The Team

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Michael holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Newcastle, majoring in Community Welfare & Human Services and Philosophy. With over 15 years of experience in the public welfare sector, Michael has dedicated his career to child and family welfare, as well as non-clinical mental health services. His passion for mental health, combined with his diverse skill set, drives him to support clients in achieving their goals and desired outcomes through Rely-Ability.

In 2016, Michael identified the need for a more specialised mental health service tailored to clients' unique needs. This led him to create Rely-Ability, an organisation that offers personalised support and acknowledges the importance of lived experiences. This emphasis on lived experience is reflected in Rely-Ability's flagship music program, which is led by staff members who bring their personal mental health experiences to their roles.

Taejin has been an integral part of the Rely-Ability team for seven years, bringing a wealth of creative talent and expertise to the organization. Graduating from the University of New South Wales with a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Taejin excels in a variety of artistic mediums, including sculpture, painting, sketching, paper art, website design, animation, and various digital art techniques using software like the Adobe Suite.

As the leader of Rely-Ability's digital art program, Taejin takes great joy in supporting clients as they develop new skills and explore their creative potential. His passion for art and dedication to the Rely-Ability community have made him an invaluable member of our team.

Andrew is a seasoned and accomplished professional in the local music industry, bringing over two decades of experience to the Rely-Ability team. With a strong foundation as a trade-qualified electronics technician and a Certificate IV in Sound Production, Andrew has developed an impressive skill set that makes him an invaluable mentor to our clients.

As a former lead guitarist and skilled sound technician, Andrew is deeply familiar with all aspects of live performance. His extensive background in the music industry enables him to share real-world insights and practical advice with our clients, helping them develop essential skills for success on stage and online.

As the facilitator of our live stream program, Andrew is dedicated to empowering clients with the tools and knowledge to create engaging content and grow their online presence. Utilising state-of-the-art equipment such as green screens, the ATEM Mini Pro, and multiple cinema-quality cameras, Andrew supports clients in developing their own social media channels and connecting with the broader community through their art and music.

In addition to his work with live streaming, Andrew leads our busking program, nurturing talent and fostering growth among participants. He takes an individualised approach to mentorship, guiding clients as they build confidence, refine their performance abilities, and learn to navigate the world of live music. Under his expert guidance, numerous clients have gained valuable public performance experience, earned additional income, and secured paid gigs within the local music scene.

Andrew's passion for music, technical expertise, and commitment to helping others achieve their artistic potential make him an integral part of the Rely-Ability team. We are proud to have him on board as we continue to empower individuals through the transformative power of music, performance, and digital media.

Colin is a highly experienced sound production professional with over 25 years of teaching experience at TAFE and a Master's Degree (with distinction) in Music Technology. His impressive industry background includes work with JMC Studios, Troy Horse Studios, Damien Gerard Studios, Rich Music Studios, and collaborations with renowned artists such as Steve Kilbey, Yothu Yindi, and members of Midnight Oil. Colin's in-depth knowledge of sound production processes makes him an exceptional support worker, adept at guiding clients through complex systems and helping them bring their musical visions to life.

With over two decades of experience in rap and improvisation, Danny is a passionate and skilled rapper. His background includes mentoring youth on vacation camps in the USA, and since arriving in Australia, he has continued to hone his craft as a rap artist. Currently, Danny is focused on developing his YouTube and TikTok channels, gaining firsthand experience in leveraging social media platforms to support emerging artists. At Rely-Ability, Danny plays an essential role in guiding our clients as they establish themselves in their chosen creative arts fields.

Nathan is our dynamic Marketing Specialist, devoted to elevating the profiles of our clients and Rely-Ability through diverse media channels, including radio, television, and social media. His journey with Rely-Ability began in the EMOW program as a supported employee, where he showcased remarkable growth and commitment. His success led to his current role as a general employee in marketing, exemplifying our organisation's dedication to fostering personal and professional development.

With approximately three years of experience at Rely-Ability, Nathan is an indispensable member of our team, playing a vital role in sharing our mission and services with the wider community. In the past two years, Nathan has secured over thirty interviews for Rely-Ability with various media outlets, including radio, magazines, and television, providing invaluable exposure for our organisation and the incredible individuals we serve.

Tom is a dedicated and accomplished writer with a passion for storytelling and a strong belief that everyone has a story worth sharing. With a Bachelor of Creative Industries from the University of Newcastle, majoring in Creative Writing, Tom has honed his craft over four years of freelance writing experience. He has tackled a diverse array of projects, showcasing his adaptability and commitment to the art of storytelling.

Tom's professional journey includes copywriting for Civic Web Media, where he refined his skills in creating engaging and impactful content. Additionally, he has explored the world of ghostwriting, helping others bring their visions to life, and has even ventured into the realm of game writing, contributing his talents to interactive narratives.

As a staff member at Rely-Ability, Tom brings his enthusiasm, expertise, and educational background to every client interaction. He is devoted to guiding individuals on their writing journey, offering valuable tools and insights to transform ideas into polished final products. Tom's dedication to his craft and commitment to empowering others make him an invaluable asset to our team and the clients we serve.

David Prichard is a renowned Australian guitarist, songwriter, and performer who has left an indelible mark on the Australian music scene. Best known for his work as the guitarist of the legendary Australian rock band Rose Tattoo, David has built a reputation as an exceptional musician and a versatile performer.

David's musical journey began with the punk rock band The Fence, where he developed his skills as a captivating live performer. Over the years, he has worked with numerous iconic artists, including Jimmy Barnes, Glen Shorrock, Doug Parkinson, Olivia Newton-John, and Marcia Hines. David's eight-year collaboration with the late Billy Thorpe further solidified his status as a hard-working and powerful musician.

In addition to his successful music career, David is also a committed educator. As a TAFE teacher in Community Services Certificate IV, he shares his knowledge and passion for music with students, inspiring the next generation of musicians. His expertise in the music industry, combined with his approachable teaching style, makes him a valuable asset to the education sector.

With his remarkable musical talent and dedication to fostering the growth of young musicians, David Prichard is a true asset to the Rely-Ability team. We are honored to have him on board as we continue to promote the creative potential of individuals in our community.

Anthony is a multifaceted artist with an impressive skill set that spans multiple creative disciplines. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Newcastle University, majoring in Painting, which has allowed him to cultivate a unique artistic vision and a solid understanding of art theory. Anthony is currently finalising a second degree in Digital Communications with a focus on 3D Animation, demonstrating his commitment to continuous growth, innovation, and expanding his creative abilities.

In addition to his expertise in the visual arts, Anthony is an accomplished pianist with over 25 years of experience. His classical training, grounded in the AMEB school, has provided him with a deep understanding of music theory, allowing him to explore a wide variety of genres and styles. Anthony's ability to seamlessly navigate the realms of art and music is a testament to his creativity and passion for artistic expression.

Professionally, Anthony has worked as a support worker for over three years, honing his communication and teaching skills to best serve the needs of his clients. He takes great pride in sharing his extensive knowledge and diverse range of talents, inspiring others in the fields of art and music. With his dedication to personal and professional growth, Anthony is an exceptional artist and musician, committed to making a lasting impact through his creative endeavors.