Q. Tell us a little about yourself!
I have a strong passion for working with young people and helping them realise their potential. Before joining TRACTION, I worked as a teacher aide in Roma and spent many years coaching both school and club sport. These experiences helped me build strong connections with young people and showed me the importance of encouragement, trust and having positive role models in their lives. I moved to Toowoomba with my four boys to give them better opportunities, and I’m proud to be part of a team that is helping create those same opportunities for other young people.
Q. How long have you been a mentor with TRACTION?
I have just completed my first Full year of programs.
Q. What inspired you to become a mentor at TRACTION?
What inspired me to become a mentor at TRACTION was my passion for working with young people and wanting to make a positive difference in their lives. Through my experience as a teacher aide and coaching school and club sport, I’ve seen how much of an impact having someone in your corner can make.
I believe every young person deserves to feel supported, valued and given the opportunity to succeed, regardless of what might be happening in their lives. What I love about TRACTION is that it gives us the chance to build genuine relationships in a relaxed, hands-on environment. While we’re working on the bikes, we’re also building trust, confidence and life skills. Sometimes, simply having someone who listens without judgement can make all the difference. Being able to support young people, encourage them to believe in themselves and help them see what they’re capable of is what makes this role so rewarding for me.
Q. Can you share a highlight or memorable moment from your time as a mentor?
One of the biggest highlights for me is seeing the young people grow in confidence throughout the program. It’s great to watch them come in, sometimes unsure of themselves or not really wanting to be there, and gradually open up, get involved and take pride in what they’re achieving.
A recent highlight that has made me especially proud is seeing one of our TRACTION Ignite program participants receive the Mayoral Award from Highfields State School. It’s a fantastic achievement and a great reminder of what young people are capable of when they are supported, encouraged and given the opportunity to shine.
Q.What impact have you seen TRACTION have on young people in Toowoomba?
I’ve seen TRACTION have a really positive impact on young people in Toowoomba, particularly in helping them build confidence, develop new skills and realise their potential. Some young people come into the program disengaged from school or unsure of themselves, but as they work through the bike-building process, you start to see their confidence grow and their attitude towards themselves change.
One of the biggest impacts I’ve noticed is the relationships we build with the young people. Having a safe space where they feel comfortable to talk, be themselves and know there is an adult who genuinely cares about them can make such a difference. It’s not just about fixing bikes; it’s about helping young people feel heard, valued and supported.
Q. What does Toowoomba mean to you, and how does that shape the way you mentor?
Toowoomba means a lot to me and my family. I moved here with my four boys to give them better opportunities, so being part of a community that supports young people and helps them build a positive future is something I really value.
Q. What's one piece of advice you find yourself giving Toowoomba's young people again and again?
One piece of advice I find myself giving young people is that your current situation doesn’t define your future, and you’re capable of more than you might think.
Life doesn’t always go to plan, and there will be times when school, home or other challenges feel overwhelming. But I always encourage young people to keep showing up, give things a go and not be afraid to make mistakes. You don’t have to have everything figured out, and it’s okay to ask for help along the way.
Q. What's something you've learned from the young people you mentor?
One of the biggest things I’ve learned from the young people I mentor is that everyone has a story, and sometimes what you see on the outside doesn’t reflect what a young person is going through on the inside.
I’ve learned the importance of being patient, listening without judgement and not making assumptions about a young person based on their behaviour or circumstances. Sometimes, what a young person needs most isn’t someone telling them what to do, but someone who takes the time to listen, build trust and show them that they matter.