Tell us a bit about yourself.
I am 14 years old with a strong passion for the ocean and my family and friends. I love all sports and pushing myself to the limit. I have a passion for researching nutrition and personal development and I’m hoping to be able to travel Australia seeing as much of this amazing continent as possible.

What inspired you to start sailing and how did you get into it at such a young age?
I stumbled across dinghy sailing when I was 6 years old and after trying the “normal” sports that most kids at that age did such as soccer and netball, I felt that they just weren’t for me, so when I participated in a learn to sail course I immediately knew that was the sport for me. My passion for the sport has only grown from that moment. I joined the performance squad at Southport Yacht Club over four years ago where we had the incredible privilege of having Mat Belcher as our mentor. From then I started sailing as many different boats as possible and opening my eyes to as many different classes as possible. In 2021 I had the opportunity to sail onboard Maritimo 11, under skipper Michael Spies, for the Queensland Yachting State championships on Moreton bay and that was where my spark started for big boat racing.

Who are your role models in sailing and what have you learned from them?
I think there are some really influential people in this sport- such as CJ Perez (crew onboard United States Sail GP team), Mat Belcher (two-time Olympic gold medalist) (Nic Douglass, sailing media- “Adventures of a Sailor Girl”, as well as three time world champion in the Tasar class and ten-time Australian National Champion), Lisa Seiffert (Sailor onboard Stefan Racing and model), Tess Lloyd (49er FX sailor and qualifier for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics), Joel Turner (49er Sailor and aspiring Olympian), Michael Spies (offshore racing skipper and 44 time competitor in the Sydney to Hobart yacht race). These are the people that really inspire me to keep pushing and do what I am doing, so that one day I might be as good a sailor as them.

What has been your biggest achievement in sailing so far?
I would say my biggest achievement so far was in 2022 when I had the life-changing and amazing opportunity to travel to France where I competed in the O’pen Skiff world titles. I came 10^th in qualifying in my division and then 22^nd out of 153 boats in the gold fleet under 15’s. I competed with 8 other Australian sailors, finishing as the 1^st Australian.

What advice would you give to other young people who are interested in sailing or other competitive sports?
Just keep doing what you love and what you have a passion for. I believe that attitude is worth everything and that the “key” to success is to have the right mindset and to stay dedicated. In sailing specifically, I think one of the best pieces of advice that I have ever received was to just sail your own race – Don’t fall into the habit of getting too caught up in other people’s racing and where they are going; just take it one step at a time and really focus on doing the best YOU can do.

What’s on the cards for the rest of 2023?
Just doing as much sailing as I can on as many different boats as possible. I will have the opportunity to be the youngest person to sail in the Brisbane 2 Gladstone in April (on board Maritimo 11) and maybe even do another O’pen skiff World titles, which is in Italy in July? I think we’ll just have to see what happens.

What are your Gold Coast favourites…
Café/coffee spot: Kleins at Runaway Bay is my go to for good food and an amazing atmosphere. Otherwise, Café 7 at Paradise Point is always a good spot to go for a cheeky pancakes and still be able to see our beautiful waterways.
Restaurant: Main Beach Southport Yacht Club is my favourite place to go for quality food and amazing desserts for cheat night. The restaurant has a great location right at the footstep of the Broadwater.
Beach: Narrowneck, the Spit, is an obvious first choice for me with so many memories as a family linked back to that beach and maybe that’s where my love for the water sparked?

How do you choose to spend your days off?
I don’t really have many days off, between school and sailing my life does get a bit busy but I honestly love any chance to get on the water. I do cross-train with Bouldering (indoor rock climbing), which is a great way to build my muscle strength and critical thinking skill and it’s also just a great way to stay fit, just turn up chuck on some climbing boots and go. Otherwise, on any free weekends I am learning to body board which I think is a great way to study wind, tide and waves from a different perspective and spend time on the water.

Get in loser, we’re going shopping (and eating, and brewery-hopping, and sight seeing, and exploring street art, and… you get the idea)

Now you might be wondering why we’re throwing around random movie quotes to kick off this list (in our defence there is a Mean Girls line for *every* occasion) – but if suburbs were Mean Girls characters, Miami would for sure be the one to utter this iconic line. Miami has it all, and it knows it. Take one glance at just some of the epic spots we’ve lined up and you’ll soon see why all the other suburbs wish they could be this cool.

Paddock Bakery
One thing locals know, is the only thing loose in this (top) paddock is only the most scrumptious, buttery baked goods in 4220. Ever since Paddock opened it’s charmingly renovated doors in 2014, locals have been flocking there daily for their much-kneaded Paddock fix.

Reigning supreme as our baked-goods, brunch and lunch hookup ever since, the ex-Queenslander-turned-treehouse-of-our-childhood-dreams has expanded to welcome us and our relentless sweet tooth’s with open arms. With the lush gardens, cottage, loft, rooftop and barn to retreat to, the only thing more extensive than the dining space options is the menu to indulge from.
Where: 20 Hibiscus Haven, Miami

Granddad Jacks
It used to be that Granddads were good for stealing our noses and sneaking us butter candy, but in Miami, Granddad Jacks is good for plying us the finest locally distilled spirits, gin making classes, distillery tours and of course and just an all-round cool haunt to sit back with a top notch bevvy and let our mullets run free. These masterful wizards didn’t amass a whopping 70+ awards by getting distracted by anything other than distilling, so it’s BYO food too (and surely that means more to spend on the good stuff!)
Where: 45 Lemana Lane, Miami

