Drop In With Daniel 19 Septembner

Hi everyone, I hope you’ve all had a great week.

Last Friday we sent our latest editions of Core and Tripping to print. The build-up is always exciting but stressful, and the following week the whole office feels the relief—it’s nice to catch a breath before diving into the next edition.

From Monday, Core and Tripping will be hitting stands around town. This edition of Core was an especially exciting one for me. As Rachael mentioned in a previous editor’s note, I had the chance to interview Johnathan Thurston. I come from a Rugby Union background myself, but I still watched him play in Origin, and it was awesome to have a chat with him.

Although I prefer Union, I was still nervous and felt a little bit of pressure on the journey up to Townsville.

The Johnathon Thurston Academy is dedicated to supporting disadvantaged and Indigenous youth, helping them build confidence, skills, and cultural identity. Programs cover education, employment readiness, leadership, and mental health, with initiatives encouraging goal-setting and positive role models.

Built on JT’s core values of confidence, courage, and self-belief, the Academy places a strong emphasis on community and family engagement.

He said the long-term vision is to see the Academy expand nationally, and he wants to give more young Australians the chance to unlock their potential and pursue their dreams.

Leaving the interview with JT, Rach, Trish and I felt inspired and proud—not only for having interviewed a high-profile ex-athlete known across the country, but also for what it meant for Core Magazine.

Soon we’ll begin the creative process for the November/December editions of Core and Tripping magazines, which will feature Year in Review pieces and Pets in Business. I always enjoy this issue; seeing our political figures’ years spotlighted in articles is one of my favourite reads.

Quote of the Week: "Pressure? What pressure? Pressure is for tyres." - Alan Shearer

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