George Siegal began his career in front of the camera as a newscaster, sportscaster, and weathercaster. His work took him from San Antonio Texas, to Detroit, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle. In addition to work in front of the camera, George was a feature reporter and producer.In 2001 he formed J.E.L. Productions, a video production company that produces commercials, infomercials, television programs and documentary films. The company also created their own original programming, which included a Texas Travel Program and a building and remodelling show.George is most proud of his latest venture, forming the documentary film company Move the World Films, Inc. He wrote, directed and produced the award-winning documentary films ‘The Last House Standing’ which explores the fact that most people think catastrophic destruction will never happen to them, and ‘License to Parent’, which looks at how parenting is the most important job in the world, and how anybody can do it regardless of how qualified they are.Socials:Website: movetheworldfilms.orgWebsite: thelasthousestanding.orgWebsite: licensetoparentmovie.comFB: Move The World Films, Inc.  @movetheworldfilmsFB: The Last House Standing @thelasthousestandingInsta: Move The World FilmsLinkedIn: George Siegal Enjoy the visual here on Youtube 

Scott Harris comes from a family of established, highly-successful individuals. At a very young age, Scott convinced his parents to send him to a military boarding school in Wisconsin he learned to fly at the age of 12.At the age of 17, he enlisted in the army, where he developed a passion for skydiving, and he soon won the National Collegiate Skydiving Championships. A terrible skydiving accident left with him with a shattered femur, broken tibia, three broken ribs, facial stitches, and concussion, but he was back in the air 3 months later.Scott earned Commercial, Instrument, and Certified Flight Instructor ratings, and would eventually run a parachute school. Years later, he met his 2nd wife, who connected him to the world of photography which became his profession. Over the years, Scott has built a successful property inspection business, and has become known as an expert in infrared thermography.Scott is also the author of the book ‘Leap Forward’, a public speaker and provides training programs for the corporate sector to help managers and entrepreneurs achieve their goals and improve their performance.You may also remember the infamous photographer that parachuted (uninvited) into Elizabeth Taylor’s wedding at Michael Jackson’s ranch - yep, that was Scott.Socials:Website: https://www.scottkharris.com/Facebook: Scott K Harris @Scottspeaks1957You Tube: Scott HarrisYouTube (Skydiving is a metaphor) Leap Forward (book)Leap Forward Audiobook downloadEnjoy the visual here on Youtube

Shabnam Ighani was born in the North of Iran, of Bahá’i  faith and with a wonderful childhood, she believed in the equality of men and women and the emphasis on girls education.She was 12 years old when the Islamic Revolution happened in 1979 and the Islamic government took over the country. It was a memorable moment in her life as she remembers she was in secondary school and wearing a nice pink shirt with short grey skirt uniform that changed overnight in to a long black dress and head cover referred to as a “Manto”. Subjected to discrimination, bullying and harassment for being non Muslim, all Bahá’i people with a government job, qualified doctors, nurses, lawyers, teachers and other professions lost their jobs.At the age of 18, she married an over protective and controlling man who slowly made her miserable to where her confidence and self-esteem hit their lowest point and she became physically and mentally sick. She could not make any decision for herself and was subjected to emotional and psychological abuse for many years, leaving Shab with the conclusion that she had no choice but to escape to a free country. She counts herself lucky that Australia gave her that refuge. Her book titled - ‘Fighting for A Future, Trapped Behind the Border’ tells her life story. Shab attained her master’s degree in nursing specialising in Nursing Management and Clinical Nurse studies, and today works as a Clinical Nurse Specialist at the Royal North Shore Hospital.Shab has a YouTube channel, predominantly in Persian, with more than 3,000 subscribers. Her aim is to help other people who are doing it tough in life and who are looking for answers and a direction.Socials:Website: https://www.shabnamighani.com/LinedIn: Shabnam (Shab) Ighani FB:  Fighting For A Future: Trapped Behind The Border @shabnamighaniauthor  Insta: Shabnam Ighani  @shab_ighani Enjoy the visual here on Youtube 

Bronwyn Manley hails from NSW where the local environment caused endless allergies, which hampered her desire to grow her own food. Finally her move to regional Victoria gave wings to her dreams.Starting out in their suburban back yard, Bon and her partner, Dave created a beautiful garden oasis that yielded enough produce for Bon and Dave, but also enough to share with others. Dave’s passion for gardening was sparked by time spent in the garden with his Grandfather, and this passion ignited a fire in Bon, and together they focused solely on growing fruit and vegetables.  Bon soon became interested in growing flowers because of the benefits of companion planting flowers and vegetables.  Bon fell in love when her first zinnia started flowering and then fell deeper in love when she noticed how the bees and other insects were attracted to it. In an instant, Bon started allocating more space for flowers.Having a background in hospitality, Bon started working at the local Tinamba Hotel, which led to discussions with the owners and the Head Chef about microherbs and edible flowers.  A discussion that continued to play on Bon’s mind.Bon’s son started at local primary school and the family fundraised for the school with the kids growing flowers and microherbs.  A few years later Bon and her family moved to Seaton and started working on a new farm with a billion and one dreams of what they wanted to do with it. One idea was growing veggie boxes, but disappointment set in as that idea wasn’t viable, and the first few years on the farm were really hard.A few restaurants wanted Bon and Dave to keep growing veggies for them, but Bon’s real passion was trying create dried sprinkle blends. When the first big lockdown came, they made the decision to turn the edible flower part into a dry farm, and haven’t looked back, with the sprinkles now being distributed Australia wide.Socials:Website: http://boninthegarden.com.au/ (Coming soon!)FB: Bronwyn Manley  Insta: Bon In The Garden @boninthegarden  LinkedIn: Bronwyn Manley Mentions:Tinamba Hotel https://tinambahotel.com.au/Diggers Club https://www.diggers.com.au/Startup Gippsland  https://startupgippsland.com.au/Postcode Hives https://www.postcodehives.com.au/Hugh Charles https://www.hughcharles.com.au/Pete Collings (Architect)  https://www.linkedin.com/in/petecollingsarchitect/?originalSubdomain=auEnjoy the visual here on Youtube 