Miami Fish Market
It would be shell-fish of us not to include the absolute pearl that is Miami Fish Market, and we have two words for you: Sashimi box. Soy-n us up, pls! Fin-ally, we have a hook up for the finest and freshest seafood that’s a sure thing (unlike heading home empty handed from your holy grail fishing spot). Also unlike a day on the water, the pros will handle all the dirty work so you can do as much or as little as you like – oysters shucked to order, anyone?!
Where: 1/54 Paradise Ave, Miami

Pizzey Park
Wine not take those fresh sucked oysters to-go and mosey right on over for a bougie picnic at the picturesque Pizzey park. As one of the biggest parks on the GC, Pizzey is a local icon and hub for sports, clubs, recreation and all round fun times for all ages. There’s an aquatic centre, playgrounds galore, a wheely epic skate park and let’s not forget the off-leash dog area for our four legged BFFs (paw out of five dogs agree Pizzey is the best park for zoomies on the GC)
Where: 80 Pacific Ave, Miami

Miami Marketta
The Coast’s OG street food night markets that put Miami on the map as a must-visit destination for foodies and live music lovers alike. The first venue of it’s kind to Miami and perhaps even the Coast, Marketta quickly grew to establish itself as a mainstay among the GC scene, bringing good vibes, live music and great food galore via the eclectic creative and cultural hotspot for over ten years now. Our beloved market brings us all our favourite tastes of the world as well as that same buzzing atmosphere that’s favoured by families especially, for rounding up their rowdy broods for an easy night out that everyone can enjoy.
Where: 23 Hillcrest Pde, Miami

UGG Since 1974
With the hotter weather officially taking some mercy on us now we’ve packed away the budgie smugglers and it’s the perfect time to slip into something a little more cosy. Enter, Ugg Since 1974 – churning out wearable warm hugs for your feet since, well, 1974. Don’t be feeling sheepish if you didn’t know they’ve expanded their range to include a huge selection of colours, styles and options to customise – including monogramming (cute!) through to paw-dorable pet accessories (even cuter!) With factory tours running right out of Miami, the only thing better than supporting local, is treating your tootsies to a cloud-nine experience in the process.
Where: 23 Christine Ave, Miami

Lumber Punks
Ever find yourself struck by the sudden and insatiable urge to don your flanno’s and yeet sharp objects at the wall? Okay so perhaps not, but when your usual rotation of outings is just not cutting it anymore – it might be time to hit up Lumber Punks because you really can’t axe for a better way to get the crew together for some laughs or some fun date night axe-ction. If you haven’t yet tried your hand at the phenomenon that is axe throwing, chop chop – because this is one adventure that brings the axe-mosphere in blades (er, spades, rather). If it’s good enough for Jason Momoa, it’s obvs good enough for us.
Where: 19 Ozone Pde, Miami

Miami Hill
Okay, now it just feels like Miami is showing off and 469 (no kidding) google reviews can’t be wrong. At first glance those deceptively colourful trademark stairs might look all sunshine and rainbows, but one thing’s for sure – conquer that climb and you will be rewarded with one of the best vantages on the coast. With stunning views of the coastline from Surfers right down to Burleigh, there’s only one thing left to say: How’s. the. serenity. (and maybe a hearty dose of *heavy breathing* depending on how many times you decide to take on those stairs #cardi-no thanks)
Where: At the south end of Miami (you can’t miss it) 

Trader Trove
Trader Trove, more like treasure trove. Welcome to Miami’s own worldly homewares haven for those who prefer their interiors on the luxe side – and their swoon-worthy assortment of bohemian inspired home decor, that’s more expertly curated than an influencers insta feed.

We love: a family run local biz with a dreamy selection of ethically minded homewares. We don’t love: that all self control seems to exit our body when we visit.
Where: 22 Christine Ave, Miami

Ferg’s
You no longer need a certified 90’s banger to be proclaiming ‘fergalicious (so delicious)’ because ever since Fergs moved to town we’ve had an excuse to be saying it daily. For the unacquainted – f.e.r.g.s aka Fresh Eats Really Good Sh*t – has been dishing up breakfast and brunch much to the delight of southern GC, with all the staple brunch suspects you’d expect, but also the likes of Lemon Meringue Crumpets and really, need we say more?
Where: 2/43 Hillcrest Parade, Miami

Street art
It’s no secret us Gold Coasters are quite partial to doing what we can to our put our best #lewks forward, and over the last few years the streets of Miami have also been undergoing somewhat of a glow up themselves (and #spoileralert – there’s no filler to be found here folks). If it’s been a while between visits, it might surprise you to learn the suburb is at the heart of a thriving GC art and cultural boom, with a bunch of incredible artists transforming the local laneways into a destination in and of themselves. There’s even the Art Roll website dedicated to mapping out the best routes for your own self-led street art tour.

And the event that started the movement, Surface Festival returns for it’s third year this July, set to transform the local footpaths, fence lines, laneways and walls with some art-mazing fresh new works to admire and we’re here. for. it.
Where: Check the Art Roll website for locations

Precinct Brewing Co
If you’ve worked up a thirst just reading this list – last but by no means least is everyone’s (yep, we called it) favourite brewery, Precinct Brewing Co. Once you’ve stepped through the doors you’ll be welcomed into a sleek, all-white space with greenery dripping from up high, and an absolute slew of tanks brewing up some tasty treats. You can see why people say, it’s the place to beer! Don’t forget to grab one of the tasty pizzas coming from the onsite kitchen too…
Where: 17 Christine Ave, Miami