Wayne captured Australia’s attention as one of AFL’s most successful football players. Upon retirement in 2002 he went on to make his name as a broadcaster and passionate advocate for mental health awareness. He has launched both the Sunrise Foundation, which delivered preventative education programs to secondary school students between 2007 and 2010, and Puka Up – a social enterprise which focuses on mental health, emotional wellbeing and suicide prevention.

Barkindji Warrior Shantelle describes herself as a life weaver – bringing together with intention, courage and heart her roles as a First Nations woman, mother of six, storyteller, athlete, role model, Indigipreneur, founder, guide and teacher. After being diagnosed with crippling postnatal depression at the age of 33, Shantelle took up Brazilian jiu-jitsu to help her heal. Shantelle knew she had to help herself and be the writer of her own story.

Heart On My Sleeve was born on May 30, 2017, when founder Mitch Wallis shared a video of his story, describing his immense battles with anxiety, depression and a lifetime of mental illness. He spoke about the conflict he felt between having the “perfect” outside life on social media, while suffering deeply beneath the surface. The video went viral and saw people from around the world tattooing hearts on their arms and sharing their stories. From that day, a movement was born.

As Australia’s longest-serving high court judge, Michael Kirby has needed to build a strong sense of self to thrive in a tough public position. His dissenting judgments are famous for being on the wrong side of the majority, but on the right side of history. As a highly decorated human rights champion, professor and international jurist with appointments across several UN missions, Michael brings wisdom and experience to inspire our industry professionals.

Also known as The Streets’ Barber, Nasir earned his affectionate title by offering free haircuts and shaves to the homeless and less fortunate on the streets of Melbourne. His inspirational story of compassion and generosity has now received significant attention globally. Strongly spiritual, he believes in using your natural talents to be charitable and help those less privileged. Nasir is both a thought-provoking presenter and humanitarian, providing inspiration with his aspirational approach to charity and kindness.

Thomas Keneally was born in 1935 and his first novel was published in 1964. Since then he has written a considerable number of novels and non-fiction works including The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith, Schindler’s List and The People’s Train. His history books include The Great Shame, Australians and The Commonwealth of Thieves.