I was born and raised in Gunnedah, NSW, and at age 17 decided that I wanted to be a youth worker after being influenced by local youth workers Bernie Shakeshaft and Adrian Black, as well as my mother, who has been working in the community for over 30 years.

What was your pathway after school?

I moved to Newcastle for a year and studied at TAFE before returning to Tamworth. I worked in hospitality before getting work in disability support at the age of 19.

How did you get into music and what has been your journey in the industry?

Growing up in Gunnedah, my friends and I, with the support of the above-mentioned youth workers, played bi-monthly gigs at the local theatre. We continued to play after school and formed country and bluegrass band Good Corn Liquor in 2011. I've been lucky enough to play all over the world and write and play music for many years with some people that have become my nearest and dearest friends.

How did you enter the disability sector?

I was having trouble getting a job as a youth worker early on, so Mum suggested I give disability support a go. I started in residential high needs and loved it from the very first moment. I have a Certificate 4 youth work, disability work and TAE as well as a Diploma in Community Services and WHS.

What happened when the first lockdown happened?

Prior to COVID I was touring around Australia in a caravan for around four years. When initial lockdowns started, I was in Adelaide. I jetted back and went to stay with my parents at their farm in Gunnedah for about 8 months. This is where I started to write the programming for ReadyUp Skills and started with the NEIS program.

Why did you start your company, ReadyUp Skills?

I want to help young people get ahead in life and wanted to make sure that the program was able to deliver what it promised. For some participants, it is hard to access suitable support and some bigger services can't always help in the way they would hope.

Did any personal experience make you think there was a need for it?

I was lucky to grow up on a farm and learnt through doing and didn't realise how important this was at the time. Things like work ethic, communicating with others, even filling out a form or ironing a shirt became super important skills later in life. ReadyUp was created to assist other young people to learn about themselves and the world around them in a practical, 'real' kind of way.

How did the NEIS program assist you?

I was a sole trader for many years prior to ReadyUp but the support from NEIS and the Newcastle Business Centre helped me to create a sound business plan and approach the business in a logical, organised way. Their ongoing support has also been an asset.

What does your youth development program offer?

The aim of ReadyUp Skills is to develop confidence and understanding of the young person during their transition into adult life. Most importantly, how they fit into the world and how they can access it appropriately. I have always had a holistic approach to support and a commitment to making sure that if nothing else, a seed is planted so that they may be able to wake up down the track and know that they have the resources and confidence to do something for themselves.

Who can participate?

We support school leavers aged 17-25 on the NDIS. We provide capacity building through individuals, and group supports in areas of independence and independent living, career development, road safety and building friendships.

You are working with Drue Tempest at Charlestown Dominos. How are you assisting him?

Drue and I have bonded over becoming new to small business ownership, particularly in the middle of COVID. I have had a long working relationship with Drue's business partners, Greg and Nathan, and when I found out that Drue was moving to Domino's Charlestown, I spoke with him about working together to help build hospitality skills for my participants at his store. Drue was very forthcoming and excited to help in any way he could. He is a true asset to his local area.

What is in the pipeline for your business?

ReadyUp Skills kicked off in January. We are a registered provided and our participants and their families are enjoying the service that we bring to them. We are excited to be able to continue to work with other local businesses and build a rapport with high schools. We are keen to see a steady increase in support as we build our program and presence in the community. I would love to see ReadyUp be able to offer programs and support to young people across the board, not just those on the NDIS, so that everyone can get a good head-start after school.

What motivates you?

I love people. I enjoy networking, helping, and encouraging others and the people I support are what motivate me in my business. I want to make sure that ReadyUp Skills can offer a program that is supportive and progressive as well as be able to make a difference in a young person's life. Everyone deserves the right to feel they can achieve what they want.

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