Lily Bergqvist, otherwise known as ‘Lily B - Artist’ became a household name in 2021 at the age of 14, when she auditioned for The Voice Australia, singing the legendary song ‘Candle In The Wind’. She went on to join Team Jess, with the highly acclaimed Jessica Mauboy, and then into the next round.Since Lily first performed on stage at the age of 6, singing “Over the rainbow”, she has loved performance and theatre.  Her favourite musical theatre productions are Les Miserable, Hamilton, Dear Evan Hanson and Beetlejuice.  Outside of music and performing, Lily enjoys all things creative including drawing, painting, creating art pieces and drama.  She has joined a number of junior musical theatre productions, where she enjoys taking on other characters and most of all having fun and making new friends.  Lily also likes to perform voice impressions of movie characters and keeps others entertained with her recital of movie lines.  She has recently been studying Shakespearean insults and thinks it is pretty cool. Lily lives life by the motto, “Hakuna Matata” (no worries) – and recently said “You are not going to be here forever so make the most of it”.Socials:Insta: lilyb.artist - Lily B (Lily Bergqvist)FB: Lily B  @lilyb.artist (Musician/Band) See Lily’s Voice audition hereEnjoy the visual here on Youtube

Jason Sotiris is the founder of the award winning charity, ‘Supertee’ which provides superhero costumes for sick kids to wear in hospital.Beginning as a tradie, a devastating turn of events with his daughter Angela, made Jason decide to pack up the tools and make kids’ dreams come true.Jason’s daughter Angela was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in 2013, raising Jason to absolutely ‘useless’ when a tangle of wires and tubes left him unable to change her clothes without difficulty and discomfort for Angela. In 2018 Jason launched Supertees.‘Supertees’ fasten with plastic buttons to bypass wires and tubes, and can safely be worn in scanning machines. The innovative design provides an easier way for parents and hospital staff to change, access and bypass medical lines, without impacting the child’s dignity.Over the past 3 years, 7,000 costumes have been given to sick Australian kids with more than 8,000 still to be delivered.Socials:Website: https://www.supertee.org.au/FB: Supertee @theSuperteeChartityInsta: the_supertee_project @SuperteeLinkedIn: Jason SotirisMentions:The Living Room (Channel 10) Royal Children’s Hospital Life is beautiful (Movie) - Roberto Benigni‘Man in the arena’ (poem) - Theodore RooseveltEnjoy the visual here on Youtube

Kate Gale grew up in Sale, Gippsland in a very loving family. She had three dreams in life 1. To be a hairdresser 2.To get married to the man of her dreams 3. To become a mum. She nailed all three dreams by the time she turned 24, however being diagnosed with breast cancer was not in her life plan.She wrote her first book, ‘The Breast Is Yet To Come’ while going through breast cancer treatment in 2012 and has recently released her second book, ‘Thanks For The Mammaries’ in 2020.‘Thanks for the Mammaries’ is an honest recount of her journey with cancer. After being diagnosed at the young age of twenty-seven with breast cancer, she fought a hard, uphill battle, stared it in the eye, and won. She may have won the cancer battle, but along the way, picked up a little thing called anxiety.Five years later, as life was getting back to “normal’’, tragedy struck her young family again when her husband was diagnosed with renal cancer. What followed was the biggest curveball that Kate had been handed to date when roles were reversed, and she was sitting on the other side of a cancer diagnosis. It opened her eyes to life, what was important, who was important, and which direction she wanted to go in. It also forced Kate to own up to the fact she hadn’t dealt with what she had been through and she needed to take control of her anxiety and learn how to live with it. Having seen both sides of the disease, from two different perspectives, Kate knew she had to break down the barriers that surrounded cancer. Her positive, inspiring, and honest attitude towards her battles are not only refreshing to some, but something that will leave you wondering what is important to you. Kate shows people how dreaming big, giving back, and having a never-give-up kind of attitude can turn a negative into a positive whilst continuing to smile.Kate now lives in Ballarat with her husband Bob and two teenage daughters Bree and Gemma. She hung up the hairdressing scissors five years ago and is now funnily enough working as a Practice Manager in an Allied Health practice. Who would have thought she’d end up working in the health sector?!  She continues to raise funds for cancer research whilst speaking and raising awareness about cancer, fighting anxiety, and how she found her new normal.Socials:Website: https://www.kategaleauthor.com/FB: Kate Gale - Author Insta: Kate Gale - Author  @kategale_author  LinkedIn: Kate Gale  Mentions:John FarnhamEnjoy the visual here on Youtube

A troubled childhood and high school dropout at 15, Glenn Dawson always looked for something fulfilling to do with his life and find meaning in the lack lustre careers he'd had in his journey (his words!). Eventually, Glenn took the plunge and moved with his wife to Lombok (Indonesia), and bought a run-down bar and restaurant on a beach. He then proceeded to build a new hotel on the site in 2006, and in 2009 he built a second hotel in the backpacker famous Gili Islands.While the hotel business conjures up images of a life of exotic adventures, it also brought to light the devastation of single use plastics that were washing up on the beaches daily.Glenn had a lightbulb moment that cascaded into endless research about straws and the devastating effects they had on the planet. The project idea was abandoned and allocated to the back blocks of his mind as Glenn longed for a world that would or could have the plastic straw banned one day.By 2019, the hotels were sold and Glenn and his wife were living back in The Gurdies, Victoria permanently. Glenn’s hope picked up as he heard the governments of Australia talking about bans on plastic straws, and decided to act on his idea. Applying his passion, and gaining entry into the prestigious Startup Gippsland incubator program, Glenn’s kickstarted his project, and successfully made it through to the final.The Only Straw, is a completely biodegradable, compostable and zero waste drinking straw, and Glenn is excited about how it will evolve into in the future, and hopes other green products will follow.Socials:Website: The Only Straw  https://theonlystraw.com.au/Insta: The Only Straw @the.only.straw LinkedIn: Glenn Dawson FB: The Only Straw  @jointhestrevolution Twitter: @TheOnlyStrawMentions:Startup GippslandBass Coast ShireLatrobe Valley AuthorityJim RohnEnjoy the visual here on Youtube

