Omar Dean
Omar Dean is Australia’s hottest new talent with a unique voice that has captured hearts around the country. At the tender age of 20, Omar has been a contestant on Australia’s The X Factor in 2013 under the watchful eye of international star and mentor, Ronan Keating. After his stellar rendition of Usher’s ‘Climax’ at The X Factor auditions, audiences around the country were absolutely in awe of his talent.
Having worn his heart on his sleeve from the start of The X Factor, it was a more composed Omar Dean who made a gracious exit from the Seven Series. Little did he know, this was only the beginning of his career. Exuding youthful charm and cheekiness, this vocal powerhouse counts his family and friends as the prevailing motivation for his success in the contest. “I joined X Factor out of my own desire and passion but all of the incredible support I had from friends and family gave me added drive.” Google “Omar Dean” and you will find his online presence was massive even before his TV domination.
A true online sensation, it was only a matter of time until he rose to stardom. After being hailed as the kindest and most relatable contestant on X Factor, this talented young man doesn’t forget his roots. “This opportunity, I’m so grateful for it, and that’s how I act every day. I don’t want to miss a chance to thank everybody.” Australia is in for a treat as Omar’s profile continues to grow. Counting Justin Timberlake, Usher and Justin Beiber as a few of his musical influences, this rising star is set to take the national and international music scene by storm- just like his role models. 2014 is set to be huge for Omar with the release of his forthcoming single and countless shows lined up throughout the year.
With a massive social media pull and a fan base that truly is colossal teenage girls across the country won’t know what hit them. Move over Beiber, step aside Buble, Omar Dean is here!
Courtney Hale
Courtney Hale is a Singer Dancer actor and has recently appeared on the 2014 The Voice Australia. Courtney Has grown up living and breathing in the performing arts industry, consistently performing in Musical Theatre shows from Annie to 42nd Street and many Dance Shows including being apart of World Champion Hip-hop crew “Request” and performing in various Dance Industry nights such as Underground Melbourne. Courtney has an infectious, sassy and quirky stage presence and just loves to perform.
Thando
Thando is an R&B singer and recently dubbed the “Soul Sista” of Melbourne. Since her debut in the Melbourne local scene 2013, Thando and her band have played at several iconic venues in Melbourne and are steadily attracting a following of loyal R&B lovers. At the age of 21, with a repertoire full of songs penned about love, life and tongue in cheek subject matter; she isn’t afraid to lead her music into risque territories, and her live show speaks for itself.
Following an appearance on hit national television show ‘The Voice’, Thando and her 6 piece R&B band have shown no signs of slowing down. She recently released a new single “Down” in 2014 in a bid to raise money for their upcoming tour, there is a national tour in the works for later this year, and the release of her brand new EP “Bodies”.
Frank Dixon
Winner of the 2012 Australian Songwriter of the Year (Youth Category) – Singer/ Songwriter Frank Dixon has a string of song writing and commercial achievements under his 15 year old belt. As the host of his own radio program “Music Matters” and the host and junior mentor of Fast Track – Australia’s largest singing competition, Frank uses his journey through the music industry to encourage and support young people to follow their dreams.
Recent single releases ‘Toorak Girl’ and ‘Dream Brigade’ have received significant radio play across the country and given Frank an opportunity to be interviewed and speak on over 80 different radio programs and pass on his positive and enthusiastic zest for life – inspiring young people to believe that the world is full of ‘Possibility’. Frank’s latest single “Gold” features Kelebek. It embodies the message of hope and possibility for all and is very proudly used as the theme song of the 2014 Australian Teenage Expo.
Cyrus Jensen
CYRUS JENSEN BIO August 2014 Guinea-born Cyrus Jensen has been through more than your average 19-year-old. At age three his country broke out in war, at nine he was separated from his mother, at 11 he moved to Melbourne as a refugee, and at just 15 he was homeless. “A lot of people here have been through similar things, but they give up on life. You’ve got to love yourself and believe in who you are.” Cyrus said.
