Welcome to Local Legends – where we shine a light on the everyday heroes doing extraordinary things, right here on the Gold Coast. From charity founders to community champions, these legends aren’t in it for the glory (but we’re giving it to them anyway). Read on to find out what drives them, what they love about the GC – and how they spend their (very rare) time off.
Tell us about your cause. How did you get involved in it? Was there a specific moment that started it all?
RizeUp Australia was born from the depths of heartbreak – but also from hope. We are a national organisation that exists to support families and individuals whose lives have been shattered by domestic and family violence.
My journey began when I first saw the landscape through the eyes of those trying to survive it. I heard the story of a young mum who had finally found the strength to escape a violent home with her children yet had nothing to rebuild her life with. She crossed the country to escape but there was no support waiting for her on the other side. That moment lit a fire in me. I knew things had to change, and I knew that everyday people, united by compassion and determination, could be part of the solution.
This May, we’re proud to partner with The Star Gold Coast for their Community Month – an initiative that’s shining a light on local causes and empowering the public to stand with us. Through four powerful interactive windows, visitors are encouraged to support one of four charities close to their hearts: RizeUp, Surf Life Saving Queensland, Currumbin Wildlife Hospital and GIVIT.
Every time a guest dines at one of The Star’s participating restaurants throughout May, they’ll receive a token to vote for their chosen charity – and every token becomes a $1 donation. It’s a beautiful way to turn an ordinary moment into an extraordinary act of kindness.
For RizeUp, this support goes directly to our Homes Program where we transform empty spaces into warm, welcoming sanctuaries for families fleeing violence. Because everyone deserves a safe place to land. With The Star Gold Coast and the wider community by our side, we’re proving that when we come together, we can break the cycle and help survivors rise up with dignity, hope, and a fresh start.
What does your work entail? What does a day in the life look like?
No two days ever look the same – and that’s part of what I love about this work. One day I might be working alongside incredible advocates in the frontline services to support the urgent needs of a family who has just fled violence. The next, I’m on the ground with our incredible volunteers, transforming an empty house into a safe, welcoming home in just a few hours.
I also spend time bringing together corporate partners and community allies, creating meaningful opportunities for them to step into this space and be part of the solution. Advocacy is a big part of what we do – shifting the conversation, shining a light on the issue, and challenging the behaviours and attitudes that allow domestic and family violence to persist.
It’s fast-paced, deeply emotional work – but every single moment is anchored in something powerful: restoring dignity, creating hope, and walking alongside those who need to know they’re not alone.
What has been the most rewarding moment on this journey so far?
There are so many moments that stay with me, but the ones that leave a lasting imprint are the messages we receive from victim-survivors after they walk into their new home – safe, fully furnished, and wrapped in love. It’s the child who hasn’t felt safe enough to sleep in their own bed before, now snuggled up under a cosy comforter. It’s the mum who can finally close her front door and exhale, knowing she and her children are safe.
Those are the moments that matter. That’s the reward. To witness the very first steps of someone’s new beginning – after all they’ve endured – is deeply humbling. It reminds me every single day why we do what we do.
What challenges have you faced along the way? And how did you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges has been the sheer scale and urgency of the need compared to the resources available. Domestic and family violence is a national emergency – it doesn’t discriminate, and it’s happening in every postcode across our country. Some days, it feels like we’re putting out spot fires in the middle of an inferno.
But what I’ve come to know with absolute certainty is that the remedy to overwhelm is unity. Collaboration is our greatest tool. We’ve faced these challenges head-on by building strong, trusted partnerships – with frontline services, corporate and community organisations, and the most generous army of volunteers and donors who show up because they believe in this mission.
We have had to be dynamic and creative in how we bring support to the table – especially in engaging corporate Australia to walk with us. When we give people a place and a purpose within the solution, we don’t just respond to crisis – we begin to change the landscape. We create awareness, we shift behaviours, and that’s where prevention starts. That’s how we rise up, together.
Is there anyone in your life or community who has helped to shape or support your work?
There are so many people who have shaped and supported this journey for me, but the deepest motivation always comes from the victim-survivors themselves – their courage, strength, and determination to rebuild in the face of unimaginable torment. I’m also constantly in awe of the frontline workers who walk beside them with such compassion and strength.
On a personal level, my family and the RizeUp team have been my anchor. They’ve stood with me through the victories and the challenges, never once letting me lose hope. And then there’s our beautiful community – the volunteers, donors, advocates, and everyday Australians who show up time and time again. They are the living proof that everyday people, united in their purpose, can create extraordinary change. They are the village that makes it all possible.
How can other Gold Coasters get involved in or support RizeUp?
There are so many ways! You can donate, volunteer your time, or even host a fundraiser.
Through The Star Gold Coast’s Community Month, just dining out can make an impact. Guests receive a donation token with every eligible main meal, which they can allocate to RizeUp at our donation station. That small gesture translates into real, tangible help for a family in need. Every act of kindness counts.
When you do have time off, how do you like to spend it?
Time with my family and my friends is everything to me. They’re my grounding force, my joy, and my reminder of what truly matters. When I do get a moment to step away, I love to be out in nature – feet on the earth, heart wide open, just taking it all in. It’s where I find space to breathe, reflect, and recharge. In those quiet moments, I’m reminded of the beauty, strength, and quiet determination that exists all around us – and it fills my cup so I can keep showing up for others.
If you could change one thing for the better about the Gold Coast, what would it be? And one thing you hope never changes?
If I could change one thing, it would be to see an even deeper sense of awareness and responsibility around issues like domestic and family violence. I’d love to see the Gold Coast continue to grow as a community that doesn’t look away, but instead leans in – proactively, compassionately, and united in action.
What I hope never changes is the heart of this place. The Gold Coast has a beautiful spirit – full of generosity, connection, and a genuine willingness to show up for others. That’s what makes it more than just a location – it’s a community with soul.
What’s next for RizeUp – are there any exciting projects on the horizon?
We’re always evolving to meet the needs of the individuals and families we serve – and our vision is bigger than ever. We’re working to expand further and deeper across Australia, reaching into the corners of our country where supports are less available, but the need is great. Everyone deserves to feel safe and valued, no matter where or how they live. We’re also strengthening our health and wellbeing and education programs, because sustainable change starts with understanding – and with the courage to challenge the behaviours and attitudes that allow violence to exist. Together, we will continue to rise for those who need it most.
Community Month with The Star Gold Coast is a step forward in continuing to spread the word, and we’re excited for what the future holds.
For anyone interested in getting involved or finding out more, please visit www.star.com.au or www.rizeup.com.au.
