Carlos Vaquero

Co-Founder and Director of Your Brand Crew

I’m Carlos Vaquero, originally from Spain, and for the past 8 years, I’ve been loving life on the Sunshine Coast. It’s home now, and it’s a community I’m passionate about. I’m the guy who dives headfirst into things that matter—like this campaign, which hits very close to home.

"We are all different. We are all unique. We are all special. But the magic happens when we mix, collaborate, and live together. Who doesn’t love a bit of magic?" 

I was born and raised in Spain, but my family’s story has a bit of extra flavour. Both of my parents were born in Spanish cities in the north of Morocco. That’s where our family’s love for rich spices, vibrant food, and lively traditions comes from.

Growing up, I remember hearing the so-called “harmless” comments. Racist jokes, remarks about someone’s skin colour or where they came from—it was treated as normal, like it was just “a bit of fun.” But even back then, it felt wrong. I just didn’t know how to speak up.

Now I do. And let me be clear: it’s NOT okay. That’s the kind of subtle racism that flies under the radar and makes people think it’s no big deal. But it IS a big deal, and I’m here to call it out.

Last year, I had a real “wake-up call” moment. While working with the team at Diverse Queensland Workforce in the Baringa Community Centre, I saw just how big an issue racism is in our community. I realised this isn’t someone else’s problem—it’s OUR problem. If we’re not actively working to fix it, we’re part of the problem. That hit me hard.

Why did you become a patron for this campaign?

I’ve been lucky—I’ve never experienced racism personally. But that doesn’t mean I haven’t seen it. Last year, a friend shared her experience with me, and I was shocked. Completely floored. I thought, “No, not here. Not in OUR community.” But it was real. It happened.

And then it happened again. A few more people I know opened up and shared their stories. That’s when it clicked. Just because I don’t see it every day doesn’t mean it’s not happening. It IS happening, and it’s hurting people in our community. That’s when I knew I couldn’t sit on the sidelines.

When I was asked to be a Patron for this campaign, I didn’t even need to think about it. It was a BIG YES from me. No second-guessing. No “let me get back to you.” I felt honoured, and I knew this was exactly the kind of project I needed to be part of.

Look, we can’t wait around for someone else to fix this. There’s no fairy godmother coming to wave a magic wand and make racism disappear. We ALL need to do something. Whatever we can, whenever we can.

This campaign is my way of bringing my energy, passion, and voice to the table.

I believe in the power of people. I believe that when we come together, we can change the world. And no, that’s not just some feel-good slogan. I mean it.

We ALL have power, and when we work as a team, that power multiplies. That’s what I call TEAM SUNSHINE COAST. Let’s take responsibility, let’s take action, and let’s create a community where racism doesn’t have a place to hide.

Whether racism affects you personally or not, it’s your responsibility. Talk about it. Call it out when you see it. Show empathy to those who’ve been affected, and be proactive. The more you look for it, the more you’ll see it—and the more you’ll realise how much work there is to do.

This isn’t just about making the Sunshine Coast “better.” It’s about making it HOME—for everyone.

Current memberships

• Vice President of Volunteering Sunshine Coast
• Board Member of Cleantech Network