Cyrus is a survivor. He began busking by freestyling with a soccer ball, to make money and keep himself alive. Cyrus was spotted at 15 performing soccer tricks and was asked to join a soccer team. Within a year of joining his first soccer club Cyrus was selected for the Under 21’s Victorian Soccer team at just 16. In that same year Cyrus was selected for the Under 21’s Australian Soccer team.
WATCH Cyrus soccer skills:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kScU5XS85d4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UlbbSKVbSS0
At 16 Cyrus was scouted by the famous Riverplate soccer club in Argentina and was taken there as part of its junior development program. Unfortunately Cyrus had no parents who would sign guardian papers for him to be there and he had no choice but to return to Australia. For Cyrus soccer was freedom. It was him being world class. Escaping the harshness of being homeless. During these two years no one in the sport knew he was homeless. He didn’t want to discuss it as it was a weakness and full of sadness. Cyrus couldn’t afford club fee’s, the transport to get to training or games nor could he afford the team uniforms.
On returning to Australia with little hope and no support Cyrus gave up soccer. For the next 2 years Cyrus would focus on Music, writing and producing. Music was a tool Cyrus used to work through the sadness of losing a brother in Africa. In June 2014, Cyrus was waiting in a car park outside a music studio with his backpack, laptop computer and headphones. He had arrived at the studio at Midday in the hope of showing his music to the owner of the studio optimistic for work. After waiting 6 hours, a young person who had been recording in the studio noticed him and struck up a conversation, questioning who he was and what he was doing. At this point something changed for Cyrus. The person he met at the front of the studio was the Under 18 Australian Singer Songwriter of the Year (2012), Frank Dixon. Frank got to know Cyrus over the coming weeks and recognised an opportunity to invite him to collaborate on a song that Frank had just released to ITunes called “Gold”. Gold is a song about the potential in people. ‘Gold’ has been selected to be the theme song for the 2014 Australian Teenage Expo being staged at the Royal Show grounds in Melbourne on 28th and 29th August 2014.
The Expo invited Cyrus become an official ambassador for the event where he will perform Gold, display his soccer talent, and share his story of determination with thousands of teens. Within a month Cyrus was working for Frank Dixon’s management company YOYO Music. Cyrus had found a home and he played his first game of soccer game in two years in August. As part of the event Cyrus formally kicks off his soccer career again as part of his involvement with The Australian Teenage Expo. Life for Cyrus now includes support from a team of people who believe in his journey and the remarkable person he is. The future for Cyrus is exciting. The journey has only just begun.
WATCH Meet Cyrus discussing Gold:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=knOpTgmuYZQ
To connect with Cyrus please contact Yoyo Management.
Ben Brazil
Mob. 0414 830 527
Email. ben@yoyomusic.com.au
Vivica
Vivica is a 15 year old Singer Songwriter who was Born and raised in Queensland, Australia. Her Love of singing started at age 3 and by age 8, it was clear to experts that her voice was special. Although she is well known around Australia as a 3 times Australian Champion Artistic Roller Skater, her true passion is singing. Vivica was discovered and is now Mentored and Vocally coached by LEGEND – VENETTA FIELDS. Venetta is an inductee into the Buffalo Hall of Fame in the USA and was Mentored by Aretha Franklin.
In 1976 she starred along side Barbra Streisand in the Classic movie “A Star Is Born”. Venetta also worked with Pink Floyd, Rolling Stones, Cher, Dianna Ross, Tina Turner and many more LEGENDS. In Australia she is mostly known for her work with John Farnham, Helen Ready and on TV shows like “Hey Hey, It’s Saturday. Venetta also discovered Teen Superstar, Cody Simpson. She is considered one of the Best Vocal Coaches of all time. Venetta has described Vivica as a prodigy with a “Dangerous” voice and one ofthe best voices she has ever trained in her 50 year career. Venetta believes Vivica is a Global proposition. At age 12, Vivica co-wrote, recorded and then released her Debut Self Titled Album. Vivica now has a huge fan base both in Australia, the UK, USA and many other countries. Vivica has also attracted the attention and interest of Music Heavy weights in the USA. She is not yet signed to a Record Label.
