Returning: My Way

Queensland lifestyle series My Way returns to Nine this Sunday.

Each week Tim Blackwell introduces four Aussies, each with a story about how they live their best life.

Lisa Bradley, the owner of Oz Paragliding and Hang Gliding at Mount Tamborine, is the only qualified chief flying instructor in Australia and New Zealand for both disciplines. How she did it is extraordinary. As a 20-year-old cyclist on a training ride she was struck by a car driven by – a tandem paraglide pilot! Guilt-ridden, he visited her in hospital, eventually taking her out for a flight. It wasn’t long until she fell in love with the sport, not only taking up flying on a regular basis but jumping at the chance to become an instructor.

Brett Goodban was a keen diver who had his career and passion taken away from him in the blink of an eye. He was told he would never dive again after a dire episode of viral pneumonia whilst travelling overseas. Brett underwent a gruelling recovery and turned to his love of the underwater world to push through. He took up the gig of presenter, educator and tour guide at the Cairns aquarium. This connection to life under the water allows Brett to be surrounded by his true passion. His inspirational story is one full of resilience and hope for anyone facing a life setback.

Jessica Wallrock is regarded as “antique royalty”, who grew up in a family of Indiana Jones-like antique hunters and dealers. Upon relocating to Australia, Jess’s father saw an opportunity in the market for Victorian furniture, and so began Wallrocks Antiques. Her father traversed the globe to uncover and save beautiful and forgotten furniture destined for the tip. Today, Jessica carries on the family pursuit as the owner of Wallrocks Antiques, and she too travels all over the world to bring amazing antiques back to Brisbane, proud of her family’s remarkable lineage.

What happens when a home economics teacher gives away the classroom to open a tea shop? Amanda Rickard, owner of Stir and Stitch in Yeppoon, can tell you. Amanda has always been crazy about home economics and crafts, and spotted a need in her community to match cooking and sewing classes with high tea and good company. It culminated in the opening of Stir and Stitch, a place where people of all ages and abilities make the trek to unleash their inner artistry, finding a common creative bond thanks to Amanda’s communal spirit.

Sunday at 5.30pm on Nine (Queensland).