Transcript: Character profiles

Sammie’s full introduction:

Hi, I’m Sammie. I’m the Event Organiser Co-Lead for the Salty Creek festival.

I’m originally from Salty Creek but I’ve been living in the city for a few years now, for my studies. I’m in my last year of a double degree, Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Business, and next year I’ll be going on to do postgraduate studies. My areas of interest are event management and environmental law.

I’m really good at planning. You have to be when you’re taking a double degree – I learnt that early on. I’m the type of person who likes writing lists and checking off tasks, and making sure things run smoothly. I don’t mind managing people and dealing with conflict, so I’ll be doing some troubleshooting and task-setting while we’re in the organisation stage of the festival. I’ll also be making sure that the event is as accessible as possible. It’s important to us that everyone can enjoy themselves and feel welcome.

My family lives here in Salty Creek, and even though I enjoy all the excitement of living in the city, Salty will always be my hometown. I’m really proud that our festival proposal was chosen. I can’t wait to put on an inspiring, sustainable festival for the community and anyone who makes the trip.

Hayden’s full introduction:

Hi, I’m Hayden. I’m a uni student from the city. I’m doing my last year of a Bachelor of Design and I’m majoring in Communication Design. I’m in charge of organising the Salty Creek festival with Sammie, who’s one of my best mates.

As the Festival Organiser, I’ll be a bit of a ‘Jack of all trades’, I reckon. But my main focus will be communication – contacting businesses, staying in touch with the festival director, letting other people know about the festival and its progress, stuff like that.

Sammie and I came up with the proposal for the festival together, so obviously I’m really passionate about it. My family lives in the area, so the feeling of community in Salty Creek is really important to me. I’m planning to use the communication skills I’ve developed at uni to get the locals involved and enthusiastic about the festival.

I love meeting new people and doing things that require creative thinking. I’ll be doing a lot of the prep work from the city, but I’ll travel to Salty Creek now and then to catch up with the other people organising the festival. Together, we’re going to make the community proud!

Mia’s full introduction:

Hi, my name’s Mia and I’m an environmental engineer here in Salty Creek. I’m going to be assisting the festival planners with anything that’s related to my skill set and experience. Like, checking the safety of temporary structures we put up, and working with the stage crew. I’ll also be organising the Engineering Industry Booth, which is sponsored by my employer, Doug Fardle Mining.

Apart from the time I was away studying at uni, I’ve lived in Salty Creek my entire life. Sammie, who’s my younger sibling, encouraged me to join the festival planning team. And, this is going to be a completely new thing for me, since my background is in research and reporting, and I’ve also always worked independently. But I think it’ll be an interesting experience and I’m looking forward to helping where I can. I do think that this will be a really great opportunity for Salty Creek.

James’ full introduction:

Hi, I’m James. I’m a GP in Salty Creek and I’ve volunteered to help out with the upcoming festival. I’m responsible for the first aid tent and preparing the volunteer nursing students to handle some things they might face during the festival. I’ll also be organising the Health Sector Industry Booth, which I’m looking forward to.

I grew up in Salty Creek, so I’ve known some of my patients since I was a child. I returned as soon as I’d finished my nursing degree, and then I decided to study to become a doctor. I was lucky enough to do my intern and resident years here and I’ve been working as a community medical practitioner ever since. One thing I struggled with when I first started working was not letting personal feelings get in the way of professional judgement. So that’s something I’m keen to focus on with the volunteers – evidence, facts, and critical thinking!

The Salty Creek festival is a great opportunity for me to support the community in new ways. I’m really interested in the future of the medical industry, so I’m looking forward to sharing that knowledge in the Booth. Hopefully others will be interested in areas such as robotics, virtual reality and 3D printing!

Bo’s full introduction:

Hi, I’m Bo. I have a degree in marketing and I’m currently completing my master’s degree in economic sustainability. I’ll be organising the Economics and Marketing Industry Booth at the festival and helping out with anything related to budgeting and marketing.

When I read Sammie and Hayden’s proposal for the festival, I was excited to join the project because of the focus on sustainability! I’m currently researching ways to help regional economies grow sustainably, so it seemed like it was meant to be.

I live in regional Queensland, so I’ll be working with the rest of the team remotely. I don’t think online communication will be a problem, because I’ve studied online for years. I’ll get to meet everyone in person when I fly down for the festival weekend to see how all our plans have come to life.

Cara’s full introduction:

G’day, my name’s Cara. I’m a Youth and Community Specialist, helping out with the Salty Creek festival. I’ll be the ‘engagement person’, so I’m responsible for contacting community leaders, local businesses and schools, and inviting them to take part in the festival.   I’m hoping to bring different community groups together to share their culture and abilities in the local talent gallery and market and I’ll also be organising the Social Sector Industry Booth.   I was born and raised here in town – it’s the land my mob’s always lived on. I’m passionate about art and storytelling… and the locals here have so much to share. People have told me that I’m very calm and patient – I guess that’s a good thing, since my job’s all about active listening, consulting, and mentoring. I should admit, though, that I’m not very tech-savvy, so the online parts of organising this festival might be new to me.   I think the Salty Creek festival is a great opportunity to uplift the town in terms of community engagement and connection. I’m very excited to be playing a role and giving back to my community in the ways I can.