“I am not a food expert- I am just a food lover, and so want to share my love of food with you.”

Who are you? Give a complete stranger a brief snapshot into your world…

I’m a 23 year old girl living in Qld, my adoptive State. I’ve been in BrisVegas for 5 years after moving here from my cute country hometown in NSW. I work in Communications/PR and write my own food blog. I also write columns for an online magazine.  I’m pretty infactuated with all things food (hence the food blog) and spend much of my time trawling around restaurants/providores/food festivals/wine & cocktail bars in Brisbane looking for awesome food and wine to blog about. I also blog about the occasional horrible experience too! Whilst I love eating out, I love cooking in my tiny kitchen with one of my many cooking appliances, re-planting my herb garden after it is inevitably eaten by possums, and reading one of my new books or old vogue, delicious or gourmet traveller magazines.

Get Visible: if there’s anything else you’d like to add, speak now or forever hold your peace!
It’s great to see that Brisbane is really surging ahead in the food stakes. It’s no secret that we have been about 20 years behind the other states but we are starting to catch up. I’m really happy to report on all the triumphs happening in QLD – be it restaurants, produce, wineries or anything food related. We are now represented by a small but savvy contingent of food bloggers and people are starting to understand the value of good food. It’s also fabulous to see such a young element to the dining/food scene- lots of enthusiasm and vigour which is really shining through.

Check out the Gastronomy Gal blog at http://gastronomy-gal.blogspot.com/

Jaleesa Pon holding the first issue of M.A.D4Teens

• Jaleesa Pon. 20 year-old Brisbane local.
• A Multicultural girl of PNG/Chinese heritage.
• The oldest of 4 kids.
• Love food and spending time with family and friends.
• Huge fan of the arts – I enjoy the theatre, ballroom dancing, playing piano and singing.
• Travel rocks my world! One of my life missions is to travel overseas at least once a year every year … that’s how much I love it!
• A broadcaster on the multicultural youth radio show “Oxygen” (Radio 4EB 98.1FM).
• I work in the finance industry and am revelling in the challenges.
• And I also work with like-minded young people who are committed to the same things.

What are you working on right now?

M.A.D4Teens Magazine – the magazine that is Making A Difference.
It’s a magazine that is independently created and publised by a team of young people for other young people to enjoy. It exists to give youth opportunities to:

1. gain work experience in working behind the scenes of a publication;
2. be featured in the magazine and be recognised for their talent(s)
3. form friendships with like-minded teens
4. & meet influential figures in the industry

I’m also working on the building of an educational, encouraging and interactive online community for youth.

When do you feel at your best and when you feel at your worst how do
you get through it?

I feel at my best when I honour my word and fulfill on the committments I’ve made AND
also when I know I’ve made a difference to another and left a smile on their face!

When I feel at my worst, I have a look for what happened that had me get down (the situation / event / circumstance).
Then I give myself the freedom to be upset/uncomfortable etc. and allow myself to be a ‘drama queen’.. BUT only for a few minutes!
Then I simply get back in action and get on with what needs to be done next. Nothing can be accomplished when you wallow in things that have already happened.

Where do you see yourself in five years time?

In 5 years time I see myself as a bold entrepreneur; building businesses and working in/with various communities around the world, making a difference to them.

I also see myself married, in a healthy financial position, continuing to work with the team of M.A.D4Teens Magazine, learning another language and still travelling… of course!

Why do you do what you do?

What I’m committed to is transforming the world through empowering and enabling young people.  I want to make a difference to the youth community.

WHY?
Because youth are the leaders of our future and are the people who will be responsible for what happens in the world… and when I turn on the news, I want to see a world that works. Not one that is full of pain; poverty and wars.

How have you been able to do what you love?

By managing my time and by always taking the next steps.

Get Visible: if there’s anything else you’d like to add, speak now or forever hold your peace!

To find out more visit www.mad4teens.com.
You can also follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/mad4teens

On Saturday the 8th May at 8am approximately 100 young Queensland based ambassadors set out from Brisbane’s University of Queensland to campaign against crippling poverty that leaves approximately 1.4 billion people without dignity. These 100 odd ambassadors were to join a further 900 in Canberra for a three day long summit to convince PM Kevin Rudd and the Australian Government to live up to its past promises and further commit to the delivery of 70c out of every $100 of Gross National Income (GNI) required to lift the worlds most destitute people out of the hollow prison that is extreme poverty and achieve the globally agreed upon Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

The Roadtrip, organised by the Oaktree Foundation (a development organisation entirely run and operated by youths under the age of 25) in partnership with the Make Poverty History coalition lasted seven days in total, and saw the collection of some 48 000 signatures over the short period. The largest petition of its kind in Australian history.

