On the announcement of receiving the bursary, Sophie had this to say: “Ever since I was in my primary school's production of Mary Poppins I've wanted to pursue theatre. I am so grateful for how the bursary will help me do that by going towards my studies on the mainland." At the beginning of 2023, Sophie moved to Melbourne study musical theatre at Showfit. She would like to give many thanks again for the help of the Helen Denise Jones OAM Memorial Arts Bursary - with it she’s been able to purchase tickets to shows, dance clothes and shoes, and other aids in her study. Now she is very excited to be starting rehearsals for Showfit’s end-of-year showcase, where she will be performing the song “I’m Not That Girl” from the musical Wicked. Having been in a version of the show as a child, it feels like a full-circle moment, and she is looking forward to whatever comes next.