Eimear McNelis is the owner of Red Dirt Road Creative. She has been a Media Journalist, Photographer and Marketing Specialist for the last 21 years, and has worked in media roles, corporate roles and freelance roles in the UK, Ireland and Australia for medium to large scale companies. She has written copy for many businesses and organisations in the areas of education, philanthropy, travel, health and wellness and horticulture. As a result of beginning and writing her lifestyle blog “Red Dirt Road Blog”, she has had the chance to work on some amazing writing and media projects, and has been able to connect with many in the horticultural industry and undertake professional development in Horticulture.Eimear has written regular magazine features for Gippsland Country Life Magazine, and has traveled to exciting emerging and prominent horticultural gardens throughout Gippsland, Victoria and Melbourne, as well as Ireland and the UK. Eimear hosts workshops in cooking, gardening and blogging, and has spent many hours volunteering at her local community garden.She is currently enjoying her home based life with her family, enjoying the new challenge of homeschooling, while also indulging in more creative writing and in the planning stages of writing her first book. She lives close to Melbourne, in the Gippsland Strzelecki Ranges with her family where they grow yummy food in the glorious red volcanic soil.Socials:Website: Red Dirt Road Life  https://www.reddirtroad.life/FB: Eimear McNelisInsta: Eimear McNelis @red.dirt.road.life Twitter: Eimear McNelis @RedDirtBlogLinkedIn: Eimear McNelis Mentions:Schitt’s Creek Enjoy the visual here on Youtube

Sarah Dowell spent several years working across East Africa for organisations tackling extreme poverty. Time and time again, she witnessed the frustrations that charities face, when programs that are making positive impact, are halted by a lack of funding.Living back in Australia, she simultaneously saw the power of social enterprise. The simple link between purchasing products from social enterprises, and these brands financially supporting charities, provided that continuation of funding that was so often missing. Sarah saw an opportunity to find and support grass-root social enterprises and create a marketplace where consumers could genuinely make a positive impact in the world, simply through the products they bought. This was the birth of ‘Asanti’, an online platform for brands that give back, with a purpose to inspire consumers to have a positive impact through everyday purchases.‘Asanti’ is Swahili for “Thank you”. This language is spoken by tens of millions of people across East Africa, crossing borders and bringing people together from a host of nations.‘Asanti’ was chosen in the spirit of uniting Australians with the people of developing countries and sharing in a common goal to make our world a better place.Socials:Website: Asanti  https://www.asanti.com.au/FB: Asanti @shopasanti Insta: shopasanti LinkedIn: Sarah Dowell Mentions:Heartprint Thank You Who Gives A Crap  Good Frances  Startup Gippsland  Enjoy the visual here on Youtube

Kasha Sequoia Slavner is a Gen-Z, multi-award-winning first-time documentary filmmaker who comes to the profession as a seasoned photographer, entrepreneur and social justice advocate for over a decade. She was only 16 years old when she set out across the world for six months to make The Sunrise Storyteller and completed it upon returning to high school. Using her passion for visual storytelling to make the world a better place, she was selected as the recipient of the very first Kim Phuc Youth Award for Peace . In addition, Kasha was selected for the class of 2017 Global Teen Leaders by legendary music producer Nile Rodgers’  We Are Family Foundation & TEDxTeen and was also selected into the inaugural cohort of the We Global Learning Centre's new social entrepreneurship program.  In 2018 she was chosen by Yunus & Youth as one of their Fellows and in 2019 selected by Global Changemakers to join their cohort. Most recently this committed changemaker became a Diana Award Holder, for sustaining positive social change in the memory of Diana, Princess of Wales. In 2019 she was chosen to be part of the inaugural launch of projects selected for the  Voices of SDG16+ at the United Nations High Level Political Forum.  In September 2019, she was spoke to over 750+ students at the United Nations for The International Day of Peace Student Observance on the topic of climate & peace. Recently she became a 2021 Climate Ambassador of the Global Youth Climate Network and a liaison for the One Better World Collective.  Kasha is an 11x UN Youth Delegate, presenter, adjudicator and a long-time member of The Canadian Voice of Women for Peace, the former Ontario Regional Advisor for the Canadian Council of Young Feminists. She is a frequent public speaker and is an accredited expert for the  Women's Media Center, a non-profit co-founded by Gloria Steinem, Jane Fonda and Robin Morgan.In addition, Kasha tours with a 32 piece photography exhibition “Travels into the Heart” and has completed a second large scale exhibit about Sustainable Development Goal #16 (Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions) - The exhibition is entitled Picture 16©  At 17 Kasha wrote & published her first 200+ page book of photography “Reflections of the Sunrise Storyteller – A Journey into the Heart as a Global Citizen”. She's a frequent public speaker, has been commissioned by  National Geographic Learning, is a contributor to Thrive Global, The Huffington Post, Good Magazine, Matador Network & appeared in several podcasts.  The Sunrise Storyteller is the young filmmaker’s first feature-length documentary, which she directed, filmed, scripted and edited. Since it’s release in 2017 it has screened at 60+ festivals and won 30 awards, including the Ron Kovic Peace Prize for the segment on Vietnam napalm survivor Kim Phuc, as well as the Eva Haller, Women Transforming Media Award. Currently, Kasha is in development with her second feature documentary “1.5 Degrees of Peace” which is fiscally sponsored by The Redford Center.Socials:Website: The Global Sunrise Project Website: The Sunrise Storyteller (film) Website: 1.5 Degrees of Peace (film)FB: The Global Sunrise Project FB: The Sunrise Storyteller Insta: globalsunrisersTwitter: M&K @GlobalSunRisers LinkedIn: Kasha Sequoia Slavner Mentions:The Ghosts In Our Machine (documentary) Enjoy the visual here on Youtube

