Now is your chance to get to know the Alive Mag Wide Bay team a little better. Five women who came together at the closing of one chapter to begin another… To keep telling the stories of the people and places of the Wide Bay.
What you may not know about us? At one point or another in our lives, we all have been colleagues working within the Wide Bay region. Now we are so much more. We are each other’s allies, friends, mentors. We push each other for better, pick each other up when we are struggling, work collectively to achieve amazing results. Alive Mag WB is a true collaboration.
Joy Butler
Founder/Designer/Photographer
Best nickname you ever had: Ninja
Why did you join the team? A day after our regional newspapers announced that they ceased all feature magazines and prints. I contacted Lizzie and asked her “We need to start a magazine, are you in?”. She said “Yes, let’s do it!”. Then we caught up with Leanne, Kerrie and Louise couple days later. That’s how we started this amazing team. It’s so energising to work with like-minded wonderwomen!
What Fraser Coast issues are you most passionate about? Too many inspirational stories hidden in this beautiful region, yet for us to discover.
Anything else you’d like to share? Be fearless. Experience life, feel the love, give your heart out.
Lizzie Macaulay
Digital Editor
Best nickname you ever had: Ooh, tricky! My year 2 teacher used to call me ‘Lizard’, which I loved at the time. Or for a lot of my time in Scotland, people seemed to call me ‘Pipes’. (purely because my surname was Piper, and literally nothing to do with being able to sing or have long legs – these are not talents or attributes I possess…)
Why did you join the team? Joy and I set up a magazine not too unlike this a few years ago. It was a passion project. So to get the opportunity to start again with absolutely no boundaries is so exciting.
What Fraser Coast issues are you most passionate about? Mostly just promoting all the amazing qualities life on the Fraser Coast has. We are so lucky to live here!
Anything else you’d like to share? Never underestimate the power of kindness
Leanne Esposito
Editor
Best nickname you ever had: Thumbelina
Why did you join the team? When certain individuals meet to share creatively, their rich mix of talents and personalities combine in an alchemical transmutation. Since meeting the team in 2016 and working together I know that whatever they touch is gold.
What Fraser Coast issues are you most passionate about? Humanity: Uncovering the absolute gems of our society and telling their stories.
Anything else you’d like to share? My favourite movie is The Fifth Element. My favourite author is Maya Angelou. I am passionate about freedom and women’s issues and commenced the Australian White Ribbon Writing Competition in 2014. At the moment it is on hold but I’m sure we could kick it off again.
Kerrie Alexander
Editor
Best nickname you ever had:Kez. I only get called Kerrie when I’m in trouble.
Why did you join the team? I have worked with some wonderful individuals in my 20 years of publishing, but these ladies take the cake. They are passionate, intelligent and just all-round gorgeous human beings. I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to work on such an amazing product and an outstanding team.
What Fraser Coast issues are you most passionate about? I am passionate about profiling the region we live in, the people who make it a better place and local tourism.
Anything else you’d like to share? I have lived in Hervey Bay all my life and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. I love the relaxed lifestyle, the beaches, and the amazing residents who have so many wonderful stories to tell. I can’t wait to share some of those stories on the pages of Alive Magazine Fraser Coast.
Louise Holmes
Advertising Manager
Best nickname you ever had: LuLu I got that from about 6months old because I was such a lulu….
Why did you join the team? I have worked with all of the current team in my newspaper role, and love the energy that comes from likeminded positive energetic people. Working with this team to produce this quality magazine combined with a great digital presence is really exciting.
What Fraser Coast issues are you most passionate about? Our beautiful region, keeping it crisp and clean for our Whales and future generations.
Anything else you’d like to share? I went to live in New Zealand with my Kiwi husband over 30 years ago and raised our 4 daughters there. We decided to come back to Australia, and couldn’t believe how beautiful Hervey Bay was, just everything felt right here, and this is where we are now…..