Age: 27

State: Queensland

Motivation for joining
To be able to lend a hand in times of need, especially relating to environmental disasters. I was presenting the weather for Seven News Queensland during the devastating Victorian Bushfires in January 2009. I realised as I delivered the forecast of above 40degrees and northerly winds for the fourth day in a row, the severity of this information. At the time I felt so helpless and since than have sort to be able to do something more ‘hands on’ to help during these crisis’s and to have the right skills to contribute.

'Real' job
TV Presenter and Surfer. Shows for Channel 7 include: The Great South East, Creek to Coast, Seven News, Gold Lotto. I was out in the ocean for many years as a competitive surfer but now I’m out there each morning for the love of it!

Thoughts on climate change and extreme weather
Climate change is a tricky one and an issue I am still learning about. I’m happy to hear everyone’s opinion! I don’t believe on commenting on issues or theories until I have 100 percent understanding of them and Climate Change is something I am still reading and absorbing information on and constantly learning about. The theories and findings are a real concern. My greatest love is the ocean and the outdoors so I am 100 percent behind anything we can do to preserve it. I want my children’s children’s children to see the beauty we enjoy today. Extreme weather is a part of evolution and life. I do believe that if we don’t protect our environment we will wipe out species that all have a role to play in preserving earth’s existence. We need to slow down our production of products such as plastic and use more sustainable materials that will cause less litter. Litter is really affecting our planet, you only have to surf a reef break in Bali these days to see there are barely any fish under you and plastic bottles floating past and realise this is a major problem.

Likes
All things outdoors – surfing, horse riding, snow sking. Adventures full stop! Travel, experiencing different cultures. Reading, learning, writing. Movies, board games. Interviewing people. Dancing... Although I am terrible at it!

Dislikes
Plastic. Cruelty to animals. Cancer. Racism.

Aspirations
To continue working in media and sharing stories and information with people. To do as much travelling as possible, I would like to see every country in the world at least once!

Proudest moment
Proabably beating 12 other contestants to win The Mole! The reality television programme was a huge mental and physical challenge for me and I never thought I would get as far as I did, it was one of life’s pleasant surprises. I learnt the power of gut instinct on that show!

Biggest learning experience
I love my work environment at Channel Seven. Incredible, talented, intelligent and caring people surround me and I learn from them everyday.

Most extreme thing you’ve seen/done
Most extreme thing I’ve seen is the raw footage of my little brother John trekking The Brooks Range solo in Alaska. Most extreme thing I’ve done, well… sky dived, bungy jumped over rapids, caved 75 metres under the earth, slept in the snow… just to name a few. (Mole!)

Why do you think people should get involved
People should get involved because you will learn information and skills that you can apply to everyday life and benefit from especially in highly stressful times. It’s to late to learn what to do when things go wrong. Preparation is the key.