OUR PEOPLE

Josh

I grew up in the tight-knit community of Yorke Peninsula, where life’s lessons were taught by experience and a network of supportive, yet accountable, neighbours. The values and skills I developed there shaped me into the person I am today.

My journey hasn’t been a straight path. I left school in year 11, already living independently, and found work in the mines with the help of my P.E. teacher, who became a mentor and a significant influence on my life.

After 14 months in the mines, I moved on to building homes for Indigenous communities in the APY Lands, an eye-opening experience that was unfortunately cut short due to government funding issues.

Returning to Adelaide, I met my amazing wife, and we’ve been together for 11 years, just recently tying the knot. I took up painting as a temporary job but stayed for 8 years, largely because of the great team I worked with.

Everything changed during a trip to Bali in 2022, where a severe accident almost cost me my arm. After 14 hours of surgery and a gruelling 16 months of rehabilitation, I found myself at a crossroads. That near-death experience forced me to reevaluate my life and ask myself what truly mattered. I realized that while painting had been a good job, it wasn’t fulfilling my deeper need to make a difference in the lives of others.

I knew I wanted to do something more meaningful, something that would allow me to give back in a way that really counted. That’s when I decided to change my path and pursue a Cert IV in Youth Work and Early Childhood Intervention. I chose youth work because I understand the importance of having someone in your corner—someone who believes in you, supports you, and helps you navigate life’s challenges. I wanted to be that person for others, especially for kids who might not have the same opportunities or support that I did.

Today, I work at Tomorrow’s Legends, driven by a mission to help young people, especially those with disabilities, achieve their goals. My life’s journey has taught me resilience, and I want to be that role model who shows them that challenges can be overcome. If I can help just one young person turn their lemons into lemonade, then I know I’m fulfilling my purpose.

Alex

Growing up in Adelaide, I have always sought to understand the wider world and connect with people from all walks of life. It was this fascination that resulted in me studying Psychology and working in hospitality upon the completion of school. This passion gave me the opportunity to study and work in San Diego in my early 20s for a couple of years, immersing myself in a new environment and truly understanding that everybody has their own challenges and is running their own race. It was this experience that my love for travel and curiosity of the world and it’s people began.

For the next few years my life consisted of travel and study, completing a double degree in Psychology, Law and a Diploma in Human Resources. I also wanted to push the boundaries and not live a simple life with a standard routine. It is this philosophy that drives me to challenge myself and try to experience as many new things as I can.

Throughout my 20s I continued this journey, travelling to a total of 49 countries and immersing myself in as many foreign environments as possible. This helped me to feel comfortable in many challenging situations, teaching me to think on my feet and use my initiative. I have connected with countless people all over the world in one way or another, sometimes language being a barrier but one can never underestimate a big smile!

From working with orphans in Bali, to fundraising to buy soccer boots for underprivileged soccer players in the Solomon Islands, I truly understand everybody has their own world view and that we are very lucky to live in Australia, with all the advantages that brings. It is my hope to bring these values of mutual respect, discipline, empathy, generosity and patience to all parts of my life and everybody I work with through Tomorrow’s Legends.

Since the Covid 19 Pandemic my life has changed dramatically for the better, meeting an amazing woman and becoming a step father to her inquisitive and outgoing 5 year old girl, and 7 year old gentle, quiet son. This makes for quite a dynamic household which requires varying parenting techniques. Whilst this can be challenging it is also truly rewarding, as I have seen them grow and learn from their mistakes. I have packed a lot into my life and seen a great number of things, making me humble and someone who appreciates the simple things in life. I hope to impart this to everybody I meet and empower people to chase their dreams and become a legend, today.

Ivo

I grew up in former Czechoslovakia and before my 19th birthday I escaped to West-Germany.

In Germany, I studied Computer Science and then worked as a software developer for the insurance industry. Later, I met my German wife Barbara, and we had two wonderful daughters.

For a number of years we were living as a “normal” German family – work, kids, house, garden, church, holidays etc. One day Barbara and I questioned our lifestyle, and what we wanted for the future.

Our initial idea was to establish emergency accommodation for single mothers, however we soon realised it was financially unviable. We joined a mission organisation with the aim to live and work in a third world country.

We flew to New Zealand and attended a language school to improve our English. We then relocated to the Eastern Highlands of Papua New Guinea where we lived and worked as support personnel. We spent almost two years in Papua New Guinea.

When our time in PNG came to an end, we could not envisage ourselves returning to Germany, and therefore migrated to New Zealand. The immigration process was smooth, however unfortunately I was unable to secure employment in IT.

Barbara and I bought a small supermarket which we managed for more than a year. This was a great experience as we were both passionate about food and healthy lifestyles. It was enjoyable introducing new products and discussing them with our customers. However, we decided to sell the business to pursue other opportunities.

I commenced a degree in accounting with the aim to work in the finance industry. During this time I was offered employment as a software developer. In late 2010 there were a series of earthquakes in the South Island. In February 2011 more than 180 people died in the Christchurch earthquakes. Our eldest daughter was traumatised by the experience, and thus we decided to leave New Zealand and move to Adelaide.

I was unable to find employment in IT, however found an interest in Aged Care and subsequently obtained qualifications to begin a new career. Since 2012 I have been working in the Disability Industry, and have found it incredibly rewarding. I look forward to continuing to offer support to people with disability through Tomorrows Legends.

Dylan

Growing up with my mother in an environment filled with adversity, I became very independent and grew a strong craving to escape my home environment at a young age. Consequently, I spent my twenties travelling to over 40 countries and living in the US, Germany, Italy, and Hungary. Throughout this time I’ve explored many careers and currently run two start-up company’s full time.

