Time Out Melbourne's Future Shapers 2024

James Parr wears the responsibility of being an intersectional role model much like he wears the designer clothes he models on runways – with seemingly effortless ease. As a First Nations queer man with a disability, he provides representation in the fashion industry for a vast scope of marginalised people. But behind his rise as an in-demand model, is a core dedication to advocacy.

“I just hope we get to a future where my role is actually redundant and I, or anyone, don't need to be doing this. We’re all accepted and no one has to advocate… a world where we all feel safe.”

Follow James here: @_jamesparr

Nevo Zisin is a social justice advocate who works as a public speaker, author and educator across a variety of spaces, including their own social media platform. As a transgender, non-binary person, they’ve dedicated much of their life to outspokenly raising awareness of issues that impact their community, as well as creating spaces to support and uplift trans and queer people. 

“There's no way I would have been able to make a life as a trans public speaker and author if it weren't for our many, many LGBTQIA+ community members who lost their lives or dedicated unsung generations to fighting. (I know) that I won't reap the fruit of my labour in my lifetime, but simultaneously, I'm constantly reaping the fruits of the labour of generations before me.”

Follow Nevo here: @nevozisin

Honey Bones Gallery, which describes itself as a culture-heavy, First Nations-owned gallery by artists and for artists, runs a suite of initiatives aimed at engaging the community beyond the usual art crowd. And most importantly, every artist involved receives an equal share of the limelight – no matter if they’re ‘well-known’ or just starting out. According to managing director Britt Devlin, it's about much more than your typical “come in, look at some art, walk out and that’s the end of the interaction”.

“We’re breaking down the walls between art galleries and the community and finding different ways for them to interact.”

Follow Britt here: @honeybonesgallery

Despite his cool-as-a-cucumber demeanour, Mischa Tropp is a busy man about town right now. At least, his increasingly ubiquitous reputation in Melbourne’s food scene seems to suggest so. But it's his permanent project, Toddy Shop (a tiny, colourful cocktail bar inspired by the traditional toddy shops and coffee shops found all over the tropical South Indian region), that has cemented him as one of the most interesting chefs in Melbourne right now. 

“I believe we need to move away from the idea that 'modern' food is better or worth more. Often the reason we, as chefs, don’t cook traditional food is that it takes way longer to master and learn, and modern food is an easy workaround. I look forward to our migrant communities continuing to develop and share their food culture with us, bringing diversity to our food scene.”

Follow Mischa here: @wearekerala

In her line of work as an executive officer of the Koorie Youth Council , Bonnie Dukakis is often the youngest person in the room, and she’s often surrounded by politicians and government officials. But she doesn’t find this intimidating. Instead, she finds strength in knowing that the vast community of other young Indigenous Victorians who she advocates for in those rooms are behind her. Alongside her team, Dukakis works to develop strategies and positions that will influence how organisations and government departments respond to the needs of young Aboriginal people. 

“Generally speaking, we represent the voices of young people broadly in all those spaces… we get a lot of access to key decision makers, and we get opportunities to meet directly with them. It's powerful.” 

Follow Bonnie here: @koorieyouthcouncil

Award-winning chef Hugh Allen is probably best known for helming the kitchen at renowned Melbourne fine diner Vue de Monde. As is the case with perhaps the most creative types – and those with the courage to lead the charge in a busy, famous kitchen like Vue's – there’s a quiet intensity to Allen. He hasn't even turned 30 yet, after all, and he's already achieved so much. But this ambition seems to spring more from a sincere passion for collaboration than anything else – he's also inspired by the richness of Australian culture and its talent.

“I believe we have a unique country that should be celebrated more on an international scale. I want to see more young people pursuing careers in hospitality and recognising it as an amazing industry to be part of. And I want Melbourne to be seen as one of the world’s great food cities.”

Follow Hugh here: @hughsallen

Troy Benjamin is a Tati Tati, Wadi Wadi, Muti Muti and Wamba Wamba man who was raised in Djiilong (Geelong) on Wauthorong Country. He founded Blak Brews with his wife Cerisa, as a way to celebrate their shared heritage as proud Indigenous Australians (Cerisa is a Walpiri, Gurindji and Jawoyn woman). Benjamin shares that their journey isn’t only about crafting tea using ethically sourced native ingredients, but also about cultivating connection and engaging conversations. 

“I've always felt a strong connection to my community. Blak Brews reflects my passion for human connection – if we are successful in joining two people in conversation over a cuppa, then our job is done. Aboriginal culture isn’t the standard conversation starter in Australian society. We haven’t been listened to in a long time.”

Follow Troy here: @blakbrews