ALEX

Grew up on Larrakia country in the Top End of the Northern Territory, as the brother of one older sister. Always closely connected to the land and wild country, he found a sense of belonging in the small patches of rainforest, dotted throughout the harsh landscapes of the North.

After travelling through Europe, living and studying in Melbourne and working on organic farms near Darwin, he made the decision to permanently relocate to the Byron Shire 3 years ago, with the vision and intention of connecting to the land and community there, and doing everything he could to facilitate the harmonisation of each with the other.

Passions: Health, wellbeing, sustainability and general regenerative culture ~ finding new and better ways to relate with Earth and each other, to ensure our survival and allow us to thrive into the future.

Qualifications and Experience: studied Environmental Engineering at the University of Melbourne, then worked on an organic farm in Darwin for two years, after realising a career spent inside an office was not for him. He has spent the past 3 years practicing and refining his skills of farming, permaculture, food forest design and organic bush regeneration.

He is involved with the locally based Rites of Passage Institute, and has worked on multiple camps, helping to facilitate and empower youth during their crucial transition from boys to men. He has also been involved with the Collective from its birth, and has been a part of the camps and day walks.

Superpowers: The ability to bring peace and calm to any situation. Strong connection to the water element, able to put out fires and work with people in a gentle, fluid way.

Why do you do this work ?

"I do this work because I am passionate about creating regenerative culture in all aspects, not just with food systems but amongst people too at the family, friends, community and broader society levels.

This culture comes from the way we interact with and respect each other, and working with youth is a great way to help facilitate learning, growth and plant seeds for the future of this community.

Growing up in Darwin and spending time in remote indigenous communities when my mum was working there as a doctor, I witnessed firsthand the problems that can arise from a lack of youth engagement, a lack of positive leadership and mentoring, and how this can lead to youth becoming self-destructive, and not finding purpose and meaning in their own lives.

Personally, I think a lot of those problems stem from a broken connection to country, soil, land, plants, animals and to ourselves and others.

Youth mentoring, especially in the group settings of the bush schools and camps, does wonders to help regrow these connections, and allow all of us to see and feel a way of being that is inspiring and in harmony with all life.