Kylie Miller has spent her career as an award-winning journalist and communications consultant. After trading the city life for a tree change in East Gippsland, Kylie experienced first-hand the devastating bushfires of the 2019-20 Australian summer. Her first children’s picture book, Heroes of Black Summer, co-written by Craig Sheather and illustrated by Karen Erasmus, tells stories of heroism, courage, resilience, and generosity as the community recovered from the disaster. The book provides fire-affected communities with a tool to support healing and recovery, to help children process the trauma. Kylie has spent the past 18 months restoring her fire-affected Wairewa property and working on a picture book series for Laneway Press. She lives by the Gippsland Lakes with her partner, Brett, two rescued greyhounds Teddy and Dotty and a 16-year-old cat called Molly. Molly is the boss of them all.Socials:Website: Cupcake Communications  http://cupcakecommunications.com.au/LinkedIn: Kylie Miller  Heroes of Black Summer (book) Mentions:Nowa Nowa General Store Gippsland Primary Health Network Bushfire Recovery Victoria Gippsland Emergency Relief Fund DELWP Parks Victoria Victoria Police Country Fire Authority (CFA) Laneway Press Australian GeographicSparky The Wonder Puppy (book) - Craig Sheather Enjoy the visual here on Youtube

Charlotte Le Hardy is the Modern Day Magi. She is an award nominated creative educator, business strategist, and transformation coach passionate about crafting a better world for people and planet. She is on a mission to drive forwards a new era of collective wellbeing and planetary prosperity.Charlotte was a Course Leader in Fashion Communication and Promotion at the University of Suffolk, and is now a Lecturer in Fashion Business and Marketing at Norwich University of the Arts, which one of the world’s leading creative arts universities. She is also a Lecturer in Business Management and Leadership at the School of Higher Education at CCN teaching on University of East Anglia validated degree programs.She believes the symbiotic relationship between business leaders, brands and consumers can be harnessed to make systemic change, and she is here to help initiative positive change, cultivate happiness and empower people to navigate challenges, so that together we can thrive as global citizens.Through her creative solutions and strategic initiatives, Charlotte empowers people and organisations to make positive social and environmental impact. Striving to bring awareness to the power of our minds and how we can harness our creativity to craft a better world, her work shines a light on a new future of prosperity for all.Charlotte has been acclaimed by the Human Givens Institute and featured in their peer reviewed journal for writing a Ba (Hons) Fashion Communication degree program that strategically aligns with the Human Givens principles, the United Nations Higher Education Sustainability Initiative and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.She is also the UK Ambassador for the One better World Collective.Charlotte delivers educational lectures, seminars and practical workshops that spark real change.Socials:LinkedIn: Charlotte Le Hardy (The Modern Day Magi) Enjoy the visual here on Youtube

Steve Noble was born and bred in Gippsland (Regional Victoria), which meant Steve spent his after-school hours working on his parents farm. Upon leaving school, Steve had many retail jobs including furniture and car sales, as well as stock feed, eventually becoming a fertiliser consultant with local company.For many years Steve had dreams of owning his own clothing range, but the clothes he was supplying to local sporting clubs were not yielding enough of a margin to survive on.In February 2020, Steve and his wife, Alice decided to launch Hugh Charles clothing as a side hustle to earn enough so that Alice didn’t have to go back to work after their son Timmy was born. It quickly grew far beyond a side hustle, and by August 2020 Steve had quit his day job to pursue the business full time. Growth is still amazing and currently the business is consistently selling 300-350 shirts and vests per month throughout Australia, and occasionally abroad.Socials:Website: https://www.hughcharles.com.au/FB: Hugh Charles Clothing  @hughcharlesclothing  Insta: Hugh Charles Clothing  hugh_charles_clothing  LinkedIn: Stephen Noble Mentions:Startup GippslandPatagoniaLaurence O’TooleMick HarringtonThe VoiceEnjoy the visual here on Youtube

Toni Lontis a Lifestyle Entrepreneur, Author, Speaker, Blogger and International Tour HostShe is also an inspirational woman who has dedicated her life’s work to helping women and the men who love them, find their passion, purpose and voice.Toni's career began in the Health Care Sector where she practiced as a registered nurse. Toni witnessed many lives that needed change, support, encouragement, empathy and most importantly love. She gave all that and thrived in this field.Despite having a wonderful career, her personal life was filled with dysfunction and trauma. The recovery and work she did on herself to heal and find happiness, formed the basis of her book, ‘Resilience – Memoir of a Broken Little Girl’, which helped her to discover the real Toni - a woman of strength and beauty. After the publication of her book, Toni starting to grow her voice and quickly became a Public Figure, creating awareness about domestic violence, sexual abuse and social-emotional and cognitive health. Her passion and energy grew a large following and this birthed many other things in her life; her Radio Toni live show, her podcasts, talks sessions, TV show, and mentoring began to experience growth. From the platform of Radio Toni, she support victims of verbal, physical, sexual abuse and any traumatic event in their lives, to tell their stories, helping many find inner peace and healing.Toni has escaped from the bounds of low self-worth, anger and pain from a dysfunctional childhood marred by a congenital facial defect, sexual assault, verbal abuse, depression, anxiety and the failed flawed relationships that plagued her adult years. Toni wants to be a beacon of light in a dark world. I sign of hope after trauma.Socials:Website: Radio Toni https://radiotoni.com/Website: Toni Lontis https://tonilontis.com/LinkedIn: Toni Lontis YouTube: Toni Lontis FB: Radio Toni  @toniradiotoni  Insta: Toni Lontis @tonimlontis  Twitter: Toni Lontis Pinterest: Toni Lontis Mentions:Talk 4 MediaBrene BrownMatthew PollardEnjoy the visual here on Youtube

