From humble beginnings Julia made the most of her opportunities. Julia was awarded an Invergowrie Foundation Western Chances Scholarship over six years which allowed her to perform on an even level with other students at her school. The Scholarship not only provided financial support but gave Julia reassurance there was someone who believed in her abilities. She was also provided with the confidence and belief that being ‘financially disadvantaged’ didn’t mean she could not succeed. With the additional support of her mother, Julia was very determined to work hard and aim high.

At age 14 Julia started volunteering her time to the community in developing a youth production team. She worked after school hours organising various community events where she discovered her passion for live events. It became a natural progression to study a Bachelor of Production (Stage Management) at the University of Melbourne– Victorian College of the Arts. With only 30 intakes into this course each year, Julia embraced every opportunity being involved in many productions and events over the course of her study. Since completing her studies, Julia established her own business in events and production management.

Seven years on, her company JT. Production Management now has an office in North Melbourne, a team of 8 staff working with over 45 different brands and organisations delivering an average of 50 events a year. Julia’s business growth was recognised in 2016 with the Victorian Young Achiever Awards, Career Kickstart Award. In the same year she was also appointed by the State Government to join the Multicultural Small Business Ministerial Council for a two-year term.

Julia is also an Ambassador for Western Chances who along with the Invergowrie Foundation supported Julia’s education and career pathway with ongoing scholarships and opportunities. Julia’s hope was always to give back, having now employed former Western Chances recipients casually, presented at schools on her entrepreneur journey and also mentored other young people.

Julia thoroughly loves her job and is very grateful to have chosen this pathway and appreciates the support she has had on her journey.