In 2013, Australia’s biggest, most Prestigious and Successful Artist Manager, David Caplice heard about Vivica and after flying to Queensland to meet her, he signed Vivica to a Global Management Contract. David is responsible for the careers of Jessica Mauboy, Guy Sebastian, Shannon Noll and now “The Voice” Winner – Harrison Craig. David Caplice and Alfred Tuohey are now working with Vivica on her official Launch single and are getting her ready for a Launch onto the World Stage.
Krishool
A guaranteed crowd pleaser, African born Krishool has a natural ability to bring dance and rhythm to his performances. He acknowledges an influence from artists Michael Jackson, Usher and John Legend, and enjoys covering jazz and soul with a peppering of rock ballads.More recently, Krishool was coached by Will.i.am on Channel Nine’s hit show, The Voice, where we wowed judges with his soulful voice and energetic dance moves.
The singer-songwriter currently performs regular solo gigs in his hometown of Melbourne and explores a love of acting, comedy and podcasting when off the stage. Classically trained, he has been performing since the age of five and after graduating high school, he toured Europe with boy band trio, ‘Track 5’.
Soli Tesema
Soli Tesema is an aspiring singer-songwriter who was apart of The Voice Australia this year and managed to reach the top 24. Soli’s soulful sound is inspired from growing up whilst performing in the church. Soul and RnB are the sounds that Soli identifies with and is most passionate about. After leaving The Voice stage, Soli’s main goal now is to begin releasing her original music in aims of inspiring others.
Omar Dean
Tyler Wilford
Tyler Wilford (born June 22, 1997). Tyler is a singer songwriter and an artist. He is best known for being on Young talent time in 2012. Since that time he has gone on to continue singing, songwriting, performing, Judging and also Mc’ing at different events such as Teenage expo, Fast Track Singing Comp. He is also now an ambassador for Teenage expo and Bully Zero Australian Foundation.
Tyler is currently working and writing on his own album.
Albert Mambo
Albert Mambo is a Ugandan Born Actor who arrived in Australia, Melbourne in 2012. Albert Mambo Played a role in Jam’ie Private School Girl as Kwami who accepted Chris Lilley’s Logie award Most Popular Actor.
Albert is also a young man who is passionate about working with and advocating for young people in the community. He is studying to become a youth worker, whilst pursuing his acting career. Albert is also a funny and friendly young man who likes making jokes to make people around him happy.
Albert Mambo likes getting involved in sports like Soccer and communities events as he uses the opportunity for creating networks with other people.
Lynton Cooking Adventures
Like many of the best, Lynton’s story starts around the campfire. Growing up in the Northern Territory Lynton’s family owned and ran remote cattle stations, both of which were 230km from the nearest town, covered an area of 750 000 acres and ran over 20 000 head of cattle. As featured on Sixty Minutes in 2008. In Lynton’s own words “My father would fly a helicopter and my mum, my sisters and I would ride horses alongside the jackaroos”.
It was quite a childhood with mustering cattle, sleeping for months in a swag, cooking around the campfire and living a true Australian outback experience. After graduating high school at Toowoomba Grammar School with exceptional marks Lynton went on to study vet science however as his family ran into hard times with changes to cattle export law he had to leave University, unable to receive any kind of government assistance to stay.
Moving home to help the family, he began managing the cattle stations at the age of nineteen. The changes in law proved fatal however and the family lost the stations. After this Lynton began pursuing a carpentry apprenticeship, however, tragedy struck the family again when his little sister Emily was involved in a horse riding accident leaving her a paraplegic. Lynton changed course yet again to become her full--time carer: cooking for her and moving to LA to attend the Project Walk’s Steps to Recovery program. In 2013, after much encouragement from friends and family, Lynton entered MasterChef and was selected to compete on Series 5. Touted as the ‘Stockman’ Lynton throughout the show always referenced his Northern Territory heritage and became a firm fan favorite. Quickly building a social media following to over 20,000 there was much outrage when he came in runner up.
