Mia’s maternal & paternal ancestors were Wheatbelt pioneers, and Mia’s affinity to music was passed down to her from both sides of her family.
Music was an important element among the hardship they endured. Although enjoying the finer side of the city later in life, Mia’s roots remain in the country, reflected by the lyrics set to the music she has written.
In 1979, Mia’s family purchased the historic farm of Yanget at Kojarena, just East of Geraldton in WA’s Midwest. The Yanget homestead, standing sentry on the hill, was a feature of this property with its grand features and stunning stained glass windows.
This move brought many challenges to the young family, but was a refreshing change after tragic losses the family had suffered, of which Mia has a keen memory. The first challenge occurred even before official settlement on the farm purchase, when the property suffered a direct hit from Cyclone Hazel, March 1979. Hazel was a particularly severe cyclone which crossed the coast above Kalbarri.
The ornate double chimney stack above Mia’s new bedroom collapsed in 200km winds, part of the chimney landing on her bed through the ceiling! Fortunately she had left the room minutes before, but her father suffered injuries as a result of the damage.
The homestead was left in ruins, only partially liveable. Not a tank or windmill survived unscathed, and most farm fences were washed away. It was a traumatic introduction to life at Yanget for Mia and her younger brother. The homestead was rebuilt to its original style, and the rest of the farm made operational again. The children’s fears were outgrown as Yanget became a wonderful place for the three Creagh children to grow up. The vast size of the homestead allowed each sibling their own space. Mia made the most of the acoustics of the huge rooms with their 14 foot ceilings for her music making.
Mia loved the dramatic, rugged landscape of the farm and developed tomboy interests, spending hours with ponies and motorbikes exploring the hills, soaks and creeks, and helping staff with stock work. Her favourite time was Spring with the carpets of pink everlastings on the Yanget hills.
These memories and her love of the family farm, its homestead and countryside, have inspired Mia to many of her lyrics written and put to song.
Many years later when retirement age loomed for Mia’s parents the hard decision was made for the farm to be sold - which proved to be a massive wrench to the entire family.
Through Mia’s childhood her interest in music showed, and was fostered by those around her. Her earliest music teacher was intuitive and not too prescriptive, allowing Mia to develop her own flair and expression. The first taste of performing on the big stage came from local Music Festivals at the new Queens Park Theatre in Geraldton.
Once qualified as a physio Mia returned to the country to Geraldton, and practiced for several years, then moved back to Perth to study a specialized area in Physiotherapy for her second degree. This hard work resulted in prestigious awards.
The following year, 1999, Mia and Max Royce married, their wedding being held in the gardens of the Yanget homestead. They moved to live on Max’s land on the Greenough Flats where Max works as an artisan furniture maker. The Greenough Flats, is famous for the unique Leaning Trees which have become a landmark to the district.
So once again Mia was to observe the nature around her. She was to see the devastation of the landscape by droughts of the early 2000’s, and the diminishing number of trees.
Mia’s next venture was to set up her own Physio Clinic. This surfaced her business acumen, leading in time to her award as Small Business Owner in the Telstra Women’s Business Awards 2003, for the region, then for WA. This gave her the opportunity to meet many young business women aroundAustralia and share an understanding of the common pressures on small business owners in today’s economic climate. Her close involvement with rural clients gave Mia first-hand insight into the extra stresses and pressures farmers and country businesses endure at the hand of nature - with no real control over rainfall or drought, leading to painful decision making for the welfare of families. The issue of mental health and depression in isolated rural areas and the lack of knowledge country folk have of where to seek help is an issue Mia became keenly aware of. The first song Mia wrote, “Rain Stick” highlights her concerns.
Meanwhile the music remained!
Mia found time for gigs in pubs and restaurants, and corporate, community and family functions. A highlight was to be the support act for Sarah Storer at a Geraldton concert.
Mia formed a wonderful duo with her friend Gavin Carvill. Together as “Sugar & Spice” they have explored many musical genres, including jazz. A great musical rapport has come to exist. The duo performed as support for “Mental As Anything” and Renee Geyer at Red Hill Concerts, as well as a variety of other gigs and functions.
As time ticked by it became clear to Mia & Max that starting a family could be a difficult process, along with the realization it was necessary to let go of some of the outside stresses and make sacrifices to ensure a family would happen. To this end Mia scaled down business and music commitments and rewards came in the form of their pigeon pair in 2008 and 2009. A more balanced family lifestyle with less energy draining to the outside world, meant more creative energy and so Mia began her songwriting in earnest. Her inspiration came largely from family - her children and husband. And issues of the world today. The encouragement and faith of Mia’s husband Max, extended family and friends helped Mia pursue the notion of recording her first collection of songs. The expertise of old friends pointed her in the right direction and introduced her to the best people in the world of music recording.
This dream was to become a reality!!