Gold Coast Actress and Screenwriter.
Gold Coast Actress and Screenwriter.
She’s the Gold Coast gal who began her acting career on much-loved series H20 Just Add Water and from there, Cleo Massey’s career has absolutely skyrocketed.
Not only has she starred in a web series created by her Mum (talented fam), she’s also recently written her very first comedy feature and produces a blog to spread her good vibes far and wide.
We sat down for a chat with Cleo about growing up in the film and television industry and hosting her very own event in the coming weeks.
How long have you been a Gold Coast local?
I moved up from Tasmania just after my fourth birthday! I’ve lived here ever since.
What do you love most about our beautiful beachside city?
The beaches and the relaxed vibe the whole city gives off.
Tell us how your acting career began…
I was always into drama inside and outside of school. When I was 11, I auditioned for a show, H20 Just Add Water. I got the role, and filmed it for four years! After such an amazing experience on H20, I was sure I had to continue acting and was cast in a few different series, films and commercials. I secured some great representation in the U.S. and was sponsored for an acting visa. Over the past three years I’ve been back and forth between the Gold Coast and LA for pilot season, meetings and writing sessions. I recently filmed a comedy pilot, Cursed funded by Screen Queensland, which was so fun to film! The majority of the actors cast were comedians, which made the set a hilarious one to be on.
What have been some highlights of your acting career?
H20 Just Add Water was really special and still to this day, gives me so many opportunities moving forward in my career. Stage Mums was also definitely a career highlight.
You had a starring role in a web series created by your Mum (Stage Mums), what was it like working so closely with her?
It was so much fun! She created this series four years ago and worked so hard to get it off the ground. It was so interesting being a part of it and watching the process behind the scenes for so many years. Well, hard work does pay off! Stage Mums has just been picked up by Network 10 and will air on Channel 11 later this year! We want to show people in the TV and film industry that if you believe and persist, you can make incredible things happen. We’re so excited for Australia to see Stage Mums!
Your blog is a very inspirational space, why did you start it and why is it important?
I started my blog, Pass Around the Smile, four years ago to help myself get through some hardships I was facing within the Film and TV industries. After a few blog posts, I realised I was helping other people, and that felt so good. Four years later I’m still creating feel good blogs and I have just sold out my first Pass Around the Smile event! My goal is to inspire and encourage people to realise their full power and potential. I write and talk about all things positive, I love teaching people about the law of attraction, self-love and meditation. I want to spread positivity as far and wide as I can! Having a positive outlook on life is so important and I want people to realise they can change their life by changing their mindset.
Tell us about the comedy feature you’ve written recently…
I discovered my love for screenwriting while in the States waiting around for auditions. I decided I would create my own dream role and the story just fell into place around that. It’s been finished for a while now, but it’s constantly changing after having incredible people in the industry read it. It’s so important, whatever industry you’re in to utilise your contacts and accept constructive criticism. I’ve learnt so much that way.
What’s on for the rest of 2018?
My first Pass Around the Smile event is next week! I’m so excited, it’s something I’ve always wanted to do. I can’t wait for people to feel inspired, relaxed and confident in themselves. The event is being held in a beautiful candle factory and I have so many amazing creatives helping me make it the most perfect night.
Tell us your favourites on the Coast:
Beach: Miami/Tallebudgera Creek
Restaurant: Oh no, this is so hard. Can I choose two? Gemelli and Lucky Bao!
Cafe: Hand Coffee in Broadbeach! The best coffee and the BEST jaffles ever!
How does your weekend usually look: Coffee with the fam, walk my doggy, dip in the ocean, bit of a read of whatever feel good book I’m on, and a night out with friends.
We’re just a wee three seconds away from 2020, or so it seems with the rapid rate the year has progressed of late. The next couple of months will no doubt pass in a whirlwind of balmy beach days, bikinis and BBQs on the beach in bikinis.
Which is why November is the perfect time to get ourselves prepped and ready for the New Year, new us scenario we’re about to encounter.
Enter Southport Sharks Health + Fitness who have very kindly dubbed November Wellness Month and created some super exciting events for us all to get started on said prepping.
There’ll be workshops, classes and tasting sessions dedicated to yoga, Pilates, mindfulness, meditation and nutrition.
Here’s a few favourites we think you should absolutely sign up for
The Nourish Workshop
Friday 8th November from 6.45pm (1.5 hours)
How can we nourish ourselves? In this workshop, you’ll discuss areas of life that are important to nourish, so you can be the best version of yourself. Keeping the approach simple, find out how you can improve your energy, sleep, digestion and vitality. It’s free for members and $20 for non-members.
