Why Nate Hamon Still Believes in Logan
From music and marriage celebrancy to community leadership, Nate Hamon says the future belongs to those willing to step in front of the curtain.
FOR Nate Hamon, community isn’t defined by council boundaries or postcodes.
“I want community to feel like when you step outside your front door, you’re still at home,” he said.
“I want my kids to go to school there, to shop there, to play there, to sit in a café there. I want it to feel like it’s a place where my family belongs.”
Whether through music, community advocacy, business or his time in the politic sphere, the Logan local has spent years helping build the kind of neighbourhood he wants his own family to grow up in.
Ask him to describe Logan in three words and the answer comes without hesitation.
“Diverse. Active. Charitable.”
“It’s an incredibly generous community. People really do show up for one another.”
These days, much of Hamon’s energy goes into his role as General Manager of Rose Training Australia, a Logan-based business that has become Australia’s leading provider of marriage celebrant training.
But despite a busy professional life, music remains part of the family’s DNA, for almost two decades, Hamon along with wife Maria have performed with indy band Mayan Fox, a journey that has evolved into something even more meaningful.
“Our daughters are now our backing singers and our son jumps on the drums,” he said.
“We’ve become a family band.”
While Mayan Fox continue rehearsing with a new guitarist and eyeing future gigs, Hamon and his wife Maria have also been recording music together under the name Nate and Maria, taking advantage of Maria’s qualifications as a sound engineer.
For someone immersed in the creative industries, Hamon understands the uncertainty surrounding live music and the rapid rise of artificial intelligence.
“AI can imitate voices and images, but it’ll always hide behind a curtain,” he said.
“As long as there are people willing to step out in front of that curtain, sweat, make mistakes, play the wrong chord or sing the wrong note, live music will survive.”
He believes the next generation will ensure creativity continues to thrive.
“Every generation rebels against something,” he said.
“I always thought we’d see a resurgence of young bands because teenagers eventually want something raw and real.
“And we’re already seeing it.”
Hamon points to emerging young musicians across South East Queensland as proof the future remains bright.
“The talent coming through is incredible,” he said.
“They’re genuine, they’re authentic, and that’s what people connect with.”
Although Hamon’s previous political career often sparks speculation about a future return, he insists his focus remains firmly elsewhere, helping build community, creating art and encouraging others to do the same.
Despite the challenges facing artists, musicians and communities alike, Hamon remains convinced the future is in good hands.
“I’m scared sometimes. I’m frustrated sometimes,” he admitted.
“But I’m hopeful.
“The hope is in the next generation.
“As long as there are people willing to step in front of the curtain, create something real and share it with others, I think we’ll be okay.”
