at a bank, which turned out to be life-changing. Unfortunately, my experience took a traumatic turn when a notorious bank robber pointed a gun at my face. I developed mental health issues and knew I needed to make a change.
With my dog by my side, I headed north and spent 6 months working in Darwin and another 12 months travelling around Australia, taking on odd jobs along the way. I returned to Perth with an empty pocket and a clear mind and knew that a career outdoors was calling me. I landed a job at a local garden centre, which evoked a sense of belonging and internal calmness that I had never experienced before.