Get to know the success stories of some of our Avondale Alumni and Friends profiles, who share their personal experiences, challenges, and triumphs, offering invaluable perspectives on their career journeys.
What is your current occupation or industry?
Plumber
Where do you currently work?
I own and operate LMN Plumbing
What excites you the most about the industry you work in?
I have the opportunity to build and grow my own company that can positively impact the local community.
What career advice would you give your younger self?
Seek skills or build a network of trusted advisors to help support you turn your aspirations into a business reality.
What is your current occupation or industry?
Filmmaker & Photographer
Where do you currently work?
Roam Ahead Media, which caters to small - large businesses including event work outside of weddings, such as live music etc. The main business is Roam Ahead Weddings, where we photograph and film weddings.
Have you worked in other industries?
Yes, I’ve worked all sorts of odd jobs such as sales with the Cerebral Palsy Alliance and Instyle Solar, childcare, bakery, hairdresser, Aldi, a 4WD Mechanic and a media production company.
What excites you the most about the industry you work in?
Being able to ‘work’ in an industry that I truly didn’t realise was possible. I thought with media such as photography and videography, work would only be really in the big production companies or it’s just a hobby. But I’ve found there is so much work with these media types and in many different industries. It excites me to be doing what I enjoy and being creative. I love working with couples shooting weddings as it’s their one big special day. It’s a privilege to be part of something that special. Though I think most of my excitement is in the fact that I do dabble in a few different areas such as weddings, live music and working with small to large artists, businesses and working on their promotional and marketing material and so fourth. The mixture of things keeps me on my toes.
5. What career advice would you give your younger self?
Your ATAR isn’t the only option for finding success. You don’t have to go to uni to be fulfilled and find the right job for you. Yes it can be important dependant on what you would like to do. But follow your gut instinct, and stop worrying about what others think of you and just do what makes you happy. For a long time I loved filmmaking and had a passion for it. I was surrounded by people telling me it is not a job, it’s a hobby and that for work I must work some typical job that I wouldn’t want to do. And despite this I have worked many jobs I didn’t really want to do but I have found myself always coming back to what it is I love most. And once I realised the possibility of making a full time job out of what I love doing, I invested my time and energy into learning how to get there, educating myself, taking action and sticking to my lane rather than worrying about what others may be doing. If you have a particular passion or niche there is always work there to be found. If not, then find out what could be there for you. It may not be discovered yet and thats okay. Maybe you’re the one to start this niche?
What is your current occupation or industry?
Veterinarian (Practice Partner/Director)
Where do you currently work?
Edgeworth Animal Medical Centre - an independently owned small animal general practice offering a wide range of services from general wellness to advanced orthopaedics and dentistry, and one of only a few practices to treat avian and exotic species.
Have you worked in other industries?
Equine industry (breeding/training horses) prior to vet school; and a brief stint as a human Dental Assistant.
What excites you the most about the industry you work in?
The incredible diversity within the profession. There are so many different career paths to explore, whether it’s general practice, emergency medicine, equine or large animals, non-clinical roles, animal welfare, business ownership, specialisation, wildlife care, or even government roles. One of the things I love is that my career has been able to evolve alongside my interests and life stage needs, allowing me to grow and adapt over the years.Veterinary medicine is a career where you truly get out of it what you put in. It is deeply rewarding, both in the impact we have on animals and their owners, and in the strong sense of community among veterinary professionals. I have been fortunate to work alongside an amazing team in a supportive and progressive workplace—something I am incredibly proud to have helped create. Being part of a profession that is both challenging and fulfilling, while surrounded by like-minded and dedicated individuals, makes going to work every day something I genuinely enjoy.
What career advice would you give your younger self?
Listen to advice but also do your own research and follow your own path. Don’t accept when people tell you something is too hard to get into, if that is what your calling is, then go for it. Things have a way of working themselves out, trust in God’s plan.
What is your current occupation or industry?
Medically Retired from NSW Police and the Australian Defence Force. Part time Consultant with Transformance coaching and mentoring leadership and management skills.
