Awakening the senses

Story: April Spadina | Photo: Cody Fox

Sometimes in life you meet a person who makes you reflect on all the things to be grateful for. For many, Shay Hamilton is that person.

At the tender age of sixteen, Shay was involved in a tragic accident that left him completely and permanently blind, cutting short his budding career in rugby league and leaving him at a crossroads as to how to move forward in life. Shay chose the road of optimism, a decision that led him on a path of incredible sporting achievements in track and field and competing at the World Cup in Sweden, US Can Am Games and the 1988 Seoul Paralympics. 

But it was his gift in music that truly awakened Shay’s senses and with the loss of his sight his other senses were heightened, enabling him to hone his skills as a musician. Shortly after his accident Shay taught himself to play the drums, then the guitar, singing naturally followed as did didgeridoo from his Koori Bundjalung Northern NSW roots. His music is performed completely by ear, his fingers skillfully gliding over the strings, strumming beautiful melodies, he instinctively taps at his drum kit and his emotive voice beckons you to listen for more. His preferred styles are classic rock, country and ballads and he has performed on many occasions across Australia including onboard the Spirit of Tasmania, at the Tamworth Country Music Festival, and currently entertains at the Maryborough Thursday Markets and numerous community ceremonies.

Now calling the Fraser Coast home, Shay has created Shay’s Open Mic sessions, allowing a diverse range of musicians to showcase their skills with an opportunity to entertain in a supportive environment. Shay has an innate ability to pick voices from a crowded room, inviting people to join him on the stage with a friendly welcoming laugh and connection to his audience and peers that doesn’t go unnoticed. People naturally enjoy and admire his easy-going nature and his ability to put you at ease.

And although he may have lost one sense, it’s this other sense of Shay’s that truly shines – his sense of community spirit. 

This story appears in the January-February edition of Fraser Coast Scene, our monthly guide to What's On across our Cultural Services venues.

The creation of this story and photography was funded by Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF). RADF is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Fraser Coast Regional Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.