Best friends Issy (17) and Emily (18), who met at Nashville State School and live on the same street, are launching a new project to share their love of the 4017 community.
Through their Instagram series, Issy & Emily – Getting to Know You, they will share light-hearted interviews with local identities, celebrating the people who make the area special, while creating a meaningful way to contribute to their community.
Both Issy and Emily live with intellectual disabilities and complex health challenges, but they said this was only one part of their story. The project aims to highlight their passions and reflect who they are as individuals.
Emily enjoys singing and has performed at the Einbunpin Festival with her school choir. She is also a passionate supporter of the Redcliffe Dolphins.
Issy, meanwhile, has a love of theatre and has performed with Brisbane Junior Theatre. She said she hoped to one day become a famous interviewer and appear on the big screen.
“I love watching interviews like Pass Around the Smile and Move Over Mama, and I hope to be just like them, too,” Issy said.
Their series will feature interviews with small business owners, creatives and community figures, including Bec from Bec’s Shop in Brighton, Neridah Waters from Common People Dance Project, Gumbuya Community Garden, and State Member for Sandgate, Bisma Asif.
Sharing Stories and Building Confidence Through Community
“I’m so excited for this opportunity because I want to get to know people in my community and become a really good interviewer,” Emily said.
“I can’t wait to interview Bisma as my local MP for Sandgate. She seems like lots of fun and doing amazing things for our community.”
In addition to the project, the pair enjoy spending time locally and visiting their favourite eateries.
“My favourite place to eat with my family is the Full Moon Hotel, and I love their chicken parmigiana,” Emily said.
Issy, who recently “had an epic fancy dress birthday party at the VMR venue in Shorncliffe”, said she loved the tuna and avocado sushi at G’Day Sushi.
The pair agreed that their goal was to make people smile through their Instagram videos and posts, and they hoped the community would support them.
Issy’s mother, Amy, said the young women were proud 4017 locals.
“Like many young people finishing school, they are navigating what comes next, a stage often filled with both excitement and uncertainty,” Amy said. “For Issy and Emily, this transition brings its own challenges. What stands out is their determination to be part of their community in a meaningful and positive way.
“For Issy and Emily, this is more than a project; it is a meaningful opportunity to build confidence, develop skills and create a sense of belonging as they transition into adulthood.”
Ms Asif said she was honoured and excited to be the first interviewee.
“Young people driving their own initiatives like this is exactly what we want to see in our community,” she said.
“Through this project, Issy and Emily will be showcasing and highlighting the contributions of our local small businesses and community members – the people who make 4017 a great place to live.
“Keep an eye out for Issy and Emily!”
Follow their journey on Instagram @issyandemilyproject
Read more stories from the Sandgate Guide print magazine here:
- Bramble Buzz: Updates from the Community
- Movie Review: German Film Festival
- Podcast Review: Uncanny
- Permission to Be Rubbish
- Protect Your Information Before You Share It
- Can You Help Keep Sandgate Beautiful Association (KSBA)?
- Interest Rates Went Up… Now What?
- New Campaign Unveiled To Shape Sandgate’s Future
- Arthouse Northside Finds New Home In Sandgate Village
- Local Artist Unveils First Solo Exhibition
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- Brighton Foreshore Gets Facelift
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- Mini Enthusiasts Unite For London 2 Brighton Run
- Sandgate High Opens Doors to Young Musicians
- Granny Smith Muffins Recipe
- Art at The Heart of School Community
- Sounds of Soul Brings The Groove To Cardigan Bar
- Do Increasing Prices Mean Less Fun?
- Timeless Duets Concert Celebrates Musical Favourites
- Womenspace Launch Showcases Powerful Symbols of Belonging
- Fish of the Month
- Organic Gardening in May
- Kumbartcho Sanctuary Offers Nature, Education and Family Fun