What other industries have you worked?
- Sanitarium Engineering Department as an Engineer Mechanic/ Fitter and Machinist
- New South Wales Police - Detective (Major crime Investigations)
- Riot Police
- Water Police
- Trail Bike Police
- Protection Operations (Dignitary Protection)
- Australian Defence Force, Special Operations Command, Commando.
- Transformance - Consultant, Coaching and mentoring in Team Leadership and Management.
What excites you the most about the industry you work in?
The Specialist nature of my role, a job people heavily rely on, a job with exciting challenges in the interest of people's safety and well being.
What career advice would you give your younger self?
Do the best you can at every stage and aspect of your life. From school, sport, relationships, build skills and learn new things, by doing your best you can achieve great things. Constant efforts yield constant results.
What is your current occupation or industry?
Psychologist, working in private practice.
Where do you currently work?
A mix of work from home and at a private practice in Newcastle.
Have you worked in other industries?
Psychologist in Aboriginal health, gambling counselling, occupational rehab and Defence health.
What excites you the most about the industry you work in?
It’s an industry where you can keep learning for the rest of your life.
What career advice would you give your younger self?
Focus on conditions - the right people, the right pay and the right workload make for the best career.
What is your current occupation or industry?
Dentist.
Where do you currently work?
Watagan Dental.
What excites you the most about the industry you work in?
The constant progression of the industry due to digital technologies.
What career advice would you give your younger self?
To talk to people in the professions you are considering to find out what the good and the bad parts of the job are.
What is your current occupation or industry?
Electrical contractor
Where do you currently work?
Run my own business - Phil Lindsay Electrical
Have you worked in other industries?
I was originally a registered nurse
What excites you the most about the industry you work in?
I enjoy designing and installing domestic electrical installations that make people’s lives easier and more comfortable.
What career advice would you give your younger self?
Keep up with the paperwork!
What is your current occupation or industry?
Cyber Security
Where do you currently work?
Alpha Echo
Have you worked in other industries?
Software Development, VET Education
What excites you the most about the industry you work in?
I am inspired by the diversity of my work, which constantly evolves with the world around us. It is an honour and a pride to protect Australia and its people through what I do.
What career advice would you give your younger self?
Follow your passion. You dedicate at least 8 hours a day to work, so discovering what you truly love will not only enhance your enjoyment of life but also pave the way for excellence in your field. Embrace the courage to explore different opportunities, for you never know where and when your next calling may arise.
What is your current occupation or industry?
Registered nurse
Where do you currently work?
Warners Bay Private Hospital
What excites you the most about the industry you work in?
That there is always something new to see or learn - the human body is so complex and amazing, and there are always new developments in techniques and technologies.
What career advice would you give your younger self?
You are capable of more than you think - don’t avoid giving something a go because it seems daunting.
What is your current occupation or industry?
I own and run a Buyers Agency in real estate
Where do you currently work?
Lake Macquarie Buyers Agency
Have you worked in other industries?
I initially worked as a Nutritionist in a hospital for 10 years after doing 2 degrees in Food Science & Nutrition and Biomedical Sciences. I then went on to manage a very large team of consultants selling Tupperware and doing cooking demonstrations empowering people in the kitchen. I was blessed enough to travel the world and have a company car as an Executive Manager and developed opportunities in sales as my business and my team grew. All these journeys eventually culminated my love of working with people, empowering them with new skills and into sales in Real Estate where I developed a passion for helping Buyers Navigate what can be a very tricky journey.
What excites you the most about the industry you work in?
It’s all about the people! Helping clients get to their next stage in life, whether that’s buying a first home, or buying an investment, or buying a home in a new location … the excitement of helping them navigate the process and result is fabulous.
What career advice would you give your younger self?
Positivity breeds opportunities and negativity kills opportunities. Positivity is also contagious and others want to be around a positive person. Believe you are deserving, work hard for your goals and have a voice of confidence.
