17 minute read
Coffee with a Coastie Blake Wilton
coffee WITH A Coastie
BLAKE WILTON
SURF PHOTOGRAPHER/VIDEOGRAPHER
Welcome to Coffee with a Coastie. As we chat with Central Coast local Blake Wilton. Who at 21 has been behind the camera lens capturing local surfers since the age of 14 and more recently working with Kyal and Kara on their Blue Lagoon build that aired on Channel 9.
We were grateful to have been given the opportunity to sit down and chat with Blake about his journey, growing up on the Central Coast and his advice to the next budding 14 year old. For any younger members of the family or older for that matter that want to be inspired by more of what Blake had to say, be sure to listen to the full interview online at onthecoastpublications.com.au/coffeewith-a-coastie-podcast/blake-wilton
You recently had the opportunity to share your creative journey live on stage at the adobe make it event in both Sydney and Melbourne. Can you tell us a little bit about how that opportunity came about?
When I first started out filming, I would go to the local North Shelly board riders event and do lots of filming. It was there I met Jamie Ragen who works for Adobe. We developed a great relationship over the years. He invited me to share my story on stage at the first Adobe Make It event in over 2 years since Covid. It was cool to share my journey since the age of 14, though very nerve racking and scary at the same time.
I watched the show reel you did for the adobe make it event and understand you watched it over 250 times. At the beginning is a long haired little dude saying ‘I’m Blake Wilton, I’m 14 years old and I’m a surf photographer’. How do you feel when you watch that moment of you at 14 saying that?
It’s really cool to look back on that. I think it was from a school project at the time. I was encouraged to put it in there albeit I found it cringe worthy at the time I’m so glad I did. Jamie wanted me to put something together that really showed where I’d come from. It’s a moment that shows I was as committed and passionate about it then as I am now.
You obviously don’t have a problem saying yes. Where do you think the ability to just say yes comes from and what is your advice to someone who is afraid to say yes?
I’m not sure, it might have come from my parents not being so outgoing. So, at 14, I was being a bit rebellious. I was a very outgoing kid. I was always happy to talk to adults when all my friends wouldn’t. I like to think that’s half my success, being able to talk to people and communicate with people. I think you’re going to be bummed if you say no. Saying
yes to things and just having a crack and learning from it is seriously the best. I can’t recommend it more. Just have a go. Who cares? If you stuff up, you learn something new.
You’ve said you credit your success to the individuals around you on the Central Coast. What advice can you give someone about building a network of like–minded people around them?
I give most of my success to the relationships I’ve built. My biggest jobs have come from chatting to someone I don’t know, telling them what I do and then six months down the track because you were nice to this person, as that’s just who I am, or someone has put in a good word. They’ve said he is a good kid, give him a go and then I’ve tried my best and worked my hardest and that’s paid off for me.
What is your vision for the future of film on the Central Coast?
It’s just expanding as more people are moving here. It’s going to be a real hot spot. People are going to realize that they don’t need to go to Sydney to shoot their TV ads. They don’t need to go to Brisbane to do something in a studio there. They can do it all here and that’s just not film and photography or stuff like that. There are creatives from sculptures, painters, artists and musicians, everything it’s great. It’s good to see.
With all the work you have done both in Australia and abroad. What’s been your favourite project to work on and why?
A few years back now I did a six–week trip in Indonesia with Riley Laing. It was my first big Indonesia trip. We went to a few islands; I was still in school. It was so cool to jump islands for almost two months and create a film we were stoked with. In Bali we got talking to one of the surf photographers and he invited us to come to Telo Island and stay in this brand new resort for two weeks for free. We got flown out in a private plane to this island and got put up in these crazy villas. We were so lucky they had a spare spot, and we just created content for them.
Finally, Blake’s words of wisdom. What advice would you give someone that’s 14 and thinking they would love to get into photography, film or anything for that matter?
I think starting early, stop thinking about it and start. The earlier you get in and the earlier you start, the more ahead you’re going to be down the line, I feel I fell into this by accident. Don’t be scared to ask for what you want, reach out to people you never know who might be open to working with you.
There was so much more packed into our chat with Blake like equipment to use if you’re starting out, his work with Kyal and Kara, to what he’s currently working on and much, much more. We can’t recommend it enough.
Very inspirational! Luke with Blake Wilton
You can listen to the full interview online at https://onthecoastpublications.com.au/blog/podcast/blake-wilton/ or scan the QR code.
If you would like to check out Blake’s work search @_blakewilton_ on Instagram or go to his website at blakewilton.video
What is CMV?
CMV is a common virus that is often overlooked because healthy people who get it rarely show symptoms. But if a woman becomes infected with CMV while she is pregnant, she can pass the infection to her unborn baby. This can cause her child to suffer long-term disability due to birth defects, including hearing loss, or even death in very severe cases.