With 12 published books in 6 years, Dr Dan Eddy is one of Australia’s most prolific non-fiction authors. His authored and co-authored books include: King Richard: The Story of Dick Reynolds, (2017)Larrikins & Legends, (2017)Always Striving (2017),The Norm Smith Medallists (2018),and his latest book, Crimmo: The Peter Crimmins Story which was released in 2020.Dan currently has a number of exciting book projects in the works, including the authorised biography of Hawthorn and Australian football legend Peter Hudson, plus the untold story of ‘Operation Payback’ - the failed merger between Hawthorn and Melbourne. He is also working closely with former Olympian and Parliamentarian, Nova Peris (OAM) on her latest autobiography.Dan is also a mental health advocate, and in 2018, while speaking at the Hero Round Table conference, Dan opened this conversation publicly, revealing the personal challenges he has faced while dealing with major depression, anxiety and Asperger’s Syndrome.Dan has a Master's degree through Victoria University (2013) and a PhD through Federation University Australia (2019). The South Gippsland-born storyteller has a passion for sports history and biography.Dan and his son Ernie live in Leongatha, in Victoria’s picturesque Gippsland region, with their loyal sidekick, Dennis the border collie.Socials:Website: daneddybooks.comFB: Dan Eddy Books Insta: Dan Eddy Books LinkedIn: Dr Dan Eddy Mentions:Jeff Slattery - Slattery Media David Parkin Jay Shetty Enjoy the visual here on Youtube

Ian Speirs is the co-founder of ONE Better World Collective which is a non-profit organization and multi-platform initiative with a 10- year strategy to equip people everywhere to act upon the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and Agenda 2030, through a transformational message of love, founded upon principals of human dignity and universal responsibility. In addition, Ian is presently establishing a parent project to ONE Better World Collective – EnSaTerra, a sustainability-focused incubator.Ian is also the co-founder of a national NGO, ‘I Love First Peoples’ which works to support Indigenous peoples, providing Ian the opportunity to work directly with over 90 First Nations and Inuit communities.Ian’s most memorable achievement is having brought Mother Teresa to Canada for the first time and spent four unforgettable days with her. More recently, Ian initiated an historic online event, uniting 13 cutting edge influencers and change-makers, to seek guidance from the Dalai Lama to deliver actionable hope for all of humanity.Ian is the president of Elite Vision Communications, an artist and event management company through which he organizes national film and music tours. He is also a mentor and life coach to many.Socials:Website: ONE Better World Collective https://onebetterworld.org/FB: ONE Better World Collective @OBWcollective Insta: One Better World Collective  one_better_world_collectiveTwitter: ONE Better World Collective Website: I Love First Peoples  https://www.ilovefirstpeoples.ca/FB: I Love First Peoples   @ILOVEFIRSTPEOPLES Insta: I Love First Peoples i_love_first_peoplesLinkedIn: Ian Speirs  https://www.linkedin.com/in/iainspeirs/Email: [email protected]:Missionaries of CharityJanome Baffinland Better We, Better World Good 4 Global  The Grizzlies (movie)  Jacquie Pohl Dr Natalie Schmitt Andrea Bocelli Raheen Fatima Massey Whiteknife Hyper TEmmanuel Jal Poutine - Canadian dish Enjoy the visual here on Youtube

Madeleine McKenzie is a cabaret singer who enjoys nothing more than bringing pure joy to audiences.For the past 40 years she has been the show stopper with a variety of acts, including duos, trios and full bands. In 1988 Madeleine broke her neck in a car accident and decided  "I can still have kids - and I can still sing! So I did”. She rocked up to an audition with David Briggs from Little River Band and Peter Williams from The Groove and got the gig. The trio formed the act "Some Like It Hot”, and this gave Madeleine the courage and mindset to back herself to the point that she was not scared anymore to work with anyone.Madeleine also got to work with UK singer, Allison Norfolk and 25 years on are still performing together.During the bushfires in East Gippsland, Madeleine felt stressed in her day job selling Photocopiers which supplied copiers to businesses all over east Gippsland, and decided to leave to do something that makes her happy - sing! She started entertaining folks at nursing homes around Gippsland and then Covid 19 happened - so the next best thing to live - was recording live shows from home and sending them to the homes.And then there’s Madeleine’s dad and super fan, who loved her singing and proudly announced to everyone at every garage sale - “Do you know my daughter? She sings!”His sister has Alzheimers and lives in a care home and is one of Madeleine’s biggest fans. On a recent visit she remembered that Madeleine was a singer, which prompted Madeleine to leave her with a concert on her phone.Madeleine’s business, Cabaret On Call, now provides online music to aged care facilities, and she says her heart couldn’t be more full.Socials:Website: https://www.cabaretoncall.com.au/FB: Cabaret on CallInsta: Cabaret on Call @cabaretoncall LinkedIn: Madeleine McKenzie Mentions:Startup GippslandWork My Own Way Central Gippsland HealthEdith PiafEnjoy the visual here on Youtube

Henry Darby is the principal at North Charleston High School in South Carolina, is considered nothing short of a guardian angel by many in his community.Upon realising that many of his students were struggling financially, and some even being forced to sleep under a bridge or in their cars, Henry decide to do something about it.But rather than expecting authorities to do something, he rolled up his sleeves and got a part time job at Walmart, stacking shelves three nights a week from 10pm to 7am, just so he could donate his pay check to his students in need.Henry says "I was taught if your hands find something to do, do it. So I came to myself and said, 'Perhaps I need another job in terms of part-time.’”His selfless actions have led to the community donating close to $100,000 to the school to help the students, as well as Walmart donating another $50,000.Mentions:ABC Eyewitness News storyUnsung Hero News storyDr Martin Luther King Rosa Parks Viola Liuzzo Enjoy the visual here on Youtube

Nicky Williams is the co-founder of Girls With Hammers.From a young age, Nicky loved writing and dreamed of a life as an author. Throughout her years in corporate work, Nicky penned endless persuasive ministerial papers, but these fell short of giving her life meaning.In 2019 she put her fears aside and blessed the world with her empathy-filled blogs.While the majority of her work is published as blog posts on the Girls With Hammers website, she has also written articles for Medium, Elephant Journal, Thought Catalog, and Thrive Global.Nicky’s goal is to help people feel that they are not alone in their struggles and that there are other people out there just like them.Socials:Website: girlswithhammers.comFB: Girls With Hammers Insta: Girls With Hammers  girls_with_hammersLinkedIn: Nicky Williams Mentions:Bronnie Ware - 5 regrets of the dying Fred Hollows Foundation Gippslandia  Gippsland Times TRFM ABC Gippsland Enjoy the visual here on Youtube