What is your current occupation or industry?
Paramedic NSW Health.
Where do you currently work?
Morisset NSW Ambulance Service.
Have you worked in other industries?
Yes, carpentry/construction supervisor Cherry Building Co., Sanitarium Factory, and labouring at a power station in Queensland.
What excites you the most about the industry you work in?
Helping those who genuinely can't help themselves.
What career advice would you give your younger self?
Apply yourself consistently, you will learn faster and advance in your career in leaps and bounds.
What is your current occupation or industry?
Pilot / Flight Instructor / Flight Examiner.
Where do you currently work?
Various locations - mostly in NSW; Hunter Valley, Mid North Coast, South Coast, Western NSW.
Have you worked in other industries?
School Based Education, University.
What excites you the most about the industry you work in?
Helping people to achieve life goals about which they are passionate.
What career advice would you give your younger self?
Don't be afraid to focus and to have a go.
What is your current occupation or industry?
Composer/Music Producer
Where do you currently work?
Remotely from my home in Cooranbong
Have you worked in other industries?
Education (Primary Teaching)
What excites you the most about the industry you work in?
The opportunity to be creative and to work alongside and learn from the best in the industry.
What career advice would you give your younger self?
Your first job doesn't have to be your last job. Keep doing the things you love.
What is your current occupation or industry?
Mechanical Engineer
Where do you currently work?
Sanitarium Health Food Co
Have you worked in other industries?
I have completed Fitting and machining, Toolmaking, Diploma in Management, Project Management and Mechanical Engineering.
What excites you the most about the industry you work in?
My role gives me great variety.
What career advice would you give your younger self?
If you enjoy your work you will get paid to have fun.
What is your current occupation or industry?
Pilot.
Where do you currently work?
Eastern Air Services.
Have you worked in other industries?
I have only worked in aviation.
What excites you the most about the industry you work in?
The aviation industry offers excitement through adventure, with the chance to explore new places while enjoying the freedom of flight. It challenges you to navigate complex technology and solve problems like weather and systems issues. Ensuring passenger safety and delivering essential services is rewarding, while the thrill of flight and variety of career paths keeps things exciting.
What career advice would you give your younger self?
Never listen to the doubters, continue to stay focused and work hard, surround yourself with high achievers and mentors.
What is your current occupation or industry?
Psychologist in a private practice, and university lecturer in counselling and psychology.
Where do you currently work?
Liberated Psychology and Avondale University.
Have you worked in other industries?
School Counsellor.
What excites you the most about the industry you work in?
Empowering people to be the best versions of themselves and supporting people on healing journeys - both in mental health support and mental health education.
What career advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and try something no one else is doing, it can be rewarding.
What is your current occupation or industry?
Training Coordinator at Mines Rescue NSW
Where do you currently work?
Newcastle Mines Rescue Station (Argenton)
Have you worked in other industries?
Mining, Open Cut and Underground, Transport, Logistics, Farming Agriculture, Building Construction, Food Manufacturing (Electrician).
What excites you the most about the industry you work in?
The comradery, teamwork and safety culture you create within the industries you have contact with.
What career advice would you give your younger self?
Have a go, study. You need to enjoy what you choose as a career, as you will spend a long time doing it. You can also always change careers.
What is your current occupation or industry?
Sales, Marketing & Property Development
Where do you currently work?
Watagan Park
Have you worked in other industries?
Always in property, but within different sectors including residential, commercial, specialty projects, retirement living, and even utilities. It’s a diverse industry with a lot of different career paths.
What excites you the most about the industry you work in?
We’re shaping communities that will last for generations. Property is more than just selling houses. It brings together so many different skills and careers. In this industry, you can be a lawyer, a marketer, a salesperson, a builder, an engineer, a planner, an ecologist, or even someone who works in fire safety. There’s something for everyone.
What career advice would you give your younger self?
