So much talent, so little space to feature them all… that’s why we’re continuing our series on what former Townsville stars-in-the-making are up to now. Make sure you give us a call at DUO if you know someone we should be catching up with.
LUKE KENNEDY
Singer/recording artist
What’s your link to Townsville?
I went to Pimlico State High and had a band called Ravene. We started doing paid gigs and writing our own tunes at the end of Grade 11. Ravene worked hard for the next eight years, gigging mostly in Townsville, but occasionally in Ayr, Cairns and Mackay.
Where are you now?
I live with my partner, Naomi Price, my daughter Olivia, and our two dogs Lola and Margot in Brisbane’s northern suburbs. I’m very happy to say I’ve now been a full-time professional singer and recording artist for the past nine years. While I was dabbling in musical theatre a member of The Ten Tenors saw me perform and recommended me to the producers of the show.
I joined them on a tour, which gave me the opportunity to see the world and explore classical music. It also lead me to The Voice, Season 2. In 2013, I, like tens of thousands of other auditionees, threw my hat in the ring to be on the show. I got in and performed to 2.3 million to 3 million people each week during the live shows. I got to work with my amazing coach and mentor, Ricky Martin, who I’m lucky enough to now call my friend (PS, Ricky LOVES Townsville). My ‘final 2’ status helped me score a record deal with Universal Music, which lead to releasing my self-penned EP Skin & Scars. At the moment I’m creating a show with World Beatbox Champion Joel Turner, based on the music of Michael Jackson, called Smooth Criminals.
How did your time in Townsville set you up for success?
Pimlico High was a great place to explore the arts. I graduated in 1999 and even then Pimlico offered multiple visual arts courses, music, dance and drama. I had a fantastic mentor in Karen Vane, who was my English and Drama teacher, as well as the Head of the Arts Department. After I left high school she became an even bigger influence on my career by taking on duties as my band’s manager, casting me in musicals she was directing, and dragging me along to musicals and plays whenever she was in Brisbane.
EMILY EDWARDS
Student at NIDA (National Institute of Dramatic Art)
What’s your link to Townsville?
I went to primary school in Hermit Park and spent a lot of my childhood in and out of Townsville, although I’ve really lived all over the place. I was born in Alice Springs and went to high school on the Atherton Tablelands and in Perth, WA, but I returned to Townsville to study a Bachelor of History at JCU. I’ve always really considered Townsville to be my home. While studying at university I fell headfirst into Townsville’s theatre community and I’ve never really left it since.
Where are you now?
I live in Kensington in Sydney and five days a week from 8am till 6pm you’ll find me at NIDA, where I’m just about to enter my third and final year studying Acting. When I graduate I’m hoping to contribute as much as I can in the Australian industry. I’m very passionate about the role of Art in speaking to and reflecting the challenges and triumphs of a society.
How did your time in Townsville set you up for success?
Townsville is so rich culturally and artistically. While I was based in Townsville I was lucky enough to work and train with Terri Brabon and Brendan O’Connor through their theatre company TheatreiNQ.
The experiences I gained through working with them, and the mentorship they provided, was invaluable and instrumental in helping me get to where I am now.
Do you still return to Townsville to visit?
I usually get a few trips a year in. I was back most recently to see the incredible Shakespeare Under The Stars production of Hamlet, which made me very homesick.
HILARY STEMASCHUK
Sportswear Designer
What’s your link to Townsville?
I was born in Canada but came to Australia when I was two as my parents decided to leave the -40 temperatures for sunny Townsville. I was a sports-obsessed kid with a creative streak and a strange obsession with sports clothing. After finishing school I went on to study Graphic Design at JCU. From covering my school books in Nike and Adidas logos to focusing my entire fashion studies around sportswear I was always bound to end up designing sports clothing.
Where are you now?
I live in Sydney where I’m the head designer for Australian-based menswear label Teamm8. After leaving Townsville I went on to study Fashion Design at the Sydney Design Institute (focusing on sports fashion). While studying I also completed my fitness qualifications and worked as a personal trainer. These days I go from training clients in the morning to my design job and back again. PT is very rewarding and I get to work with great people while being active. Design is where I change speed and can enjoy the challenge of creating new concepts and develop designs that are both fashionable and functional. My two jobs are both completely different but work so well together and I’m so fortunate to be able to combine my two loves. At Teamm8 I work with a very small team of four amazing, talented and driven people. Together we’ve taken the label from basic sport leisure to high-end luxury active wear, which has become a trend with an amazing future.
How did your time in Townsville set you up for success?
I remember going camping on weekends, going on hikes or jumping off rocks at Crystal Creek. Little things like that keep you grounded and make you appreciate the simple things in life. I don’t think I would’ve had those experiences living in a big city.
Do you still return to Townsville to visit?
My parents and my brother’s family live in Townsville so my husband Harry and I come up to visit them a couple of times a year. I love to come back and relax, as well as walk up Castle Hill or along The Strand.
GRETA SHERRIFF
Singer/dancer/actor
What’s your link to Townsville?
I was born and raised in Townsville and went to high school at St Margaret Mary’s College. My life in Townsville was happy and busy – my mother’s EJ Holden was almost permanently en route to and from ballet lessons, theatre rehearsals and public speaking competitions. Looking back, it seems obvious I would end up pursuing the performing arts, but then it seemed a distant dream.
Where are you now?
My husband Martin and I live in Melbourne. I work as a singer, actor and dancer in musical theatre and am currently performing in My Fair Lady at the Opera House, directed by Julie Andrews herself.
I’ve been working in theatre for the last 10 years, touring nationally and internationally with major musicals. I left Townsville at 18 and studied classical voice at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music as well as continuing my dance training.
How did your time in Townsville set you up for success?
Townsville was an excellent early training ground for me. I benefited from expert teachers, a stimulating cultural life and a supportive arts community. It was the perfect sized pond to swim in while I was finding out who I was and what I wanted.
Do you still return to Townsville to visit?
I do, but not nearly enough. My parents and one of my brothers live there, so I wish it could be more frequent than the annual visit that it tends to be. I spend a lot of the year dreaming about our tropical family Christmas and relaxing on Magnetic Island.