Katie Dawson is the co-founder of Cottage Garden Threads, a boutique business nestled in the quiet hills of country Victoria, Australia.Mother-Daughter duo Pam and Katie along with their passionate team of local women, design, create and produce unique, hand dyed products one-by-one. The journey began many years ago when Pam dyed fabric in the family home. Katie, as a child, was given the job of tearing meterage from the rolls of homespun. Many years later, a family friend couldn’t source the threads she needed, so asked Pam to create them for her. Cottage Garden Threads was born and the first 35 threads were created at Pam’s kitchen sink. 6 months in Katie joined the business and the pair were learning the business side if things on the fly.Over the years they have seen many highs and lows, but Cottage Garden Threads continues to grow beyond their wildest dreams, and with the support of an amazing team, and a global spike in needlework, Katie is convinced things will keep getting better and better.Socials:Website: https://www.cottagegardenthreads.com.au/FB: Cottage Garden Threads Insta: cottagegardenthreads LinkedIn: Katie Dawson Mentions:Startup Gippsland Full Circle HR Enjoy the visual here on Youtube

Carmel Murphy is the ‘Communication Queen’ and is known for being an out-of-the-box thinker and an expert in human behaviour, marketing, and business strategies.She wholeheartedly knows that in Marketing it is vital to get the ‘Right message, to the right person, at the right time’. Her passion for people, curiosity, know-how, business acumen and background have come together to develop unique programs around marketing, copywriting and videos designed to create higher conversion and increase sales and profit in business.    Carmel is the host of the Youtube series ‘For Feck Sake! Marketing Adventures with Carmel’, and also coordinates, hosts, and delivers membership programs, workshops, and events to teach business owners how to build and market a sustainable business.   She is a staunch believer that the power of copy, video, and clever marketing strategies will monetise your message sooner. Socials:Website: https://www.thecommunicationqueen.com.au/LinkedIn: Carmel Murphy FB: Carmel Murphy Insta:  Carmel Murphy the_communication_queenYoutube: For Feck’s Sake Marketing Adventures with CarmelMentions:Answer the publicAirtableAsanaOtterCanvaEnjoy the visual here on Youtube

Thomas Sartor is an international speaker, partner/event director for the Hero Round Table series of conferences, and the Vice President of the Heroic Imagination Project.Formerly an owner of an asphalt and concrete paving company in Detroit, Thomas was unable to work in this industry for a while due to a back injury, which is when his journey took an unexpected turn into the world of heroism.After volunteering for some time with the Hero Round Table global conferences, Thomas was soon invited to become an event partner, where he does his best to make sure every speaker and attendee at the Hero Round Table genuinely enjoys their time at the event.Thomas is very passionate about the idea that people are capable of having an impact, and that anybody is capable of acting heroically. Socials:LinkedIn: Thomas Sartor  Twitter: teej @teejsartor Website: Heroic Imagination Project FB: https://www.facebook.com/HeroicImaginationProjectInsta: Heroic Imagination Project @heroicimaginationprojectTwitter: Heroic Imagination Project @HIPorgWebsite: Hero Round Table FB: https://www.facebook.com/HeroRoundTableInsta: The Hero Round Table @heroroundtableTwitter: Hero Round Table @HeroRoundTableYoutube: Hero Round TableMentions:Hero Construction Company  Pop Culture Hero Coalition  Philip Zimbardo  Stanford Prison Experiment  Enjoy the visual here on Youtube

Lisa Schermerhorn is a transformational leader, award winning speaker and expert in the fields of human behavior, leadership and personal development.  She also trained in the “Winners Mindset” with Bob Reese, the former head trainer for the NY Jets and helped a professional golfer win Golfer of the Year! As a Certified Hypnotherapist and Master Practitioner of Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP), she helps entrepreneurs and high performers get from where they are to where they want to be much faster than conventional coaches. She has also helped people with pain reduction, memory loss and stress reduction, using virtual reality.Lisa is also trained as a Why Coach, helping people discover their Why, based on Simon Sinek’s, “Know Your Why”. Lisa not only helps individuals discover their Why, but she also helps people discover the Why of their business and how to use it in your branding. Lisa is the mom of two amazing adult children, and lives in Vermont with her rescue dog Lily, who she rescued at 10 years old from a high kill shelter. Socials:Website: https://peakperformancemindsetcoaching.com/LinkedIn: Lisa SchermerhornFB: Lisa Friedman SchermerhornFB: Lisa Schermerhorn Coaching FB: Peak Performance Mindset CoachingInsta: Lisa Friedman Schermerhorn   lisareiki Mentions:WHY Institute  https://discover.whyinstitute.com/$150USD if you email Lisa and say you saw this on the Get Off The Bench [email protected] the visual here on Youtube

Sarah began her working life as a mergers and acquisitions lawyer at a leading international law firm. While she enjoyed several years building strong professional foundations, she found it increasingly challenging to reconcile the all-consuming corporate lifestyle with her personal passions for health, wellbeing, creativity and adventure. In pursuit of balance, Sarah and her partner started Matcha Maiden closing a gap they discovered in the health food market for matcha green tea powder. Matcha is now one of the world's premier health food trends and Match Maiden leading the way with a very bright (green) future ahead. Sarah has now hung up the suits and heels to step into the business full time. In 2016, the matcha mission developed into a physical venue and cutting edge cafe, Matcha Mylkbar, which is taking the food world by storm. Sarah now splits her time between the two businesses and is thoroughly enjoying life as a full time funtrepreneur. She has also started a podcast, Seize the Yay, which investigates the difference between success and happiness, the importance of cultivating "joy" and showcases the down to earth, human side of her diverse and esteemed guests. The podcast became a book in 2020 and Sarah continues to grow the yayborhood as far and wide as possible. Socials:Website: https://www.spoonfulofsarah.com/FB: Spoon Full Of SarahInsta:  spoonful_of_sarahLinkedIn: Sarah DavidsonPinterest: Sarah HollowayYoutube: Spoonful of SarahEnjoy the visual here on Youtube 

