Adrian “Moose” Skeggs was born and raised on Lord Howe Island, a small, close-knit place he calls absolutely idyllic and full of daily adventures and learning. Adrian faced a tough start. His mother was bedridden for years, and he often pushed boundaries, seeking attention and connection from his community.
Despite childhood challenges and going off the rails, Adrian’s community stepped in, sponsoring him to attend boarding school after recognizing both his struggles and his potential. At boarding school, discipline and routine helped Adrian settle. He quickly stood out in sports, playing cricket and joining the rugby team where he found new purpose and belonging.
Rugby became central to Adrian’s life. He moved to Sydney, joined the Warringah Club, and worked hard to eventually play for New South Wales, Queensland, and represented Australia internationally. After rugby, Adrian faced the challenge of finding his true place beyond the game. He moved into teaching, coaching, and using his connections to help others, giving back wherever possible.
When Adrian moved back to Lord Howe Island with his family, he focuses on community, volunteering at the school and encouraging young people to embrace legacy, make good choices, and help each other.
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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 episode of Kintsugi Heroes was made possible with support from the Community Broadcasting Foundation. Find out more at cbf.org.au.
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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
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– 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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