Storytelling through songwriting and living with ADHD & RSD with Ben Drysdale
Ben’s passion for music was sparked early, paving the way to his musical journey. He was inspired by childhood road trips, family music collections blending classical and popular tunes. Ben’s academic path intertwined with creative pursuits of music and theatre when he attended ANU in Canberra before furthering his studies at Simon Fraser University in […]
Advocating for Accessibility after Legally Blind at 42 with Narelle Gatti
Narelle has a severe vision impairment that means she uses a guide dog to get around. She only started to lose my sight about 16 years ago and has lived with only seeing shapes for the last two years. She is an advocate for digital accessibility in Australia and work to let people know about […]
Experience the Harsh Realities of Caring for a Loved One with Gary Watson
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 […]
A Conversation about Challenges, Confidence & Neurofibromatosis with Bradley Dowling
Bradley Dowling is a passionate community advocate and basketball coach who thrives on making a positive impact in the lives of young individuals and raising awareness for neurofibromatosis (NF), a genetic condition he was diagnosed with at age five. Growing up in a supportive family, Dowling saw his parents actively involved in NF advocacy which […]
A Journey through Generational Trauma to Advocate for Mental Health with with Walter Frankel
The son of Holocaust survivors, Walter Frankel grew up in Rhodesia and South Africa before moving to Australia. His parents’ experiences during the war profoundly shaped his upbringing, instilling in him a strong sense of resilience and adaptability. Coming from a dysfunctional family, Frankel struggled with the impact of his parents’ trauma on his own […]
From Hospital Administrator to Resilience & Purpose in Unpaid Care with Cheryl Harris
Cheryl Harris, is a community advocate, and former unpaid carer. She transitioned from hospital administration to volunteering and has been deeply involved in senior care and disability services. Cheryl’s life changed when her husband Ken was diagnosed with kidney disease in 1995. She navigated the complexities of dialysis and healthcare, showing immense strength and resilience. […]
Balancing a Journey as a Young Carer to an Advocate for Caring Rights with Monica Benney
The Complexities of Parenthood and the Legalities of Family Breakup with Bill Kable
Bill Kable, born in Australia, comes from a family with a rich legal heritage. As a fifth-generation descendant of Henry Kable, he grew up with a strong sense of justice. Bill pursued his education in law, following his family’s footsteps. Bill established himself as a practicing lawyer, dedicating his career to serving his clients and […]
A Generous Life of Advocacy and Community for Men’s Mental Health with Filipe Gama e Silva
Raised in Brisbane, Filipe’s parents immigrated to Australia from Portugal, driven by the allure of “Skippy the Bush Kangaroo,” grounding his understanding of belonging and community from an early age. Filipe’s family, especially his mother, supported him through his dyslexia, teaching him resilience and fostering his self-confidence despite academic challenges. At 17, a formative trip […]
Clinical Depression, Diagnosis and Advocating for Struggling Men with Wayne Wigham | Kintsugi Heroes
Wayne’s early years were filled with rugby union and league, providing him companionship and a mental outlet. Despite personal struggles with depression, sports helped him cope. From a young age, Wayne faced debilitating depression, navigating periods of despair unseen by others. Misdiagnosis and inadequate treatment marked his early experiences with mental health systems but did […]