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VFFF Youth Advisory Group - In conversation with Steph Pearson

As part of our regular Youth Advisory Group Q&A series, we are excited to introduce you to Steph Pearson.

Tell us a bit about you! Where are you from, what do you do, and what are some of your passions/interests?

I grew up in Dalby on the Western Downs in Queensland and most of my work revolves around community and conservation. I work with Ripple Opportunities where I help emerging changemakers connect with social purpose organisations (and vice versa!) and I'm also a Bush Regenerator and plant nursery caretaker with Flora 4 Fauna for landholders working to regenerate their properties. Aside from a deep passion for garlic bread in all its forms- I am passionate about gender justice, biodiversity, the celebration of Australia's native foods and Australia's role in our region…which is why I studied Indonesian at university and have spent almost 4 years of my life there!

What is your connection to rural and regional Australia?

I've lived in rural and regional areas for the majority of my life and have a deep connection to the stories that emerge from these places. My favourite place in the world is the Bunya Mountains not only because of the delicious bunya nut but because of the rich ongoing history of First Nations custodianship that has created a sanctuary for both humans and wildlife there.

Overall, I love the vibrancy of life outside the city and feel that as a young person living rurally there is so much potential to drive change and make your own handprint on the place as an act of co-creating communities that people actually want to live in. Also - the best dark skies and stellar sunsets are in the bush which is probably the biggest drawcard.

You have just finished your term as a VFFF Youth Advisory Group member – what was the highlight of the experience for you?

My highlight was experiencing the perspectives of the other YAG members that deepened my own understanding of what it means to be a young person.

Before joining the YAG - my understanding of philanthropic support was limited but I’ve now seen how transformative it can be at the early stages of innovative ideas (like Backing the Future) as well as for the day to day operations of established groups.

‘Philanthropy done well can jump in when government and others can’t – and seeing this firsthand with VFFF was one of the most rewarding and inspiring initiatives I’ve ever been a part of.’

VFFF's Youth Advisory Group