Mandy Horvath, is a bi-lateral above knee amputee, who in 2018, became the first female double amputee to ascend the Manitou Incline, raising awareness for limb loss. One month later, crawled all 13 miles of Barr Trail to the summit of Pikes Peak, using only her arms, to raise funds for Operation Ward 57 & The Battle Buddy Foundation. These historic events garnished local, national and international press.But when the cameras were off, she struggled with alcoholism, and after a series of events, Mandy found herself in hot water with the law after committing 3 DUIs in a 6 month period and harmed an AMR paramedic who was attempting to assist her. 12 hours after she was awarded a community medal, she was found asleep in her car intoxicated. Because of a series of poor choices, in one night, Mandy went from being recognized as a community icon to being very publicly shamed for her wrongdoings.Mandy was given a chance to resolve her addiction, and she figuratively ran with it.Almost 3 years later and sober, Mandy has led a successful excursion of 4 grown men, including fellow bi-lateral amputee US Army Veteran Travis Strong, to the summit of Pikes Peak, became the first documented amputee to crawl up to the crown of the Statue of Liberty, and is now preparing to ascend Mt. Kilimanjaro.She will be the first female amputee to reach one of the globe's 8 summits without the use of prosthetic equipment, and will be the legacy she leaves for her own children.Socials:Website: mandyhorvath.com FB: Mandy Horvath @lifeproofMandyHorvath https://www.facebook.com/lifeproofmandyhorvathInsta: @lifeproofbionicwoman Go Fund Me (Mt Kilamanjaro) www.Gofundme.com/f/MandyHKilimanjaropaypal.me/lifeproofbionicwomanMentions:Cars4Heroes  https://www.cars4heroes.org/Travis Strong https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78lqEalvm58Enjoy the visual here on Youtube  https://youtu.be/-4yRejHWrnI

Belle Chapman is a photographer, mum, wife, adventurer, and storyteller. When Belle had her first child in 2013, she decided to give up the 9-5 and try her hand as a work from home photographer, after falling in love with photography many years before at high school.At the age of 5, Belle lost her father to cancer - he was only 36 years old. Losing her Dad and growing up in the days where we didn’t have mobile phones with good cameras, meant she has limited images of him (especially looking healthy). This pain has driven Belle’s passion to cement the love and adoration families feel for each other in memories that can be kept for life to hand down through generations.The pain was also the catalyst to Belle founding the Forevermore Foundation, a not-for-profit that provides a free photography session to families about to be impacted by the devastation of the cancer journey. Belle’s aim is to capture the smiles, cuddles and laughter before treatment starts, so that these memories are the ones that last a lifetime, despite the outcome.Socials:Website: https://www.bellechapmanphotography.com.au/our-storyFB: Belle Chapman PhotographyInsta: Belle Chapman Photo Website: https://forevermorefoundation.com.au/FB: Forevermore Foundation Insta: forevermorefoundationMentions:Footprints Foundation Enjoy the visual here on Youtube

Katie Underwood is a certified Meditation Teacher &  registered Member of Meditation Association Australia. She has also trained in Remedial & Relaxation Massage, Reiki, Sound Healing Therapy, Yoga of Sound & Traditional Tibetan Sound Healing. A multi-instrumentalist, Vocalist, ARIA-nominated and APRA Award winning Recording Artist.  She has been working in the Wellness industry for 10 years and Music industry for over 35 years.Her current passion & purpose is empowering people to enhance their self-healing with regular meditation, healing sounds & strong social connections, online and in person. A prolific music producer, Katie has produced five meditation music albums in the last four years - Madrigal, Journey to Mantra, Awaken, Mantra Dreaming & Mantra Rising - available on iTunes, Spotify, CD & USB.Socials:Website: www.underwoodhealing.comFB: Katie Underwood  @underwoodHC Meditation CentreInsta: Katie Underwood katieunderwoodhealing  LinkedIn: Katie Underwood  Mentions:BardotGippsland Kirtan website Live From Your Heart - Gippsland Kirtan eventEnjoy the visual here on Youtube  https://youtu.be/LAPuvAZONSI

Sophie Wilksch is the founder and director of  Shedding Community Workshop Inc. Sophie established Shedding as a not-for-profit organisation in 2018, through her own passion for carpentry and building… But most of all a passion for people and wellbeing!Shedding’s aim is to provide a unique, supportive and hands-on environment for all members of the community to come together and develop sustainable skills in carpentry, building and everything in between. It is a place to shed your fears and build with curiosity.In the third year of Sophie’s degree she had the opportunity to join the Design Construct Program co-ordinated by architect-builder David Morris.The group headed out to a small town in the Australian desert to construct a number of buildings they had designed and prefabricated at the university workshop.A couple of years later Sophie ventured off on a trip up the coast, but her engine had a major tantrum and she ended up on the side of the road in Mullumbimby.With a dream to start a little carpentry business, she had just a square, a handsaw, a drill and a block of sandpaper.This was the beginning of the Shedding journey. Taking all she has learned from mentors, Sophie and her crew have supported over five hundred students and have watched the community come together to support the organisation because they too share the same dream.Socials:Website - shedding.com.auFB - Shedding Community WorkshopInsta - Shedding Community WorkshopMentions:Pat Gregory - Woodwork for Women Enjoy the visual here on Youtube 