At your age, everyone is asking, “What do you want to do?” and the answer usually focuses on a job title. But I’d ask it differently. Do you want to find a job that makes you happy while making money? Or do you want to make money in the fastest, easiest way possible so that you have the time and resources to do what makes you happy? Once you answer that, the next step is figuring out your skills and matching them to an industry. Here’s an example. A friend of mine wanted to be a musician. He spent years trying to make it work, but financially, it wasn’t sustainable. He had a backup plan studying law but felt like that meant "selling out." Eventually, he leaned into law and became an intellectual property lawyer for artists. Now, he works in the music industry, represents musicians, and gets backstage passes to concerts. He found his niche. If you love an industry, don’t just look at the obvious jobs. Find where your skills fit.
What is your current occupation or industry?
Builder.
Where do you currently work?
I have my own business called Borgas Building which is based in Lake Macquarie.
Have you worked in other industries?
No, i started my Carpentry apprenticeship straight out of High School.
What excites you the most about the industry you work in?
I love that every day is different and the satisfaction of problem solving situations on the job site. I enjoy making clients dreams become a reality. The before and after, building a new idea out of something old.
What career advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions, there is always something new to learn. Always go the extra mile and work hard.
What is your current occupation or industry?
Physiotherapy
Where do you currently work?
Coast Sport
Have you worked in other industries?
Not since graduation from university.
What excites you the most about the industry you work in?
The opportunity to work with people to achieve their rehabilitation or performance goals.
What career advice would you give your younger self?
Be confident in what you know and be eager to learn!
What is your current occupation or industry?
Teacher
Where do you currently work?
Macquarie College
Have you worked in other industries?
Since graduating from University, I have only worked in schools.
What excites you the most about the industry you work in?
What excites me most is finding what to challenge the young people I work with, to better understand themselves and the world around them. This often means I am regularly presented with new challenges and new opportunities to work differently and engage all my students.
What career advice would you give your younger self?
You're not the first to face the challenges, and you won’t be the last. You don’t need all the answers—just find real ways to help others. That’s where the impact (and opportunity) is.
What is your current occupation or industry?
Beauty Therapist.
Where do you currently work?
A beauty clinic in Morisset.
Have you worked in other industries?
I worked for 9 months on a cruise ship as a facialist on Princess Cruise Lines.
What excites you the most about the industry you work in?
I love connecting with people and the results you get for your clients.
What career advice would you give your younger self?
You don't need to settle on your first career choice.
What is your current occupation or industry?
I'm a "Senior Lecturer" at university, which means that I teach and do science research.
Where do you currently work?
University of Newcastle
Have you worked in other industries?
Not really. I have co-founded a tech device company and am active in that outside my university job. My main activity with the company is actually software development, which is different to my "current industry"
What excites you the most about the industry you work in?
I'm passionate about discovering and communicating scientific ideas that have impact to change the world!
What career advice would you give your younger self?
Don't be scared of "failure". Keep doing fun things, and if long-term goals don't work out that is probably ok because there are lots of interesting things you could do instead.
What is your current occupation or industry?
Child protection/support services.
Where do you currently work?
SDA Church/Adsafe.
Have you worked in other industries?
Legal.
What excites you the most about the industry you work in?
Connecting with people and helping people in a tangible way.
What career advice would you give your younger self?
Be open to opportunities because there are many ways to get where you want to go.
What is your current occupation or industry?
Pastor.
Where do you currently work?
Lakeside Church and Big Camp Superintendent.
Have you worked in other industries?
Carpenter.
What excites you the most about the industry you work in? It is rewarding studying the Bible with people and seeing them make decisions to accept Jesus as their Saviour.
What is your current occupation or industry?
Doctor, healthcare worker.
Where do you currently work?
District Hunter New England, John Hunter Hospital/Maitland Hospital/Belmont Hospital.
Have you worked in other industries?
No.
What excites you the most about the industry you work in? Watching people recover from acute illnesses and being apart of that journey.
What career advice would you give your younger self?
There is a guarantee that patience, hard work and persistence will pay off.
Check out some more Avondale School alumni stories in our series Real Life.
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