With the new year comes a fresh opportunity to focus your attention on the things that bring you joy. In true ‘new year, new me’ spirit, we went looking for a little bit of inspiration from colleagues across Morris Group who are dreaming big and following their other passions outside of their regular work.
Mohamed Sudi
The Albert Park Hotel, VIC
My secret life outside of work revolves around sharing my experiences as a Somali refugee through poetry and storytelling at open mic events around the Melbourne scene. For around nine years, I’ve been attending these events, especially at Bar Oussuo, sharing my story and connecting with others.
Over time, my storytelling naturally transitioned into poetry, as I attended numerous poetry workshops to hone my craft. I’ve learned various poetic styles, rules, and devices along the way. My experiences in a Kenyan refugee camp, where I learned multiple languages and observed so much around me, heavily influence my work.
At the heart of it all, my ultimate goal is to reach different communities and inspire them to tell their own stories, empowering them to write from the heart. This passion drives me to keep doing what I love – using my voice to motivate others to put their thoughts and stories on a page. Whether they choose to share those stories publicly is entirely up to them, but I hope to inspire that first step.
I first started sharing my story when I was in Kenya, learning English after speaking Somali and Arabic. When I moved to Australia through a sponsored visa, I promised myself to stay positive and keep connected with my family overseas, appreciating their blessings and prayers. Over time, I embraced the moments and opportunities in Melbourne, which motivated me even further. One of my long-term goals is to visit the refugee camp in Kenya again and plan an event where I can inspire the community, encouraging them to dream of being sponsored too. Additionally, I graduated with a Diploma of Community Service after the hard lockdown, which further fuels my passion to give back to my community.
Over time, my storytelling and poetry have evolved as I began mixing multiple languages into my pieces, treating language like a passport or green card to connect different cultures. Bar Oussuo became my training ground, where I tested my stories and poems, seeking feedback from guests to improve. My process involved refining my performance – starting with reading from drafts, speaking clearly, and eventually memorising my work to add body language. This approach helped me overcome stage fright and create a unique delivery style, which continues to grow as I challenge myself to perfect my performances week by week.
I love poetry because it connects me to the rich tradition of Somali oral poetry, where clans and tribes would speak in poetry back in the days of the nomads. I enjoy learning and exploring past poetry styles. My first piece was a Haiku, which led me to research other styles like Middle English poetry (for example, “Hark”). I’m inspired by both past and modern poetry, especially through open mic events where I see different poets with their unique styles. Chatting with them often leads to valuable advice and inspiration, helping me grow as a poet. That ongoing learning process is what keeps me going.
I had the honour of qualifying as one of the finalists for the 2024 Australian Poetry Slam, representing Victoria in the state final. It’s been a huge privilege and an incredible experience to be part of this prestigious event. This platform is one of the blessings I carry with me, and I’m embracing it while continuing to build and share stories through it. It’s something I’m truly grateful for, and I look forward to where it will lead me. In the future, I hope to have the opportunity to share my stories in front of a refugee camp in Kenya, to inspire not just individuals but the entire community as well.
I have a following on social media, where people can connect with me through my Facebook page Moman Hero’s Journey. It’s a space where I share my stories, poetry, and experiences, allowing me to engage with a broader audience. Having a following is encouraging because it means people resonate with my journey, and it creates a sense of community. It’s motivating to know that my work can inspire others to reflect on their own lives and stories, and the support I receive keeps me grounded and driven to continue sharing and growing.
Mohamed’s first book, Somalia Too Soon, Vol 1 is available now to purchase in soft cover or e-book.
Follow Mohamed’s work:
- Website – Moman Hero’s Journey
- Facebook – Moman Hero’s Journey
Jarrod ‘Stiv’ Stivala
CBCo Brewing, VIC
My hobby is cooking, and I really enjoy making reels for TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube. I cook up different dishes – anything from pies to steaks – and film the whole process, edit it, and share it online. For me, it’s all about having fun with food, experimenting with different cuisines, and showing people that cooking at home can be enjoyable and easy. It’s a way to express my creativity, and at the same time, I get to eat some really good food.
I’ve been doing it for over two years now. It all started back in October 2022, when I was dealing with some serious back issues. I had two prolapsed discs and one perforated disc sitting on my nerves which made everyday things impossible, especially playing golf with my mates every Sunday. Golf was my go-to way to unwind, but when that was taken off the table, I had to find another way to deal with everything. I’ve always cooked for fun, and someone close to me who suggested I start filming it. It gave me a creative outlet and a way to focus on something positive.
It’s evolved over time. When I first started, I was using my phone with a dirty camera lens, and my tripod was literally just a cardboard roll from some paper towels. The quality was rough, but I didn’t care because it was more about getting the content out there. Now, things have definitely levelled up. I’ve upgraded my equipment, learned a lot about filming and editing, and I’ve also gotten way more into the cooking itself. I love trying out different recipes and cuisines. I’ve got a bit of an addictive personality. I like to get better and better at things. So, the more I do it, the more invested I’ve become, and I love the challenge of creating something new each time.
