I was stuck in a life that I tried to get out of - I tried so hard to get ahead.
I knew I wanted to be an architect – there was no doubt in my mind even as an eleven year old.
Melbourne has gone through many changes since I used to visit the CBD as a child with my mother and younger sister in the 1960s.
My father told me early on that if I wanted to be a good architect then I had to become a good engineer first.
This is the story of my childhood and how the Stolen Generations affected my family and my life's journey.
In 2013, Australia's only youth-driven national sexual health organisation, YEAH, helped to put World AIDS Day back on the map. They set up their giant inflatable Condom Castle in Federation Square and educated the public about sexual health and the event's 25 year history.
Despite our rapidly aging nation, Australia is not necessarily very friendly to the elderly. I am proud to work towards giving older Victorians a voice and protecting their rights.
When my family and I arrived in Australia in 2002 we were struck by the warmth of the people of Australia and their willingness to help.
I initially wasn't very sure about my career choice, writes the former CEO of the Australian Institute of Architects, Michael Peck.
Missionvale Australia was established and active in Sydney, but needed a volunteer to run their operations in Melbourne - that person turned out to be me.