Shannon Friedrich

Human experience is a unique and individual process that can sometimes either bring us closer together, or separate us further. For me, as a young adolescent, growing up in a time when older male influence was passed on in an unspoken law of watch and learn, I was fortunate to experience a friendship that gifted inspiration.
Hard work, sacrifice, commitment, application – anything that challenged how I approached people, general problems and how to deal with both. And, most importantly, how to rise above negative experience through positive action.
At 12 years old, my 13 year old brother had a mate that took me under his wing, and treated me as a little brother of his own. Through extremely troubled times, Lucas guided me through the next few decades of my life, providing me with a mindset for overcoming hardship and demonstrating incredible leadership qualities. Ultimately, he was able to influence behavioural shifts within me that would propel me into very beneficial career choices, stemming into numerous corners of my adult life.

We shared a passion for music through our teenage life. However, rather than dabble in guitar riffs like the average music hack, Lucas was forging ahead of his peers by learning full songs to completion, nailing guitar solo’s thought to be almost unattainable, and most importantly, writing complete songs of his own with accompanying lyrics and supporting rhythms and melodies.
Lucas set himself apart by committing pinpoint focus and dedication to a craft and art form, and from this he spent the next few decades leading his bands to success through his relentless drive and creative vision.
He understood what needed to be achieved and worked tirelessly to make things happen. From song writing and creation, to construction and collaboration including organising rehearsals, to booking gigs and tours, organising posters and artwork and advertising in local media outlets, to merchandise, booking and recording albums, distribution and record label interaction.
Lucas lead from the front and did it all, advising others and motivating action where necessary. He left nothing to chance and had a hand in all areas of the music industry.

Through these times, he also committed himself to working extremely hard at becoming a complete Tradesman – achieving full qualifications, licensing and a high industry respect over three seperate trades and additionally possessing a library of skill and knowledge across several others.
Never out of a job, Lucas helped other less resourceful teenagers and young men gain work and experience through his efforts and his reputation. Sometimes to the detriment of his own position of employment. Often putting his neck on the line by dragging people (band mates included) along with him for the ride. Nonetheless, he continued to work hard, through different industries, and pull others along with him to gain skills based employment and experience, also going on to apprentice several, now successful Tradesman across his three Trades.

During this whole time he mentored and supervised others to have a strong and focused work ethic, personally something that has definitely stayed with me since. This ethic has helped me tremendously throughout my working life, including a very successful underground coal mining career in statutory underground management. Lucas’s work ethic and the way he taught others laid strong foundations in how to overcome adversity and approach and complete difficult tasks. I will be forever grateful as a professional in my field for how he helped shaped my work ethic.

Finally, and not to be forgotten, is how Lucas used mental strength to overcome personal issues. Depression, addiction and extreme adversity resulting in poor lifestyle choices. He had a deep insight into how lifestyle and daily habits can either support, or hinder performance, and, how a persons daily choices and actions can contribute towards success or failure.
Lucas understood how to take responsibility by being brutally honest with oneself, not making excuses, having empathy but finding immediate solutions. He understood that mental illness was a real and internal reality for many people, and that the mind is our most powerful tool. He was able to work through his own difficulties by connecting with others on matters concerning him, or them, and find ways to resolve issues by having conversations that lead to implementing positive action. He was understanding, while simultaneously focusing on attaining and achieving goals.

I admire his ability to ‘get it done’ when most others give up.
A reflection of his innate ability to place priorities before desires – still managing to muster up the stoicism to support others through difficult times, whilst dealing with his own.