The Queensland contingent began their assault in Coomera on the Gold Coast, a marginal electorate for the Rudd Government, where some 1500 signatures were taken in a door knock campaign. The next stop was the beautiful beachside town of Byron Bay. On a sunny Mothers Day the ambassadors managed to obtain 800 signatures in the first three hours of the day, a testament to the importance the citizens of Byron place upon the alleviation of extreme poverty, and the dedication of the 100 young ambassadors. The following stops were Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie, Newcastle and Gosford after which the signature tally read a solid 5000.
To all ambassadors involved, the alleviation of extreme poverty is not just a gesture of charity but an act of justice. In the words of one of our own, “Poverty is the result of a refusal to do a good thing.” In the minds of all were the 1.4 billion that exist on less than US $1.25 a day and experience a destitution that de-humanises and leaves such a large part of the world without any basic necessity’s or life prospects.

Some of the Oaktree Make Poverty History roadtrip volunteers as they reach Coffs Harbour.

Over the course of the roadtrip the Queensland contingent, comprising of many ‘Brisbanites’ grew incredibly as individuals and as a team. Campaigning with such honest and raw commitment, many found themselves and their life calling amidst the whirlwind of passion. With all the criticisms and labels of apathy that youth have come to face in recent years, surely this group has shown that to break the mould, to attempt to face down societies existing norms can be the most beneficial and awe-inspiring thing that one can do.

As long as poverty exists there is no true freedom. The world has come a long way, advancing astoundingly since LiveAid and the days of rockstar benefits. The increasing accessibility of information has transferred the movement to the people, and the people are slowly awakening to the challenge. We now do know what it takes to alleviate extreme poverty and understand the conditions under which those who have nothing live. The moral calling has arrived, responsibility is true and present and to do nothing would be the greatest crime.

So much can be taken from the trip but what remains so constant and important to all our young lives is that when you start challenging the world it opens up for you. The call continues to be heeded.

You can read more about the roadtrip here: www.theroadtrip.com.au/

Apai Ukuno is currently completing work experience at the Mt Gravatt PCYC

Who are you? Give a complete stranger a brief snapshot into your world…

I’m Apai Ukuno, 19 years old… Sudanese by Birth and blood… Australian Citizen. I’m studying a Dual Diploma in Sport and Recreation and Business Management and I play football (soccer).

What are you working on right now?

Just doing my Tafe Work experience at Mt Gravatt PCYC. Its goin great and I really like it. The staff make it really enjoyable to work here

I also work part time, selling shoes which is pretty kool..

And playing football (soccer) on the weekend is the best bit of every weekend I have.

When do you feel at your best and when you feel at your worst how do you get through it?

I feel my best when im on the football (soccer) pitch playing the world

I feel my worst when I have got too many assignments due and only little time to do it.. But the way I get through it is by keeping positive, putting my head down and just doing it and knowing it will all pay off in the end..

Where do you see yourself in five years time?

Being a successful person with a steady job.

Why do you do what you do?

Studying is important as it open up many opportunities when you have finished and graduated. And I play football (soccer) because I love it to death!

Have you been able to do what you love?

Yes.. since the day I was able to kick a ball.. One love for Football (soccer)

Get Visible: if there’s anything else you’d like to add, speak now or forever hold your peace!

Shout out to all the great football (soccer) players I have played with and to MY Team Rocklea United FC!

We caught up with 23 year old founder of Neu Creative, Yarron Frauenfelder, who works to create appealing designs and promo art in Brisbane.

Who are you? Give a complete stranger a brief snapshot into your world…

I’m a locally based Brisbane graphic designer, with projects in music, fashion & cultural industries.
I have started Neu Creative; a is graphic design platform that allows me to explore a double sided approach to design. The first allows me to work as a designer, creating company identities and print material for promotion and products. The second allows me to explore design on a more personal level, working on projects and ideas to develop a greater portfolio through creative passion.

What are you working on right now?

At the moment I am working with clients in the music industry. Projects Include a logo for a club & record label, as well as motion graphics for a festival in Los Angels.

When do you feel at your best and when you feel at your worst how do you get through it?

As any freelancer will know, there are always the slow and busy times. I find that when I am busiest… I am the most happy. Sometimes the slow times can get you down, but its all about soldering on and generating work for yourself, self promotion can sometimes be very difficult.

Where do you see yourself in five years time?

I would love to transform Neu Creative into a small studio, expanding and collecting a passionate team of people, and keep creating great work.

Why do you do what you do?

I love being creative for a living, Its great to work at something your passionate about – Fusing design and music really hits the spot for me.

How have you been able to do what you love?

Being active and persistent in learning the skills I need to get to where I am.
Networking in the right industries helps generate talk, and in turn bring jobs.
I think the key is to keep creating consistent good work so to keep your clients talking about you in a positive way.

Get Visible: if there’s anything else you’d like to add, speak now or forever hold your peace!

www.neucreative.com
http://neucreative.bigcartel.com/

http://twitter.com/neucreative
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Brisbane-Australia/neu-creative/80446959788?ref=ts

Who are you? Give a complete stranger a brief snapshot into your world…

I have 4 brothers and 3 sisters (all their names start with K!) and I enjoy hanging out with my friends, taking photos and I’m always on my computer.

