Photo: Supplied.
What’s your business?
I wear several hats as both a professional singer and conductor of 45 years, and also as the Artistic Director of Play It Forward, which provides inclusive arts programs, projects and events here in the Redlands and nationally.
Do you have any fun/interesting stories about your job?
Working with community choirs and organisations for nearly 30 years has provided lots of memorable moments and fun stories. Many years ago, when I was Director of Choir of Hard Knocks, we toured them to Adelaide by bus. The concerts went wonderfully, and as we were heading back home, the manager of the accommodation facility we were staying at called to ask if anyone had left their teeth behind. Upon further investigation, dear old Pat realised they were hers and exclaimed proudly, “I only wear them for special occasions!”
Best local activity?
Since we moved here to the beautiful Redlands Coast, I have been developing several community choir programs and projects, and I just love working with the wonderful local community here. They have been so welcoming, enthusiastic and appreciative, and have become my new ‘musical family’.
What was the last book you read?
Not really a book, but it was The Community Leader.
What was the last TV show or movie you watched?
I just finished watching the Yellowstone drama on Netflix starring Kevin Costner – holy moly, what a ride!
Is there anything you’d like to see happen in the local area?
I would like to see the development of more major accommodation facilities here on the mainland. There are so many opportunities for local businesses and our vibrant arts community to develop festivals, etc., and with the Olympics coming up and the potential white water rafting facilities, there is still nowhere for visitors or tourists to stay.
It’s really a huge lost opportunity, and I think that needs to be addressed asap.
Is there a local business/community group/club you’d like to give a shout-out to?
There are several local groups that I think do amazing work supporting our Redlands community – the Donald Simpson Centre, Night Ninjas, Redlands Centre for Women and RPAC.
