Changed
Changed
There are days where you can catch Geoff Fabila at one of the airport terminals, sitting at the helm of the control room, his eyes fixated on dozens of screens. And then there are days where you can catch him hard at work in a completely different environment – standing at the helm of a stage, microphone or Didjeribone in hand, eyes taking in the crowds below him.
A proud Jabirr Jabirr man, Geoff is both a Duty Control Coordinator at Brisbane Airport and one part of musical trio, Tjaka. To balance two careers, two different lives, with such passion and care requires a lot of hard work and dedication. But for Geoff, that attitude is just second nature. It’s in his DNA.
“I like to think I aim to do my best at work and away from work,” Geoff said.
“I grew up as one of the older ones in a very big family, so I guess setting a good example for my younger siblings and cousins has been a big driver for me.”
Geoff’s innate ambition has been clear since the first day he joined Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC) in 2016. Having originally started on a three-month contract as part of an intern program called Career Trackers, Geoff managed to turn that short stint into a long-serving career. His work ethic shone through, and he’s been navigating the business ever since, taking on new roles and learning all he can.
“Officially, I’ve been working at the airport for nine years,” Geoff said.
“I originally started as an intern with the Career Trackers program and experienced various roles around the business, including Terminal Operations, Retail and Human Resources.
“When I finished my studies at uni, I returned to Terminal Operations as a Customer Service Coordinator. Then, after the Covid craziness, I was lucky to land in the Terminal Operations control room as a Duty Control Coordinator (DCC).
“The best thing about being a DCC is being able to see and learn so many different aspects of the airport through problem solving. Since beginning the role, I feel I have learnt how to apply my airport knowledge in high-pressure situations and that is rewarding to me.”
His music journey, however, started from as early as he can remember. With a father who is in the music industry – best known by his performer name, Tjupurru – it was inevitable that Geoff might find himself following a similar path. Even now he credits his father, along with current manager Michael Kerr, as two of his greatest influences.
“Aside from my fearless and well-respected boss, Michael, I would have to say my old man,” Geoff said.
“Dad pursued his passion for music and took me along for the journey and showed me what is possible. I like to think I’m continuing what he started with music but through my own experiences, influences and mindset.”
Geoff’s father Adrian is an internationally renowned Didgeridoo player and taught his son how to play from a young age. After a certain amount of time, Geoff then started performing alongside his dad as he grew up, also opening the door to meeting and playing with many other artists over the years. However, in 2021, is when Geoff started to pursue his own career in music.
“My brother (Jake) and I decided to start our own project making and performing under the name, Tjaka,” Geoff said.
“We incorporate our Indigenous roots and modern genres to create up-tempo music. In addition to vocals, I play an instrument called the Didjeribone (a slide Didgeridoo) and we play that with hip-hop and electronic styles of music. We have gone from playing small pubs in and around Brisbane to multiple Australian tours.
“There’s been festivals like Woodford, Splendour, and Dark Mofo, supporting acts like Yothu Yindi, Michael Franti and Xavier Rudd. We recently went over to the UK to tour this year and in 2023 played to 30,000 people at a Taiwanese Festival called Pasiwali. That one was a cool one.”
Geoff and Jake are complemented in Tjaka by their bandmate and friend, Felix Fogarty. The trio have gone from strength-to-strength since their inception in 2021, earning nominations with QMusic and National Indigenous Music Awards (NIMA), and recently releasing their debut EP, Elevate. For Geoff, there are a number of highlights in their growth so far, but for him, their best product is their song, Homeland.
“It’s about our identity and connection to our Aboriginal bloodlines - Jabirr Jabirr country (Kimberley, Western Australian),” he said.
“It’s a beautiful place, just north of Broome.”
With growth and progress in both areas of his life, Geoff said he wouldn’t be where he is today without the support of the Brisbane Airport team.
“Early on, the shift hours (as a DCC) gave me time to rehearse, gig and record on my rostered days off,” Geoff said.
“When we were starting out, it was manageable to do. However, with bigger opportunities coming our way, going part-time (with BAC) was the only way I could continue. I’m beyond grateful to the company, my team and my team leaders for providing the option, as I didn’t think it was going to be possible.
“Having BAC’s support to work has given me stability… this means a lot to me. I’m not sure what both jobs represent about me, but I guess it shows I adapt to totally different environments. I know I enjoy both environments and in both I enjoy the people I work alongside.
“And because of my role at the airport, I’m always the leader when it comes to navigating the airports when we are on tour.”