What are you working on right now?

Taking photos for Breaking Ground to be showcased Zillmere Multicultural Festival on May 22. I’m also working on the Sandgate High School magazine and I’m one of the two photographers.

When do you feel at your best and when you feel at your worst how do you get through it?

I always feel good! I love listening to music, going to the city and being with my friends. I talk to my friends when I’m feeling down instead of bottling it all up.

Where do you see yourself in five years time?

I have no idea. I wanna do wedding photography because I like taking photos of people dressed up pretty and looking at their best.

Why do you do what you do?

It’s fun! It’s interesting because you can take a photo of something and then it might not be there next time. It’s like memories – you can take photos and save the memory even after the moment has gone.

How have you been able to do what you love?

I spoke to Roger from Respec and he helped me get the opportunity to take photos of Breaking Ground. You can do anything if you set your mind to it. You tell someone what you want to do, and then they’ll tell something and it will come your way.

Get Visible: if there’s anything else you’d like to add, speak now or forever hold your peace!

Come and see the photos at Zillmere Multicultural Festival! Here’s a sample if you can’t wait…

You might have been watching ABC on Wednesday night. You might have seen Hungry Beast. You might have even seen a familiar meeting rom that might have been the location for for the Viewer Video of the Week brought to you by the Animation Monkeys and James Challice at Fade In Production.

I could waffle on about the animation (it is slick), script & story (awesome) and direction (a lot of fun) but probably best you just watch the thing and let it do it’s speaking for itself.

Hit this link to the Hungry Beast Website and leave them a comment, expressions of appreciation etc…

The first workshop series will be around mental health.

Throughout the workshops, young people will have a chance to talk with others in a safe and supportive environment about their views on mental health and what they are passionate about in this area. Young people will  develop an idea for advocacy into an “action”  (writing a letter to an MP, organising some fundraising etc.) which they will complete during the 10 weeks with the help of visiting experts. Throughout the process, they will also develop skills in photography and digital storytelling, with a view to creating a digital story of themselves, the action they took and what mental health means to them. The last workshop will be an exhibit where the young people can invite others along to a display of their digital story and piece of advocacy. We are keen for YFocus to contain elements of sustainability and capacity-building, so we will invite young people to help facilitate the next series, which will focus around a different social issue.

YFocus is about providing young people with a space to be passionate, to take action and to share their story. We – as the organisers – are as much participants of the workshops as anyone else and want to make sure the process is driven by the group!

If you know a young person who might be interested in participating, could you please let them know about YFocus, and ask them to email us? It would also be great if you could forward the attached flier, and this email, onto any of your contacts. We can be contacted at y.focus1@gmail.com and are happy to chat further and provide more details to anyone who is interested!

Click here for a large (2.3MB) copy of the scanned article

Congratulations Mark!!!

In partnership with the Youth Arts Showcase, M.A.D 4 Teens magazine is proud to announce the launch of their inaugural issue themed Breaking Out. Written by young people for young people, M.A.D 4 Teens Magazine is a 32 page, glossy magazine printed on quality stock, completely funded through advertising with key partners.

25+ acts playing across four stage located in King George Square, the Queen Street Mall and Brisbane Square (opposite Treasury Casino). Market stalls in King George Square hosting the works of young artists, youth week workshops, youth organisations and an exhibition curated by VEGAS SPRAY. A fashion parade of fresh new designs, a world record attempt, circus performances, short films and a hip hop dance off.

All free, all day from 2pm Saturday 17th April 2010…

And the lineup times by Stage are…

King George Square.

1.30pm     Albert Park Flexi School Musicians.
1.50pm     Susanna Carman & Sara Tindley with Guests.
2.10pm     M.A.D 4 Teens Magazine Launch.
2.20pm     Lil Joseph & Mooman.
2.35pm     Tailor Made.
3.00pm     Cat Thompson & Fashion Show.
3.25pm     Stephen Smith & The Rhythmics.
3.50pm     Epithets.
4.15pm     Running Guns.
4.40pm     Felinedown.
5.05pm     My Fiction.
5.30pm     Tin Can Radio.
6.10pm     Lion Island.
6.50pm     Skinny Jean.

Queen Street Mall Stage.

4.00pm     Heather Robinson.
4.25pm     Ensemble Satsang.
4.50pm     Matthew Vale.
5.20pm     Shêm  Allan.
5.50pm     George Newman.
6.20pm    The Flying Dutchman.
6.50pm     Andy Expandy.

Brisbane Square/Reddacliff Place Stage.

2.00pm     CIRCA – The Zooling.
2.30pm     DANCEWORKS.
2.55pm     MEGACHICKS.
3.20pm     Bollyfunk.
3.45pm     Workshop Hip Hop.
4.00pm     Guest Speaker Eric Bailey.
4.20pm     Hip Hop Dance Off.