LOCAL CHICK… JOANNE STEELE FROM RANDWICK

By James Hutton on October 12, 2017 in People

Joanne Steele is the owner and director of Ukubebe, providing fun musical activities that parents can enjoy with their kids. Joanne shares her local favourites with The Beast…

How long have you lived here?
I’ve lived in the Eastern Suburbs for eight years now, between Randwick and Double Bay.

What’s your favourite beach?
It’s a toss-up between Bondi and Coogee, both are really fab. I love the expansiveness of Bondi and the family vibe at Coogee.

What’s your favourite eatery?
There are too many amazing restaurants around here to men- tion them all, but I do enjoy an icecream from Gelatissimo when I’m at the beach.

Where do you like to have a drink?
The Double Bay Sailing Club, or anywhere on the water.

Best thing about the Eastern Suburbs?
The fabulous small pockets of local communities that are really connected through parent’s groups, markets, schools, and beaches. I love that I can bump into friends and families everywhere I go.

Worst thing about the Eastern Suburbs?
The cost of housing and the traffic, especially on the weekends.

Do you have a favourite sporting team?
The Brumbies – I’m from Canberra originally. I’ve endured lots of cold weather at Bruce Stadium while watching rugby there.

What music are you into at the moment?
I’ve been enjoying the Tin Hat Trio lately, I like their folk- jazz fusion. I’m also super lucky to get to see and hear the Sydney Symphony Orchestra a lot, as my daughter is a violinist with them.

Who is your favourite person?
Well, to be honest, it’s my hubby! I am also inspired by Maggie Beer. She is always so positive, smart, and creative. She makes us all happy; she seems like a joy bubble.

What do you get up to on the weekends?
I run music and movement classes on the weekend for my business, Ukubebe. And, apart from facilitating some family drumming classes on Saturday mornings, I try to have some down time. I love to get to the beach for a walk in winter and a swim in summer. My husband and I eat out mostly and catch up with friends from our church.

What do you do for work?
I’m an early childhood music educator, and I’m proud to be the owner
and director of Ukubebe Music.
I teach music and movement classes to young children, as well as the ukulele, African drumming and percussion, and a dance-yoga class. My classes help children to unlock the potential of music and movement, without the traditional stresses and pressures they experience when attending competitive classes. You can check out our website, www.ukubebe.com.au.

What’s your favourite thing about work?
I’m always inspired by meeting families and sharing the joy of music-making with them. It’s a great way for local mums and families to meet and watch their bubs have a great time. Music pro- vides an endless source of beauty, connection, history, and passion; it has the power to transform us.

Do you have a favourite quote?
“Find joy in the ordinary things.” – A.A Milne (Pooh Bear).

Any other words of wisdom for readers of The Beast?
Don’t let the past define you, it’s gone.