This week Madeline Peake took time out of her busy life, saving lives, to provide us with some insight into her mind. Thank you Madeline.
What’s something people may not know about you?
One thing that a lot of people know about me is that I am very passionate about my horses and the sport of reining. I have been riding all of my life and competing since I was eight. Something that people may not know about me is that I have my own photography business called MP Photography in which I specialise in equine photography, I also have started another small business called Topaz and Edelsten where I make and sell sun-safe neck scarves and scrunchies. I do all this as well as working in childcare and volunteering with the Sugarloaf Rural Fire Brigade.
How do you like to spend your free time?
In my free time, I like to work with my horses whether that’s at a show or clinics or just at home. When I’m not doing that, I tend to get creative hence MP Photography and Topaz and Edelsten. Otherwise, I like to catch up with some friends or do some work around home and when a fire call comes in, I go out on the fire line and do my part for our community.
What are you most grateful for?
I am most grateful for my family and my friends; I would not be where I am today without them and the opportunities that have arisen because of the love and support from those closest to me. I am also grateful for the amazing animals that I get to work with not everyone gets to enjoy how rewarding working with animals in my case horses can really be it also has its challenges but that’s what makes it so rewarding. I am also very grateful for the team I get to work with in the Sugarloaf Brigade they are like a big family who always look out for each other and are always happy to teach those who are willing to learn. They really have your back and feel like an extended family in my books.
What is a message you would like to tell your younger self?
Don’t be so hard on yourself! Don’t let what others think of you influence who you are, don’t try and be like everyone else when you’re not supposed to be like them you are unique. You are your own person some people will either like who you are, or they won’t and that’s on them, stay true to you and do what makes you happy.
Who is an inspiration to you?
There are a lot of people who are inspirational to me, but I am inspired by my parents, they have taught me how to deal with many situations that life throws at you, and this has taught me to be resilient and determined. If you want something then you need to work hard for it. I am also inspired by the members of our brigade they are always there when their community needs them, they show up and put 110% into their job on the fire line.
Which six guests, dead or alive, would be invited to your ultimate dinner party?
Andrea Fappani – NRHA Professional $5.7 million rider. Matt Mills – NRHA Professional $1 million rider. Abby Langel – NRHA Professional $583,000 rider. Cody Johnston – country music artist. Kelly Reilly – actress (Beth Dutton off Yellowstone). Taylor Sherriden – owner of the 6666 ranch in Texas USA and creator of Yellowstone and the run for a million event.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
“Get up earlier, stay longer, work harder, fail, fail again, never ever quit.”
What are you most passionate about?
I am extremely passionate about my horses they get the best of everything. I am also passionate about the work I do with the fire brigade and helping my community. I am passionate about a lot of things to be honest, if you’re not passionate about the things that you do why are you doing them.
What is your favourite part of your job?
One of my favourite parts of my job as an Early Childhood Educator is working with children and seeing how they progress as they learn new skills. My favourite part of my job in the rural fire service is being a firefighter and helping to protect our community.
What is your biggest achievement?
Training and showing my own horses. Being a part of the Sugarloaf Rural Fire Brigade and giving back to the community. Building our own home with my Fiancé Shaun Kelley soon-to-be husband in a few short weeks who I also met through the Sugarloaf rural fire brigade and becoming a Qualified educator in my workplace.
