Alumni Profile
James/Yaqub Phillips has worked across several schools as both a music and history teacher and is currently a leader in the music department at Trinity Bay State High School in Cairns in northern Queensland. He has a special passion for working with diverse student populations and has experience working with young people from Indigenous and refugee communities as well as international students from across the globe.
In the broader community, James is a passionate singer and has been actively involved in community choirs since 2003. He has participated in groups including Birralee Voices in Brisbane, Burdekin Singers Theatre Company in Ayr, and the Cairns Choral Society. James is also a Revert Support Mentor of Cairns Islamic Society, where he is involved in supporting Muslim converts across North Queensland, and is also a member of the Brisbane Muslim Fellowship.
A strong advocate for meaningful political representation, James has long been involved with the Queensland Greens Party’s Far North Queensland Branch as its Co-convenor, and is a workplace representative with the Queensland Teachers’ Union.
In the broader community, James is a passionate singer and has been actively involved in community choirs since 2003. He has participated in groups including Birralee Voices in Brisbane, Burdekin Singers Theatre Company in Ayr, and the Cairns Choral Society. James is also a Revert Support Mentor of Cairns Islamic Society, where he is involved in supporting Muslim converts across North Queensland, and is also a member of the Brisbane Muslim Fellowship.
A strong advocate for meaningful political representation, James has long been involved with the Queensland Greens Party’s Far North Queensland Branch as its Co-convenor, and is a workplace representative with the Queensland Teachers’ Union.
Program Highlights
The AIMEP was absolutely fantastic! The experience broadened my mind to the diversity of the Muslim community in Indonesia, seeing the rich diversity of cultures and languages that all co-exist.
It has given me inspiration to broaden my professional life outside of teaching and build upon the connections made in Indonesia to further my career path.
One experience I will always remember is praying jumu’ah at the Istiqlal Masjid in Jakarta. We were welcomed as special guests and felt tremendously honoured.
It has given me inspiration to broaden my professional life outside of teaching and build upon the connections made in Indonesia to further my career path.
One experience I will always remember is praying jumu’ah at the Istiqlal Masjid in Jakarta. We were welcomed as special guests and felt tremendously honoured.
