August 5th
The Unexpected Teacher
Teachers don't always come in classrooms or carry titles.
The best lessons often arrive when and where you least expect them.
Meet Our Storytellers
Dr Jennifer Hamer
Dr Jennifer Hamer is an award-winning researcher, practitioner, and advocate, uniquely blending her expertise in sport, mental health, and eating disorder prevention with her powerful lived experience. As a former elite athlete, her personal journey through an eating disorder fuelled her passion for systemic change and athlete well-being. Jennifer’'s work has significantly shaped national research, policy, and education, making her a vital voice in understanding and preventing eating disorders in sport.
Craig Stevens
Craig Stevens, CEO of LocalKind, is deeply committed to supporting marginalized individuals often overlooked by society. With over 16 years of experience in mental health, social services, and leadership, Craig's dedication is rooted in his own lived experience as a survivor of abuse and intergenerational trauma. This challenging past has fueled his unwavering commitment to kindness, redemption, and healing. Craig is a fierce advocate for the transformative power of compassion, striving to create a world where everyone feels a sense of belonging and where kindness is a necessity, not a luxury.
Nelson Bours
Nelson is a freelance videographer operating out of the shack he lives in in Surry Hills (aptly named “The Sanctuary”). He strives to live wholly within the world he resides, expressing what he sees, thinks, and feels through the medium of poetry. He self-published his debut poetry collection “Drink Driving” in 2023, and plans to publish many, many more books throughout his lifetime. You’ll find him on two wheels, walking slowly, or talking to strangers
Jessica Baird Walsh
Jessica Baird Walsh is an Australian entrepreneur and innovator with a global perspective, having founded and led multiple ventures in tech, innovation, and social impact worldwide. Beyond her professional roles, she is dedicated to startup collaboration, female founder support, and purpose-driven initiatives. A mother of three, Jessica is also a committed runner, maintaining a daily streak since 2022. Through her "1000 Challenge," she actively raises funds for the Indigenous Marathon Foundation, championing Indigenous leadership through sport.
Sherrie Laryse
Sherrie Laryse's journey into self-awareness and emotional well-being began while seeking answers for unexplained health challenges. Through vivid meditations and deep introspection, she uncovered profound insights into emotions and healing, detailed in her memoir, 'The Body Talks Back'. Sherrie offers a fresh and transformative perspective on understanding our inner landscapes, inviting audiences to rethink conventional notions of emotional well-being.
Michelle McGrath
Originally from Ireland, Michelle McGrath has lived in Australia for over 30 years, dedicating the past eight years to Indigenous education. As the author of "YELLAMUNDIE, Voices & Faces of First Nations People in Sydney," Michelle is passionate about sharing Indigenous stories to raise awareness of Indigenous culture and history, frequently presenting at schools and corporate events.