Garrett Brooks is a Townsville-based author, artist, community advocate and parent whose work draws on lived experience to explore love, resilience, belonging and personal growth. His published books include A Moment for You, a self-care workbook previously published as The Timeout Chair; Learning Through Living: Poetry for the Broken Soul, a collection exploring struggle and healing; and Love Stays Close, a gentle children’s book helping families talk about incarceration and staying connected with loved ones. Garrett is studying a Bachelor of Communication and Creative Industries, majoring in English Literature, at the University of Southern Queensland. His creative practice spans poetry, children’s literature, fiction and acrylic painting. Alongside his creative work, Garrett owns GBS Services, a cleaning and garden-maintenance business that values second-chance employment. He also founded Onwards and Upwards NQ (OAUNQ), supporting families affected by incarceration. Through his writing, art and community work, Garrett hopes to help people feel understood, encourage honest conversations and create space for hope.