Whilst working full time in construction and hospitality, I completed a bachelor of Education at Flinders University which led me to an exchange program at the University of Arizona in the United States. A year later, I completed a Masters of International Business at the University of Adelaide, and a Masters of Economics at Corvinus University of Budapest in Hungary. Living and studying abroad were some of the best experiences of my life to date.

From there, I completed an internship at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Hungary and planned to pursue a career in management consulting. As Covid hit, my plans to move to New York changed, and I started my own businesses here in Adelaide.

Whilst studying in Budapest, I met a beautiful German girl and we’ve been together since, travelling back and forth between Europe and Australia very regularly. I managed to escape the pandemic here in Australia and lived in Germany for most of 2021, travelling throughout Europe with minimal tourists and enjoying the 3 Euro flights!

I love playing volleyball, surfing, snowboarding, and thoroughly enjoy keeping fit and healthy. I've also worked in both acting and modelling over the years which is a lot of fun to break up the daily routine.

I’ve always been curious and persistently challenge the status quo, and always striving to improve in all areas is a priority of mine. My tough life experiences have taught me patience and given me a great perspective on life, while my heightened life experiences have given me immense gratitude, and with these qualities I hope to help guide Tomorrow’s Legends to be the best versions of themselves.

Luke

I grew up in Hamilton, New Zealand. I left home at 13 years of age, however I stayed in school and continued with my sports. I was heavily involved in sport and cadets which provided an excellent framework for perseverance, discipline and success.

I’m proud to say I won a gold and silver medal for rowing at the New Zealand nationals at the age of 18. A team effort, of course!

After high school I attended Waikato University where I studied Communications and Media. Working full time and studying was difficult but I managed to stay on track.

In 2005 I holidayed with friends to the Gold Coast and decided to stay in Australia, where the opportunities offered were too good to overlook.

Over the next few years I travelled extensively around Australia and settled in Broome for a couple of years where I formed some very good friendships. I then moved to Perth where I lived for 10 years. It was a rewarding period and I had a wonderful life. I I worked in the transport and logistics industry, which provided me with the opportunity to travel WA and indeed the world.

I met my beautiful wife nine years ago. In 2019 we married in NZ, and moved to SA in 2021, the middle of Covid. It was a big change but it has been a great move and we feel very settled and enjoy a great lifestyle.

I am Brazilian and I have lived in Australia for seven years. I hold a certificate IV in Community Services and have completed a Diploma in Community Services. I am currently studying a Bachelor in Counselling and Psychotherapy at Ikon Institute of Australia.

I have resided in Adelaide for one year, having moved from Sydney where I spent the previous six years. In Sydney I was employed as a youth worker, disability support worker, community support planner, support coordinator, and psychological recovery coach.

Australia is a unique country with a diverse range of ethnicities. My experience working with varying cultures has been a priceless experience. I am passionate about understanding people’s behaviours and perspectives. I enjoy helping participants with their everyday requirements and strive to enrich the lives of people around me.

My interests include arts and craft, hiking, reading, cooking, meditation, yoga, and music.

I have been in Adelaide for a short period and would love to explore and experience more of what this beautiful city has to offer. The opportunity to work with participants and enjoy this aspect together I find very exciting.

Mariana

Michelle

Born and raised in Adelaide I have always loved working with people and being creative.

I studied Visual arts on completing high school and specialised in glass blowing. This eventuated in my completing honours specialising in flameworked glass in my 20s. From here I worked as a production glass maker for quite a few years before having a child.

I went on to study Enrolled Nursing with a particular interest in Palliative care and high needs care, and began working as a care worker whilst waiting for my nursing registration. I thoroughly enjoyed visiting individual's homes to assist people and realised then I had a love for this personalised work. Through this experience I gained varied skills from assisting with personal hygiene, fitting prosthetics, cleaning and gardening. I worked with elderly as well as people living with mental health conditions to help them live their best life and continue to be part of the community.

I then went on to work in aged care at a facility housing many people with high needs and dementia. This career was rewarding, but for me did not allow for the timely individual care I wished to provide those in my care.

As working in a fast-paced facility did not allow me to feel I was providing individuals with the care they deserved I decided to follow my passion for gardening by studying Horticulture. This decision was also influenced by my circumstances of being a single parent with a child with health issues.

During these studies I started my own gardening business, building up a clientele of mainly ageing clients who loved the idea of a female they could trust to allow into their home and work on their gardens. I have now been running this business for 13 years and have ended up providing clients not only with gardening but also access to social and recreational activities amongst the community. This has spurred my desire to draw on my previous skills as a nurse and care worker to move back into providing support.

I love connecting with and meeting new people and overall providing individual help and support. I am highly creative and proactive and am great with helping people to get organised or pursue creative activities. I pride myself on providing individualised care and assistance.

Lola

My family and I immigrated to Australia in 2005, as soon as we arrived I started attending a full time English course and within a few months got my first job in a mail distribution factory.

After a few months I got a job in a call centre as a telemarketer which was fun but not challenging enough for me, I moved up to a reception / admin position and a couple of years later I got a job at a crash repairer as an office manager, helping people go through the process of getting their vehicles repaired from start to finish. I very much enjoyed this role, I mostly enjoyed seeing the smile on people’s faces after seeing their vehicle repaired and ready to get back on the road.

A few years later I got a job at Harley Davidson as a sales assistant, my focus was to provide as much information as possible on the importance of wearing all the safety gear there is out there while riding a motorcycle on and off road.

I have been a stay-at-home mum for almost 6 years now, I have 2 beautiful boys who are both at school.

In my spare time I enjoy hiking, lifting weights, gardening, cooking, spending time with my family and friends. I have two dogs and a bearded dragon lizard.

I am always open to learning new things, I love sharing my knowledge, I am a great listener, and I enjoy seeing people grow and learn new things.

Mentoring and caring for disability