What has been the highlight of 2023 for you?
My standout moment of 2023 was descending Brisbane Powerhouse’s 17m exterior wall after dining at Vertigo, Australia’s first vertical restaurant. On the event’s opening night, I faced my fear, becoming the first member of the public to dropline. What an adrenaline rush, prepares you to confront your next life challenge. I highly recommend it.

If you could have done something differently this year, what would it be and why?
Shouldn’t have downloaded Tik Tok. Time lost I’ll never get back.

Who is someone to watch for in 2024?
Australian singer-songwriter and actor Troye Sivan hit the big league this year with two Grammy nominations. But things are just getting started for our Troye. One to watch in 2024.

What is your most vivid memory of the festive holidays?
Biarritz? Cancun? No, my vivid memories are as a teenager floating around my parent’s pool on an inflated tyre inner tube, trying not to get my book wet.

Do you have any unique or funny holiday traditions?
I’ve married into an extended German family based in Adelaide. United by a common ancestor, an immigrant named Eva (now departed), we honour Eva’s legacy each Christmas eve with a meeting of family in the park. Up to 40 descendants attend for a Kris Kringle, or Secret Santa, present exchange.  The gifts must be something found or recycled, with the creative requirement to be extra silly.

What’s your New Year’s resolution for 2024?
My New Year’s resolution is not to work so hard. Will this happen? Unlikely, I love my job too much.

If you could have anyone from any time period attend your Christmas lunch, who would you choose?
William Shakespeare. So many questions for that man.

Coastal holiday or city holiday?
I’ll be in Hobart this January, beat the heat.

What are you looking forward to in 2024?
New York artist Spencer Tunick’s mass nude installation on the Story Bridge on Sunday 27 October 2024 as part of Melt Open, Brisbane’s new LGBQTIA+ festival. Anyone can participate so register now through Brisbane Powerhouse.

Do you have a summer book or podcast you can recommend?
Queensland writer Bri Lee’s memoir Eggshell Skull (2018). I’ve had this book recommended to me by Riverbend Books. I’m preparing for Bri’s debut novel The Work (due April 2024) which is getting rave early reviews.