Is treatment available?
What is the CMVictory Trial? mRNA-based vaccines and therapies to bring better health and living to people of all ages, sexes and backgrounds.
What is CMV?
CMV is a common virus that is often overlooked because healthy people who get it rarely show symptoms. But if a woman becomes infected with CMV while she is pregnant, she can pass the infection to her unborn baby. cause her child to suffer long-term disability due Who can join this clinical trial? This trial is looking for volunteers. To join this trial, you must be: to birth defects, including hearing loss, or even death in A woman between 16-40 years of age very severe cases. In good health Is treatment available? There are currently no approved vaccines or treatments available to prevent CMV. That is why it is so important In close contact with at least one child 5 years of age or younger for at least 8 hours a week, if age 20 or older Not pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant within the next 9 months that we work together to make sure investigational vaccines are safe and effective. What is the CMVictory Trial? Diseases do not discriminate— and neither should clinical trials Moderna is committed to researching safe and effective mRNA-based vaccines and therapies to bring better health and living to people of all ages, sexes and backgrounds. The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of an investigational vaccine called mRNA-1647 against CMV infection. The study doctor will discuss additional participation requirements with you and can answer any questions you may have during the trial. CMV is the number one infection that Interested? causes birth defects in the U.S. and one Contact the clinical research site listed below: of the most common infectious causes of Holly Oxman birth defects globally. 0499 221 124
Who can join this clinical trial?
This trial is looking for volunteers. To join this trial, you must be: A woman between 16-40 years of age In good health In close contact with at least one child 5 years of age or younger for at least 8 hours a week, if age 20 or older Not pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant within the next 9 months
The study doctor will discuss additional participation requirements with you and can answer any questions you may have during the trial. CMV is the number one infection that Interested? causes birth defects in the U.S. and one Contact the clinical research site listed below: of the most common infectious causes of Holly Oxman birth defects globally. 0499 221 124
What is CMV?
CMV is a common virus that is often overlooked because healthy people who get it rarely show symptoms. But if a woman becomes infected with CMV while she is pregnant, she can pass the infection to her unborn baby. This can cause her child to suffer long-term disability due to birth defects, including hearing loss, or even death in very severe cases.
Is treatment available?
There are currently no approved vaccines or treatments available to prevent CMV. That is why it is so important that we work together to make sure investigational vaccines are safe and effective. Moderna is committed to researching safe and effective
What is the CMVictory Trial? mRNA-based vaccines and therapies to bring better health and living to people of all ages, sexes and backgrounds.
The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of an investigational vaccine called mRNA-1647 against CMV infection.
Let us be the generation that stands up to cytomegalovirus (CMV), a highly contagious viral infection that can harm an unborn child. Learn more about a research study for a potential vaccine and how you can join.
Who can join this clinical trial?
This trial is looking for volunteers. To join this trial, you must be: A woman between 16-40 years of age In good health In close contact with at least one child 5 years of age or younger for at least 8 hours a week, if age 20 or older Not pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant within the next 9 months
Diseases do not discriminate— and neither should clinical trials
The study doctor will discuss additional participation requirements with you and can answer any questions you may have during the trial. CMV is the number one infection that Interested? causes birth defects in the U.S. and one Contact the clinical research site listed below: of the most common infectious causes of Holly Oxman birth defects globally. 0499 221 124
holly.oxman@paratusclinical.com Learn more at CMVictory.com/au
It is Australia’s first social networking app built by and exclusively for parents raising children with disabilities, delays, and neurodiversity. An App that offers mums and dads a safe, private, and fundamentally kind space to connect with and learn from like–minded parents on similar journeys.
The uniqueness of Kindship?
Tara Thompson, a member of the founding team sheds some light on the wonderful uniqueness that Kindship offers families all around Australia.
One of the things that makes Kindship special is our celebration of parent knowledge sharing. We know that our mums and dads spend more time researching than resting, especially in the early days, and want to make finding the right answer easier. You’ll find parents on the app who are successful, compassionate, generous, and oh–so–wise when it comes to first–hand knowledge of important topics.
Kindship is all about bridging the gap of isolation that many parents on a disability parenting journey often face. We want our parents to feel seen, heard and supported by a community of others who just ‘get it’.
There is a little something for everyone on our app.
Audio rooms – We run daily audio rooms with different themes and purposes. Ranging from daily check–ins where parents can hop on for a chat and wellbeing check–in to themed audio rooms that inform, connect and inspire.
Kindship feed – An interactive feed which provides 24/7 support for parents to ask questions, share experiences and offer valuable advice.
Kindship meet ups – Our aim is to have meet ups hosted weekly all around Australia to eliminate the isolation that many parents feel. Face to face connections with an opportunity to form local friendships. Currently a weekly Friday meet up happening on the coast, so hop on the app to find out more!