Cooking has become a way for me to relax and take my mind off things. It’s therapeutic. Editing the videos is something I’ve really grown to enjoy too. There’s something satisfying about putting together a polished final product after the whole cooking process. Another plus is that it’s a hobby that doesn’t involve drinking, which is pretty rare for me since I work in a brewery! It’s great to have something that lets me unwind and focus my energy in a positive direction.
My mum is probably my number one fan – she likes all my videos. TikTok, Instagram and Facebook have been great for connecting with people. I’ve actually reconnected with a lot of people I hadn’t spoken to in years through the videos. It’s been cool to see people enjoy what I’m doing and give feedback. It’s not about having a massive following, but more about sharing something I love and seeing how it resonates with others.
I think one of the funniest and most memorable things that’s happened since I started has to be how often I burn my mouth in my videos. It’s become a bit of a running joke at this point. But on a more exciting note, having my breakfast pie featured on LADbible and getting millions of views was a pretty cool. It’s wild to think how far a simple video can reach.
The best thing about it has been rediscovering my passion for cooking. Before all of this, cooking was just something I did, but now it’s become a real creative outlet. I also get to eat really well, which is a nice bonus. On a deeper level though, it’s really helped with my mental health, especially when I was dealing with the tough times with my back issues. Focusing on cooking and creating has given me something positive to dive into, which has been incredibly helpful.
For now, I’m just enjoying what I’m doing and seeing where it takes me. Eventually, I’d love to write a cookbook – something that captures all the recipes I’ve been working on, with a mix of easy meals and more creative dishes. I’ve already started working on it, but it’s tough to find the time with everything else going on.
Follow Stiv on Tik Tok and Instagram @Stivalicious
Ryan Anderson
The Ville Resort-Casino, QLD
I started training as a circus and fire-twirling performer as a teenager and have performed at all sorts of events and festivals. That has led to various performing and training opportunities, including dance, theatre, and even bearded lady drag shows.
Post-COVID, I began training to be a wrestler. After a few years of wrestling, when I felt my body couldn’t cope with it anymore, I took some time off before returning as the ring announcer. On top of all that, I also run regular trivia nights at some local pubs here in Townsville.
I started performing about 15 years ago. It began with couple of mates and I trying to recreate different acrobatic tricks we’d seen on YouTube in the backyard. That turned into small performances at friends’ parties and our local youth group, which led to an invitation to perform at a small festival out of town.
We combined our skills with a friend who was a fire twirler for that show, which quickly morphed into a small performing troupe. We still perform as that troupe at different festivals today and it’s grown well beyond what we originally created.
Over the years, I drifted in and out of other troupes and performance types, learning new skills along the way that led to various entertaining and teaching opportunities. For a few years, I taught circus at a local arts company, which was incredibly fun and rewarding. My interest has always been about learning and doing new things, and it is still growing.
Running into people who recognise me from different parts of my performing career can sometimes be a little awkward because I’m pretty bad at remembering people’s names. But it often leads to great opportunities to talk about what I’m doing now and to promote any upcoming projects and shows. In recent years, I’ve started running into past students at pubs and bars, which has been a bit of a trip.
The thing I love about performing is the communities that are built, the friendships formed, and the new experiences. Ultimately, it’s just fun! And it’s how I’ve met most of my closest and best friends.One of the most memorable things that’s happened to me over my performing career has been founding and performing in the circus and fire-twirling troupe Circus Alabanza with two of my best friends. We performed at the grand opening of a circus bar in Melbourne, and unofficially broke a world record there. I could go on for days about all the amazing people I’ve worked with over the years, as there are so many memorable moments.
If you’re ever in Townsville and want to come to a trivia night, you can follow and find the details for our events at Trivia with Matt and Ryan on Facebook, where we currently run events twice a week. If wrestling is more up your alley, check out Queensland Wrestling Alliance on Facebook and Instagram. While I’m not currently an active performing member, I’d be remiss if I didn’t recommend following the troupe I founded, Circus Alabanza, on Facebook and Instagram.
Charli Sandwith
Railway Club Hotel, VIC
Outside of work I enjoy dancing, singing, and acting. I’ve been dancing since I was three years old but had to quit due to a serious knee injury when I was 18. But I still love the art of dancing and watching it.
I started as a ballerina and then moved into competitive dance when I was eight learning many different styles like jazz, tap, contemporary, hip hop, lyrical, aerobics, as well as ballet. My parents say I was a very excited and active child that probably needed a place to express my energy.
I think dancing is a great way to explore emotion and let go, as well as a great way to exercise. I know people may think that dancing is an easy sport but being a competitive dancer has taught me how to work hard and that is why I loved the sport so much.
Although I’ve stopped dancing, my love for singing and acting has grown since. I have an agent, and I have participated in lots of different things like amateur theatre, voiceovers, and advertisements. These activities are all about passion and I think my interest in them is why I have so much passion for my work and life in general.
The best thing to come out of this side of my life has been the people I’ve met along the way. I’ve made many lifelong friends from singing, dancing and acting. When I was an extra on a television show I even met my childhood crush!
Probably one of the most memorable moments has been acting in a Nintendo ad which boosted my career in acting and voiceovers, but also all of my dance concerts have been memorable. I definitely want to keep working and hopefully land a big movie or TV series someday but at the moment I’m just trying to stay open minded and take whatever opportunities come to my door.