Now is your chance to get to know the Alive Mag team a little better. Local residents who come together at the closing of one chapter to begin another… To keep telling the stories of the people and places of the Fraser Coast Region.
Joy Butler
Founder
Our heart and soul behind Alive Magazine from 2020 to December 2025
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 a couple of days later. That’s how we started this amazing team. It’s so energising to work with like-minded wonderwomen!
In December 2025, Joy made the decision to step back from Alive Magazine to pursue new passions and adventures. Joy reached out to Kelly and asked her to be the new owner of Alive Magazine, effective January 2026.
Kelly Penny
Owner / Advertising Manager / Graphic Designer / Photographer / Distributor
Why did you join the team? When Joy reached out to me and asked me to become the new owner, I was truly honoured. I joined the Alive Magazine team because I genuinely believe in the power of local stories and the impact they have on a community and, quite simply, I loved reading the magazine each month.
Alive has always been about connection, positivity, and showcasing the people and businesses that make our region so special. That aligns closely with why I do what I do with my other magazine, Island View Connect Magazine, a local digital publication focused on community and connection with our small businesses and community groups.
Being part of the Alive team allows me to help keep a much-loved local publication thriving, while continuing to support and celebrate our community.
What Fraser Coast issues are you most passionate about? Supporting the visibility of our local small business community.
Anything else you’d like to share? I am a mum to three kids, two dogs, and a wife. My family and I arrived in Hervey Bay at the start of 2023 after spending 2022 travelling Australia in a caravan for the year. Before this, we lived in Brisbane, where we were small business operators for over 15 years.
Lizzie Macaulay
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
