CURRENT MISSION

To build meaningful community.

ABOUT ME

I have slightly less energy than my references of ten-ish years ago suggest but the same amount of enthusiasm. I still like the spontaneous and the ridiculous.

Leftie. Aussie. Queer. Non-evangelical vegan.

I like humans. A lot. Connections with people is how I live in the world.

I'm not awesome at small talk. I find myself having deep conversations about the world and humanity with strangers in airports and coffee queues. My work is to do with a confronting social issue. I love my work.

I'm kind of all or nothing. Yes, I care deeply about issues but I'm also ridiculous, can sometimes talk too loudly and generally cause guffaws.

I'm really enjoyed living in London even though I had no intention of living in the big smoke. I liked the quirky free music, the little plays, walking along the river and just looking out at such a famous cityscape. I love Melbourne and despite many opportunities to be elsewhere, it's definitely home. In fact, I keep creeping closer and closer to the city each time I move.

I have a 7 and 6 year old. Sometimes i travel solo, other times I travel with the small humans (I'll be sure to let you know in my request, either way). We often arrive on bicycle.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I've been a host in the UK and in Australia. I'm sometimes active in the Emergency Couch group as a host.

I've surfed in various countries including my own.

Within a week of arriving in London I hosted a CS vegan lunch at my new home, I've been involved in an alternative community that was set up by CS-ers and predominantly advertised on CS, I've met CS-ers to help them write their CV's, I've enjoyed random drinks, dances, coffees, walks, picnics and lifelong friends through CS.

Interests

I'm interested in intentional communities, non-monetary systems of exchange and different ways of doing life. How can we best thrive and connect under capitalism?

• festivals
• dining
• vegan
• walking
• cycling
• kids
• revolution
• melbourne
• families

Music, Movies, and Books

I haven't had a television for years. I do like movies but often forget to go to the cinema or to watch a film. The films I do like are usually found in the 'arthouse' or 'alternative' part of the DVD shop or movie guide.

I read every day. I can not turn the light out at night without having read at least a few pages. I read lots of non-fiction about politics, social issues, feminism, sexuality, vegetarianism, community, communication, education, peace, inspiring biography.... the list goes on.

I have a pile of books that are mentally labelled, 'not to be read in public.' I made this decision after people giving me quite a wide berth on public transport when I was swearing (aloud) and crying tears of outrage while reading books about Guatonomo Bay.

Sometimes all the serious stuff makes my head (and heart) nearly explode. At this time I read something embarrassingly shallow and trashy and I linger a long time over it, relishing every last sweet meaningless drop and metaphorically lick the bottom of the pudding bowl savouring the silly escape.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I took my kids on my Churchill Fellowship with me for 9 weeks throughout the USA and New Zealand. It was an enormous challenge and a phenomenal opportunity.

Teach, Learn, Share

I've taught/lectured/delivered workshops on quite a few things and am happy to share these skills. Some areas I've taught include CV's and job-seeking, lots of communication stuff (assertiveness, dealing with conflict etc etc), I've taught a bit of English... I really enjoy doing these things informally as well as in a formal environment...

What would I like to learn? Is there anyone out there who has experience in developing or living in alternative models of community? I'd love to hear your stories.

Surprise me- I'm sure you have things to teach that I haven't thought of yet!

Countries I’ve Visited

Argentina, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Cambodia, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Peru, South Korea, Thailand, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

Australia, United Kingdom

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