Gary grew up curious and spirited, always eager to solve problems. He discovered his innate passion for helping others early on in his life.
He studied business and economics and combined academic rigor with practical insights, eventually earning a doctorate.
Gary entered the automotive industry, quickly rising through the ranks and became known for his strategic mind and empathy.
He met and married Leanne, a partnership built on love, trust, and mutual support. Their journey soon faced unexpected challenges when Leanne was diagnosed with limb girdle muscular dystrophy. Gary took on caregiving, balancing roles with determination and dedication. He compares caregiving to a marathon and highlighted the emotional, physical, and mental challenges it entails.
Gary was Invited to join Carers Australia’s board, eventually becoming vice-president. Where he played a crucial role in policy shaping at the national level.
After shifting to senior leadership roles in not-for-profits and academia, he also became an adjunct professorship at Deakin Business School.
Gary spearheaded the Carer Gateway initiative, providing essential resources and support for carers across Australia. He believes in honesty, readiness to ask for help, and the power of education and advocates for the intrinsic value and recognition of carers.
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We hope that you enjoyed this episode of Kintsugi Heroes.
Please take care: if you have been triggered by listening to this episode we recommend you get in contact with someone who can help keep you safe and give you the support you need. This may be Lifeline, AA, a friend, a counsellor, or some other support group.
If you’d like to share your story on Kintsugi Heroes, please get in touch by contacting us via the website here – https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/contact
We hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories!
Warmly,
The Kintsugi Heroes team
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Theme Song: “Broken” by Colin Lillie
This Limited Kintsugi Heroes podcast series was made possible with grant funding from the NSW Department of Communities & Justice Connecting Seniors Grant Program. To find out more about the program, head to https://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/connecting-seniors-grant-program-2025.
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Kintsugi Heroes is a not-for-profit Australian podcast network sharing real stories of resilience, disability, and transformation.
Named after the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold — the philosophy that what’s been broken can become more beautiful for the mending — every episode honours the cracks, the rebuild, and the human underneath.
We believe every story matters. Every scar has something to say. And every person quietly finding their way through deserves to be heard.
🏷️ Topics we cover: resilience, disability, trauma recovery, mental health, transformation, lived experience, chronic illness, neurodiversity, grief, identity, community, caregiving, refugee stories, animal therapy, ageing, older Australians, wellbeing, invisible illness, inclusion, personal growth, hope, rebuilding, human connection, Australian stories
📺 Series on this channel:
– Kintsugi Heroes — real stories of resilience | hosted by John Milham
– Animals & Us | hosted by Natalie Stockdale
– Grit Diaries: from Grit to Grace | hosted by Simone Allan & Maryan Bova
– From There to Here | hosted by Emma Bellamy-Dodd
– Golden Threads — stories of disability & resilience | hosted by Dan Dougherty
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