However, ever the gentleman Lynton was gracious in defeat and took his second place with great pride. He and winner Emma Dean have forged a strong friendship and continue cooking together and supporting each other’s career. Since then, Lynton has worked establishing himself as a cooking identity around Australia. He currently works at famed Melbourne restaurant Pei Modern. In addition, he is also busy appearing at cooking demonstrations, events, festivals and more including at the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival with Gary Mehigan (Masterchef Judge) and Kylie Millar (Masterchef Season 4) presenting a cooking demonstration on the banks of the Maribyrnong at Gary’s restaurant The Boathouse.
Lynton is currently is working on a recipe book, a TV pilot and continues building his cooking experiences by working in a number of great restaurants. He has become Foodbank Victoria’s first ambassador and recently spent time travelling to the bush fire affected areas of Victoria delivering food. He also acts as an ambassador for Tourism NT, most recently focusing on Tourism Australia’s new initiative Restaurant Australia. Lynton is a proud country boy who is doing everything he can to promote and bring awareness to Australia about the tireless food producers of not only the Northern Territory but Australia.
To book Lynton, arrange an interview or have Lynton as a guest at your event contact bronwen@littletrain.com.au, 0413 221 252.
My Super Family
My Super Single Dad is now available from Bronnys Books. Order your copy today! Past & Present Clients Lynton Tapp – MasterChef RunnerUp Series 5 / Frank Hampster – Comedian / Little Bossy Boots / Wear for Success / Death By Soprano – Melbourne Fringe Festival 2014 / BJ Stroud – Fatigue Solutions / Victoria Law Foundation / At the Beach – Batemans Bay / The Zone – Bendigo / Upwey Pizza / Channel 31 / Kiss FM / Beauty Mate / Elwood101 / Blush Photography / PROtog / Bourke Resources / S3 Performance / ELinz / Beading Store / Aromababy / BirdCage / Breast Cancer Pink Ribbon Breakfast / Dimmatinas / Griffs Wine Pub / Hottest Hunk / Snugglebum / Stone Guy / Disegno / Festival Hall (London) / Yachting Victoria / Lorne Community Hospital / MW Planning / Young Melbourne / The British Film Council / Clarendon Childen’s Centre / Room To Grow / St Martins in The Pines / FB Salons / Grit Media / BMI Weightloss Method / Emu Spirit / Motiv8 and Activ8 Fitness / Marsh Foundation / Fitted for Work / MG Studio’s / Wendy La Roche / SADS Australia / My Global Hunter / Motives / Thinking Minds / Australia Post / The Leafy Bean / Victorian Actor’s Benevolent Trust / Skinny Noodles / Active Tactics / Dr Leon / BMI Weightloss Method / Shaynna Blaze / The Gifted Man / Dear Gladys / The Clarendon Clinic / Platinum Personal Training / SassiSam / Bronnys Closet / Triple R Radio Station / The Arts Centre / Australian National Academy of Music / Lorne Community Hospital / Red Lea Chicken / Special Olympics / Game Plan Marketing / BDC / Adorn Cosmetics / Sea Gypsy / Onyx / Brand Style / Jane Australia / Your Style Web / My Super Family Children’s Books / Frank Hampster / Milkk PR / Retailiation Marketing / Medic Tours / Augustine Approved / Paul Cruikshank Automotive / MD2 / Benetton / The Jean Scene / WH Smith / MG Studio / Cenovis / Coles / Dulux / Run Scotty Run / Estella NYC / Target / KMart / Harris Scarff / AskBronny
Geva Mentor
Name: Geva Mentor Positions: GK, GD, WD Date of Birth: 17/09/1984 Height: 188cm Personal netball achievements: Commonwealth Games (2002,2006,2010, 2014) World Netball Championships (2003,2007,2011) ANZ Championship Goalkeeper of the Season (2012, 2013, 2014) Melbourne Vixens MVP (2012, 2014) Melbourne Vixens R/UP MVP (2013) Top of the table in Intercepts and Deflections in the ANZ Championship (2013) Team achievements: ANZ Championships Premierships – Melbourne Vixens (2014), Adelaide Thunderbirds (2010) ANZ Championship Grand Finalists – Melbourne Vixens (2012), Adelaide Thunderbirds (2009) Test Series vs Australia and New Zealand (for England, 2008) Test Series v New Zealand – first time England beat New Zealand in 32 years (2007) Super League Champions – Team Bath (2006/07) When netball experts talk about the best defenders in International netball Geva Mentor’s name is always mentioned.