Bush Flower Circle Workshop
Thursday 21st November from 5.45pm (2 hours)
Bush flowers are powerful remedies that have been used across our beautiful land for centuries. They work on an energetic and vibrational level to support the underlying emotional causes of disease and illness, thus providing a subtle transformation from the inside out. Whether you need support for repeated patterns in your life, with recent or upcoming changes, Australian Bush Flowers are for everyone. Join the circle and create a personalised remedy to take home. It’s $35 for members and $45 for non-members.
Yoga Retreat
Saturday 16th November from 8.30am (3 hours)
A whole morning of yoga is very good for the soul; movement, breathing, stillness, all of the nourishing things. The day will begin with yang and hatha yoga at 8.30am blending the benefits of passively holding yoga poses with more dynamic sequences and standing postures. That’s followed by a 30 minute massage tutorial including styles of massages, self-massage trigger points, basic stretching and foam roller techniques. Then it’s time for yin yoga and meditation; a meditative practice with deep and long held postures that will revitalise your entire body and balance your meridian system. The day is free for members and $20 for non-members. Sounds good to us.
Bookings for all are essential and they will book out. Contact Sharks Health + Fitness to reserve your spot.
So Gold Coasters, if you’re in the market for some rest and relaxation, a little mindfulness and some tools to ease you into the New Year, Wellness Month is for you.
And we KNOW you’re in the market for all of those things.
LOCATION: Southport Sharks Health + Fitness, Corner Olsen & Musgrave Avenues, Southport
Words by Kirra Smith
Is there anything that makes you happier than cheap drinks? Neither. Because now is the best time for beverage consuming, we’ve found the top 9 spots to make the most of your hard earned cash (and beat that absolutely unnecessary heat).
You’re welcome.
Apres Surf Kitchen & Bar
Happy hour comes around daily at your favourite surf shack. Pop in Apres Surf from 5pm to 6pm for $5 house drinks and $10 selected cocktails. They’ve also got tasty food deals most nights so your shiny coins will stretch far.
Where: 2376 Gold Coast Highway Mermaid Beach
Bine Bar & Dining
It’s a beer bonanza at Bine with $5 craft beer daily daily from 4pm to 6pm. Why not grab some 50c wings to go with it. On Thursdays head in for a $15 parmi and paddle where you get to taste five beers and down your fave dinner option.
Where: 1/28 Chairlift Ave, Nobbys Beach
Stingray Lounge
Keep it classy at Stingray Lounge on Taco Tuesdays from 5pm to 10pm. There are $3 tacos and $10 cocktail specials (margaritas please). Tequila Thursdays are a good time with tequila from $15 and additional $10 quesadillas.
Where: 7 Staghorn Ave Surfers Paradise
Helm Bar Surfers
Get your cheap eats and a million dollar view at Helm Bar on the water in Surfers. Happy hour runs every weekday from 10am to 12pm and 4pm to 6pm. On the weekends it’s Saturday from 10am to 11am and 9pm to 1am and Sunday from 3.30pm to 5.30pm.
Where: 30 – 34 Ferny Ave Surfers Paradise
Steampunk
On Sundays at Steampunk you can indulge in a double dose of goodness with drink specials (changes weekly) and live music. Oh and Espresso Martinis are a measly $10 all day, every day so there’s no excuse not to spend all your time there.
Where: Level 1, 3113 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise
Nightjar
Unsurprisingly, Burleigh’s home of the never ending good times, Nightjar, has epic happy hour deals. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday’s from 4pm to 6pm there’s $5 basics (including Sailor Jerry, dry and lime HELLO). It’s guaranteed fun and frivolity.
Where: Justin Laneway, Burleigh Heads
Mecca Bah
Not only do these guys do a delicious feast they also have $5 selected drinks from 3pm to 6pm Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday and Saturday from 3pm to 5pm. Make a night of it and stay for dinner once you’ve slayed a few beverages.
Where: 3 Oracle Blvd, Broadbeach
BiN 12
BiN 12 in beautiful Burleigh graces you with a happy hour every Tuesday from 5pm to 6pm – perfect for after works knock offs. In other exciting news, they also offer a Taco Tuesday deal with some of the most delicious tacos on the Coast for just $6. Race ya.
Where: James Street, Burleigh Heads
Harry’s Steak Bistro & Bar
Make a date with Harry on Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons from 2pm until 5pm with drink and food specials that’ll absolutely make your weekend. It’s called Harry’s Hour and we like the way he thinks. Everything there is exceptional so do yourself a favour.
Where: 1744 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads
Elephant Rock Café
Keen for a frosty cold beverage and one of the best views in town? Same. Head down to Elephant Rock Café in Currumbin overlooking the ocean and with $5 wine and beers and $10 nibbles on Friday’s from 4 to 6pm. Happy days.
Where: 776 Pacific Pde, Currumbin
Words by Kirra Smith
