The outback landscape is beautiful to some and a barren waste of time to others. Last June, on a flight from Darwin to Brisbane, a woman called ALIKI watched it sprawl endlessly from 35,000 feet. The stereotypical sunset of sapphire on burnt orange captivated some passengers, but most closed their eyes to sleep. Even though Aliki had flown this way before, she looked in appreciation at how something so dry can also be attractive. Aliki’s weird name comes from a Greek heritage, but she speaks with a slight kiwi accent and was raised in Australia. Since 2004 she has travelled many outback and city miles to appreciate Australia’s most valuable commodity, it’s people.

'Down to earth' and 'captivating' are the two most commonly used phrases to describe conference speaker and performer Aliki Flodine. Eight years ago she quit a conventional lifestyle to head out in a Troop Carrier and 14ft Viscount caravan to inspire and encourage ordinary Australians in their journey of life. Today, she is one of Australia's highest selling gospel artists. Aliki shares at over 150 events per year to crowds of 10,000 on lit up stages to outback stations under washing lines and stars. Her reputation is built on her belief as a Christian, that every person has inherent value and deserves second chances for tomorrow. Aliki inspires audiences through personal stories that are often embarassing and humorous. Her ‘raw and real’ style has connected with all Australians: from CEO’s and politicians, full time mums and workforce woman, recovering drug addicts and prostitutes, Christians, Muslims and Hare Krishna’s; to tough old farmers and broken down men who’ve lost their way.

‘Restoration’ is one of Aliki’s favourite words. She describes it as taking something that isn’t all it should be and making it more of what it could be. Her concerts and storytelling revolve around this one word. Her garage has sparked a presentation about hope, just for the blokes. Aliki is restoring two classic Saab 99’s in a shed piled up with parts she found and bought on ebay all over the globe. Her tails of dismantling, making mistakes and hoping for the best leave audiences shaking their head in wonder at two things: Firstly, the stark contrast of the woman standing before them to on screen pictures of a grease monkey on the garage floor. Secondly, the parallel of restoring an old car, to the possibilities of restoring a broken life.

Aliki describes her philosophy here:  “Naturally, people don’t appreciate having religion jammed down their throat. Even with a ‘teaspoon of sugar’ nobody is fooled. But over the years I’ve shared with a broad spectrum of Aussie culture, and I’ve discovered that nobody minds kindness or being told that they’re valuable. The bible says that the kindness of God gets people interested in Him. So that’s all I do. It’s a simple mission of revealing my version of heaven to people who desire a leg up.”

It doesn’t take audiences long to realise that Aliki’s not a super saint. The stories are too revealing for pretence. But that’s what people appreciate most, an honest look at life, faith, purpose and hope. For more information about ALIKI visit www.aliki.com.au