Before she was helping investors grow their portfolios at LJ Hooker Aspley & Chermside, Mahalia Robinson was performing with Hugh Jackman in “The Boy From Oz.” That’s not a metaphor. She really did share the stage with the Wolverine himself.
It’s just one chapter in a life that’s seen Mahalia move from musical theatre and makeup artistry into property management, bringing with her a flair for people, performance, and purpose.
Now 30 years old, Mahalia serves as the New Business Manager for Investments and Growth at LJ Hooker Aspley & Chermside. Her path to real estate had not exactly been linear.
“I had someone telling me for years I’d be good at it,” she laughs. “When COVID hit, I was in a call centre job I couldn’t stand. I saw a receptionist role at a real estate agency, applied that morning, interviewed that afternoon, and three days later, I was in.”
It turned out to be a perfect fit. With a background in full-time dance, vocal lessons, and a natural ability to connect with people, Mahalia found that her performing arts skills translated seamlessly into the relationship-driven world of real estate.
Though her early real estate days were in Brisbane’s inner city, the pull of home eventually brought her back to the 4034 postcode, specifically Boondall, where she has lived since she was eight.
“I loved the inner city,” she says, “but I wanted to return to my roots. This is where I grew up.”
Those roots run deep. Her family were long-time foster carers, particularly for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. Hers was a home full of diversity, compassion, and community—values that continue to shape her professional and personal life.
“We were really involved with the Department of Child Safety growing up,” Mahalia recalls. “Coming back into this area now, I want to reconnect with that side of the community again.”
That human-first approach is something that she believes is rare in the often task-driven world of property management. “You don’t often find a BDM who carves out time for community involvement,” she says. “But LJ Hooker has always been about relationships, and that’s what drew me to them.”
Outside of work, Mahalia still finds time for the arts, often attending or participating in community theatre, and maintaining her long-standing love of movement through Pilates. “Pilates connects me back to my dance days,” she explains. “But it’s also about wellbeing. If I’m not okay, I can’t give my best to others.”
Her passions extend beyond performance. A self-professed “avid shopper,” Mahalia also collects high-end perfumes and quality wines.
“I’ve got a bottle of Penfolds St Henri I’m saving for my wedding day,” she says. She’s partial to Pinot Noir and rosé, especially from boutique, family-run vineyards. In fact, she has added a visit to Stanthorpe’s wine region to her bucket list.
Among her quieter causes is an issue close to her heart: menstrual product accessibility for homeless women. “We can’t always house everyone,” she says, “but at the very least, we can offer dignity. I’d love for people to know they can … pick up a pack. No questions asked.”
A rom-com enthusiast (with “Anyone But You” and “Crazy Rich Asians” topping her list), Mahalia also makes time for rewatching “The Office,” “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” or “Gilmore Girls.”
Amongst her varied interests, the real joy in her life comes from the friendships she’s built in adulthood.
“Most of my close friends came into my life after I turned 21,” she shares. “We chose each other based on values—how we communicate, how we show up. Your energy is so valuable as a human being. You need to use it well.”
And that’s exactly what Mahalia Robinson seems to do — whether it’s helping investors grow their portfolios, reconnecting with her community roots, or simply offering a safe space to someone in need. With heart, hustle, and a touch of theatrical sparkle, she’s turning every role she plays in her life into a starring one.
Published 10-June-2025
