A young local shares her journey of growth, connection, and artistic passion.

Bridgewater is home to many inspiring individuals, and one of them is Max, a 21-yearold who has lived in the area with her dad for the past five to six years. Born and raised in Tasmania, Max describes herself as “Tasmanian through and through,” a sentiment that shines through her love for the community.

When Max first moved to Bridgewater, she had heard stories about its reputation for trouble. However, her real experience quickly challenged those perceptions. “Spend a bit of time here and it really is just like everywhere else,” she says. “There is good and bad and you can find beauty everywhere.”

Soon after settling in, Max landed her first job out of college at the local café, Bean to Brew. Despite dealing with social anxiety during her school years and having no prior hospitality experience, Max’s willingness to learn and friendly personality helped her secure the position. “My job at Bean to Brew has really helped me get over that,” she shares. “I came across as bubbly and friendly, and I got the job!”

Max has discovered a genuine passion for hospitality, thriving on helping others and serving the Bridgewater community. She notes, “I don’t make assumptions about people based on appearance. I’ve learnt I have empathy and am not judgmental. I get to learn every day what is important to people in our community and it’s good to hear what other people think.” The sense of belonging surprised her: “I was so pleasantly surprised at how tight knit the community is here. There is lots happening and you can easily get to know people. I wear my heart on my sleeve.”

Outside of work Max loves reading, drawing, and music. English Literature was one of her favourite subject at school, and her love of books continues to this day. “I was reading chapter books at five or six years of age, but art is my absolute favourite pastime and escape. I love drawing anime style.”

Max studied digital art at Rosny College and maintains a keen interest in all things Japanese, a passion she connected to through art, drawing, and learning the language at school.

She admits to having been a “weeaboo” obsessed with Japanese culture when she was younger, but now enjoys a more balanced appreciation.

Max’s story is a testament to the vibrant, welcoming spirit of Bridgewater. Through her work, her art, and her everyday life, she continues to find beauty in the people and places around her—making Bridgewater a better place for all.

Looking ahead: ambitions and community involvement

Max is currently undertaking her Certificate III in Hospitality at Tas TAFE. She has found her calling in hospitality and says with a laugh, “I’ve got to use this energy and personality!” Looking to the future, Max hopes to gain experience in a five-star hotel and is eager to travel the world to experience new cultures, people, and places. She believes travel broadens perspective and expands knowledge, and she hopes to save enough to take a year off backpacking. “It is important to learn from each other, bridge gaps to overcome racism and bring people together. It can make such a big difference.”

Inspired by her time at Bean to Brew and her employer Sam, Max dreams of one day opening her own business. She has recently become involved with the local Youth Justice Early Intervention Project—a partnership between community groups, Brighton Alive, Brighton Council and the Department of Education, Children and Young People (DECYP). Max is part of a panel and steering group reviewing grant applications for local projects that aim to help keep young people out of the justice system.

Max is particularly passionate about the ‘Night Café’ project, which operates every Wednesday afternoon at the Civic Centre car park. She understands the importance of providing a safe place for young people, especially those facing challenges at home. “Kids know when something is genuinely for them and when it is just a show. If something goes in an educational direction they will turn off and smell an ulterior motive from a mile away versus just a place to connect, that gives the feeling of understanding and where they can relate.”

Volunteering on the panel and steering group has given Max a strong sense of purpose. “It is good to be able to have your voice heard and as a young person I have some understanding of the issues for young people on a day to day basis. I have dealt with some hard stuff myself. Being part of the panel and steering group makes me feel heard and listened to. You still often get a bad rap as a young person so need to step up and break down assumptions. Lack of respect between adults and kids can cause so many problems. We need more kindness in the world. We need to sort out at the heart of community where are our kids being failed, they are just kids. Kill them with kindness I say!”