Chat messaging – Connect with others via our app messaging, options to also create group message threads based on location, diagnosis, and friendships.
Kindship founder story
Kindship’s story started with a passion for parent advocacy and a dream to change the world. Growing up with undiagnosed Autism our CEO, Summer Petrosius, recognised and wanted to do something about the isolation and loneliness experienced by families living with disabilities. So, she started talking to parents – literally, hundreds of them, and those conversations led her to Sandy Golder and Steph Wicks.
As founders of one of (if not, the most) successful grassroots parent communities, Sandy and Steph joined Summer as Kindship’s co–founders. Together with Tara Thompson, Kindship’s head of all things marketing and education (a local Coastie along with Steph), they share an unstoppable passion for supporting parents to build friendships, share knowledge, and truly own the narrative around what raising a child with a disability really looks like.
Join us
If you have a child with a delay or diagnosis or are on your way to getting one, there is no need to go through the journey alone.
Hop on to our website to find out more about Kindship or scan our QR code to download our free app! We can’t wait to see you there xo
Fast track surgery for your child today on the Central Coast
Are you the parent or carer of a child that needs surgery for grommets, tonsils or adenoids?
You can fast track your child’s surgery through Self Pay Surgery, which is now available at Tuggerah Lakes and Brisbane Waters Private Hospitals.
Self Pay Surgery aims to help those living with pain or conditions requiring surgery by providing streamlined access to surgery without excessive wait times.
With no private health insurance needed, Self Pay Surgery provides patients with packages that include the surgeon’s fees, anaesthetist, hospital stay, diagnostic testing and rehabilitation costs.
With payment options such as Open Pay, prepayment plans or potential options to access superannuation to fund essential surgery, it means the Central Coast community no longer need to wait when it comes to getting the care they need, when they need it.
According to Brisbane Waters Private Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Director of Clinical Services (DCS) Debbra Ritter Self Pay Surgery means parents and families of loved ones without private health insurance don’t need to put off surgery any longer.
“As a mother and grandmother myself, I know what it’s like to support a family member experiencing ill–health, you j ust want them to be well and receive the treatment they require quickly,” Ms Ritter said.
“So when your loved one, like a child, has to experience ill health longer than needed due to a lack of private health cover or long waiting lists it is even more painful.
“It is incredibly rewarding to be able to offer our patients this opportunity to get what they need done now so they can get on the road to recovery sooner rather than later.
“From Ear, Nose and Throat surgery to Orthopaedic procedures and Bariatric surgery, this new service offering provides a streamlined, simple way to get your surgery done, your way, at your hospital.”
Emma of Blue Haven said she didn’t hesitate when the opportunity to book surgery via Self Pay was suggested as an option while in consultation with Dr Indu Gunawardena.
“My four year–old son needed adenoids and grommets and we were
We provide a range of NNDIS services across the Central Coast. We’re committed to providing the utmost of service, taking an individualised, caring and empathetic approach. Our team are highly knowledgeable, deeply passionate, NDIS experts and mental Health specialists. Talk to us about your goals.
LIVE YOUR DREAMS
WITH COAST & COUNTRY PRIMARY CARE
@ccprimarycare ccpc.com.au | 02 4365 2294 | ccpc@ccpc.com.au 167B The Entrance Road, Erina NSW 2250
facing 12 month wait to have it done through the public hospital,” she said.
“We don’t have private health insurance but we didn’t want to wait and I’m so relieved we went through Self Pay Surgery.
“I’d recommend going through Self Pay to others who find themselves in a similar situation, as I found the whole process from start to finish with Self Pay Surgery was just easy.”
The team were helpful, everything was incredibly efficient and professional and most importantly we got to get our little boy the procedure he needed as soon as possible.”
Find out more about the types of procedures that are offered via Self Pay at Brisbane Waters Private Hospital and how to take the next steps via: Brisbane Waters Private Hospital — Self Pay Surgery
Find out more about the types of procedures that are offered via Self Pay at Tuggerah Lakes Private Hospital and how to take the next steps via: Tuggerah Lakes Private Hospital – Self Pay Surgery
Does your child need grommet, tonsil, or adenoid surgery?
NOW AVAILABLE AT
That can all change with Self Pay Surgery now available on the Central Coast at Brisbane Waters and Tuggerah Lakes Private Hospitals
Now is the time to fast-track treatment within our private hospitals.
Self Pay Surgery provides patients with packages that include the surgeon’s fees, anaesthetist, hospital stay, diagnostic testing and rehabilitation costs. Payment options include Open Pay, prepayment plans or potential options to access superannuation to fund essential surgery.
Get the care you need without the wait, when and where you need it, on the Central Coast. .
With a range of ENT, Orthopaedic, General and Bariatric procedures available, don't delay.
Learn more about Self Pay Surgery at selfpaysurgery.com.au or call 1800 SELF PAY