The England international has played a significant role in building the English teams capacity to match it with world leaders in Australia and New Zealand. A junior National Trampoline Champion, keen kayaker and horse rider her all round talent is exceptional. Selected for England at just 15 years of age in 2001, Mentor has built a career around athleticism, ability to read the play and a desire to do what’s needed to be the very best.
This drive resulted in a move from her club side in Surrey, England to the Adelaide Thunderbirds in 2007 to join the ANZ Championship. After three seasons with the Thunderbirds, including a championship win in 2010, Mentor has moved to Melbourne to join the Vixens. Having played a significant role in England bronze medal at the 2010 Commonwealth Games Geva has focused her attentions on wining another ANZ title with the Melbourne Vixens coming agonizingly close in 2012 but has since tasted premiership glory again with the Vixens crowned the 2014 ANZ Championship premiers. Geva capped off the season by taking out the Sharelle McMahon Medal, the most valuable player award for the Vixens.
Stephen Fontana APM
Stephen Fontana APM Assistant Commissioner Victoria Police Stephen Fontana has been a member of Victoria Police for over 38 years and has spent the majority of his career as a criminal investigator; working at busy metropolitan Criminal Investigation Units, in the Crime Squads and on a number of high profile task force investigations.
He also spent a number of years working at the Ethical Standards Department leading investigations into complaints against police and police corruption. Mr Fontana commenced his current role as the Assistant Commissioner Crime Command on 1 July 2012. This role manages the portfolios of Specialist Support, Serious Crime (including Homicide and Sex Crimes), Finance & Cybercrime, the State Anti-Gangs Division and Organised Crime across the state.
Henry Roth
Henry Roth is Australia’s go-to lifestyle and fashion authority, all-round media personality, fashion designer and “Makeover King”. In recent times, this has seen him appear in various capacities on: the award winning Project Runway Australia, Beauty and The Geek, Australia’s Biggest Loser, The Real Housewives of Melbourne, Red Carpet from Hollywood,and Today Show Fashion Editor. Roth’s brand is based on concrete experience and a desire to constantly innovate and create. Equipped with a Bachelor of Law and Arts from the University of Sydney, he was able to take the family business to the next level at an early age and it was not long before America caught wind of this Australian powerhouse.
With an ever growing list of media credits, Roth has been featured over the years on some of the highest rating shows on the planet, including: Oprah, Good Morning America, Entertainment Tonight, ESPN makeovers, Fox and Friends- Fox Network, CNN-fn Fashion Predictions reports, Fashion Police with Joan Rivers, The View with Barbara Walters, Today Show America, E Network 101 Starlicious, and Live! On The Red Carpet, E Networks. After a whirlwind 20 years away from his hometown of Sydney – working on Bob Geldof’s Live Aid in London for 5 years and then to New York City for 15 years – Roth finally returned to Australian shores.
Now headquartered in beautiful Melbourne, Roth’s image and branding consultancy HENRY ROTH PRESENTS is quickly gaining traction. Roth credits his ambition, drive, determination and spirit to his incredible parents Aneta and Joseph Weinreich, survivors of the Holocaust who immigrated to Australia to create a better life for their family. Their strength, support and encouragement are the foundations that have made Henry the success he is today.
Simon Taylor
Simon Taylor is an Australian standup comedian based in Melbourne and LA. He is the host on Channel 31’s flagship show Live on Bowen along with his web show Beat Streets with Simon Taylor. He was a writer for The Tonight Show with Jay Leno until its completion and now writes for Shaun Micallef’s Mad as Hell on the ABC.
Simon has toured the world with his standup in places diverse as New York, Albuquerque, Singapore and Cambodia. Time Out describes him as “a shooting star of the comedy scene”, The Age depicts him as “a master of timing” and he is a recipient of The Butterfly Club’s prestigious Under Our Wing Award, previously won by Tim Minchin and Sammy J.
My social media details are: Faceboook Page: Simon Taylor Instragram/Twitter/Snapchat: MrSimonTaylor
Brooke Cairns
My name is Brooke Cairns and I am the reigning Miss Teen Galaxy Australia for 2014! I am 18 years old, live in Melbourne, Victoria and have just returned from America, where I represented Australia on an international level! Miss Teen Galaxy is an International Pageant that recognizes the inner beauty of all women, and promotes fundraising and charity work to all young girls.
Becoming Miss Teen Galaxy has enabled me many opportunities to be involved in many youth and charity events, as well as host my own fundraising events, for Make-a-Wish Australia and Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors. My biggest passion and platform would have to be peer support. I think so many teenagers are in need of guidance and providing this by someone of a similar age who may have experienced the same pressures is incredibly powerful.
I think leading by example is one of the strongest ways of influencing others and I feel like I am in a great position to do so as Miss Teen Galaxy Australia. I aim to be the best possible role model for other teens. Outside of my Galaxy Title, I recently graduated Valedictorian of my Year 12 Class as well as holding the role of College Captain, and can’t wait to continue my education next year at University on my journey to become a Secondary School Teacher. I am very down to earth, am always smiling and love spending time with my family, friends & gorgeous animals!
In my spare time you could find me out riding my horses, (often covered in mud!), or out about in my town getting involved in community events. Thanks Sacha- Feel free to chop and change, this is just a general one 🙂
Rachel
Rachel is a 17-year-old POP singer songwriter- instrumentalist from Melbourne Australia
With her pop edgy vocals, along with her acoustic guitar, it has allowed her to write /play and feature with many other artists and musicians all over Melbourne.
Rachel has been lucky enough to write and record with Songwriters such as Michael Paynter along with many other artists and Songwriters. Rachel’s passion and hard work has helped her perform live in L.A several times over the past few years recording originals and being apart of Hollywood Immersive Music Programs.
Emmanuel Kelly
Emmanuel Kelly has always dreamed of becoming a professional recording artist. This inner spirit of determination and courage together with a beautiful voice and performance moved demanding judges and many of the 6000+ audience to tears and a standing ovation on The X Factor’s opening night on 29th September 2011. Emmanuel wowed judges Ronan Keating, Spice Girl Mel Brown, Natalie Bassingthwaighte and Guy Sebastian with his heartfelt performance, Ronan Keating said, “I don’t think I’ve ever been as moved as I was by that performance ever!”
Emmanuel was born into war torn Iraq and abandoned by his parents as a baby, he was raised at an orphanage ran by the Mother Theresa nuns, before being rescued by his now mum Moira Kelly and brought to Australia for life changing surgery. Over the last 14 years being in Australia Emmanuel has had over 6 surgeries and has had to step over huge hurdles to try and achieve his goals. he has always had his eyes set on huge dreams. In his words: “You have to dream to achieve the greatest goals in life.”
Emmanuel has melted the hearts of millions around the world. Within days of his X Factor audition Emmanuel’s YouTube video received over 12 million views; in 6 months he generated an amazing 50 million hits, today Emmanuel is estimated to have over 100 million views all over YouTube.
Emmanuel’s rendition of Imagine even touched Yoko Ono so much that she tweeted “Thank you, Emmanuel. You sang beautifully! Thank you. John would have been proud of you. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Love, Yoko”.
Since his Appearance on X factor Emmanuel has released 3 singles, one dedicated to mothers called A Song For Edis, which charted in the top 100 in Australia whilst having very limited marketing and no radio air play, Dream Big which is featured in the U.S movie Crooked Arrows as the end title track and Let love find you which went on to chart in the top 40 in Australia and top 100 in 4 different countries. Despite the fact of again having very small limited marketing, no budget and mainstream radio refusing to play the track Emmanuel still was able to beet the odds.
He has also produced, recorded and written with U.S and Canadian writers. performed concerts, toured and spoke around the USA and Europe, in 2012 Emmanuel Performed in front of a crowd of over 8,000 at the famous MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, he has performed at main platform events around the world to audiences of over 10,000 and has even auditioned for the hit program Glee.
Emmanuel continues to dream big and believes with hard work he will achieve his goals.