Cody Byrns is an award-winning speaker and performer with over 16 years of professional experience. Cody’s life underwent a major shift in 2013 after a horrific traffic accident left his body burned and scarred. After years of countless surgeries, and innumerable physical and emotional hurdles, Cody has since founded his own nonprofit Burn Foundation, and is on a mission to spread his story of inspiration, hope, and recovery to everyone he meets.Author of best selling book - Scar Release: Breaking free of yesterday’s troubles, Cody does not let his scars dictate his identity. He encourages a life of freedom, and wants to help people live free from the bonds of scars™.Socials:Website: https://codybyrns.com/Foundation website:  TheCBFoundation.org Instagram: thecodybyrns FB: Cody Byrns @TheCodyByrns  LinkedIn: Cody Byrns  Podcast: Scar ReleaseEPIC Life Game Plan Mentions:Dr Sean Stephensen TEDx talkEnjoy the visual here on Youtube 

Dani Holloway is the CEO & Founder of Merry People. Merry People is a gumboot company that Dani founded in 2014 and has bootstrapped the business (literally) to where it is today.  Born and raised in Leongatha, South Gippsland, Dani moved to Melbourne for University and work. Seeking a city appropriate gumboot and unable to find any she loved - Dani decided to have a go at creating her own. Dani is trying to change the perception of the humble gumboot, from a daggy occasional product, to an everyday fashionable staple that can be worn city to county, morning to night!Dani now has a team of 7 based in Collingwood, with third party warehouses in Australia, the USA and soon the UK. Dani was named in the Top 50 people in Australian eCommerce for 2020 for Inside Retail, coming in at #12 and given an award ‘The One to Watch’. Outside eCommerce and gumboots! Dani loves exercise, travelling and spending time with loved ones and her dog Sadie.Socials:Website - https://merrypeople.com/FB - Merry People Insta - merrypeopleLinkedIn - Danielle HollowayMentions:Mooka Meeka and Max E-Store Logistics HoMieEnjoy the visual here on Youtube

Yolunda Elam aka Yo, has taught in public schools for over twenty years, is an inspirational speaker with an infectious smile and contagious energy, and known for her compassionate spirit, ambitious mind, and being unapologetically herself.  Yolunda currently teaches Spanish to eighth graders in her local school district.  She has held multiple titles in her twenty-year tenure including Teacher of the Year, Department chair, and Campus cheerleader.  She is a Marvel fan, loves to laugh, tell lame jokes, and spend quality time with her five grandkids.  Yo was diagnosed with the disease of alcoholism in March of 2019 and is passionate about sharing her journey with others in hopes they too may be freed from the bondage of addiction. She is the founder of ‘Freedom to Yo’ which is about is finding a rhythm with all the parts of your life and making them flow the best way it can for YOU!  In Yo’s words ‘Be Yourself Everyday!!’Socials:Website -  https://www.loveyolife.me/Facebook Group - Be Yourself EverydayFB - Yo Sadler ElamIG - @loveyolife37Twitter - @YoElam3Clubhouse - loveyolifeLinkedin - Yolunda Elam loveyolife2020Mentions:Tyson SharpeLee Hicks - Define Your VisionEnjoy the visual here on Youtube

Danielle McAlpine Johnson is a Writer, Director, Producer, devoted to using film & TV as a catalyst for change in the social justice landscape. With an innate desire to see the next generation rise up in their own identity, Danielle believes that every human being on the planet has a unique purpose and that relentless love & passion we can overflow in our lives if we choose to pursue that purpose.Along with her husband, singer/songwriter Chico Johnson, Danielle runs boutique production house CheekyMac Productions who have recently premiered Beyond The Fire on Network 10 - a 7 part documentary series dedicated to Gippsland's unsung heroes as they recreate life from the ashes after the Black Summer Bushfire Crisis. In late 2019 they released Behind The Sash - a 10 part humanitarian series currently available on AACTV & Virgin Inflight entertainment. Parents to three beautiful children Jason, River & Nevaeh, Chico & Danielle continue on the pursuit of truth & revelation through music, TV and film, enjoy travelling with their family and plenty of adventure.Socials:Website - Danielle McAlpine Johnson - https://www.daniellemcalpinejohnson.com/FB - Danielle Johnson - https://www.facebook.com/danielle.mcalpinejohnsonInsta - daniellemcalpinejohnsonCheekyMac ProductionsWebsite - CheekyMac Productions - https://www.cheekymac.com/Insta - cheekymacproductionsFB - CheekyMac Productions - https://www.facebook.com/cheekymacproductions/Youtube - CheekyMac Productions - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZOPd7A-wBXKNwQ14VQyElwBehind the SashWebsite - Behind the Sash - https://behindthesashtv.com/Insta - behindthesashofficialBeyond the FireWebsite - Beyond the Fire - https://www.beyondthefire.tv/Insta - beyondthefire.tvFB -  Beyond the Fire  - https://www.facebook.com/beyondthefire.tvMentions:Gippsland TimesThe Sanctuary - MallacootaGippsland Lakes Complete HealthEnjoy the visual here on Youtube

Victoria Lioznyansky teaches introverted entrepreneurs and business professionals how to overcome their fear of public speaking and become confident, compelling, captivating speakers.After moving to the US from Russia more than 25 years ago with limited English, Victoria overcame her own crippling fear of public speaking to build several businesses, teach in a variety of industries, and speak in front of small and large audiences. She appeared on Fox Morning News and has been featured in numerous publications, including CBS, NBC, Houston Chronicle and BizWest Media.Taking her own experiences of going from scared to sought-after speaker, Victoria founded Brilliant Speakers Academy®, an online public speaking coaching program for anyone struggling with the fear of public speaking on and off stage.She also owns Nutty Scientists of Houston, a passion project about inspiring kids to fall in love with science, which she grew to #1 Nutty Scientists franchise in the United States. Victoria holds a Master of Science in Computer Science and is currently completing a Master of Arts Degree in Communications and Media Technologies. She lives in Houston with her husband and two sons.Socials:Website - https://www.byvictorial.com/FB - Victoria LioznyanskyLinkedIn -  Victoria LioznyanskyInsta - byvictorialYoutube - Victoria LioznyanskyEnjoy the visual here on Youtube

Patti Dobrowolski is a nationally acclaimed comic performer, high performance business consultant, and 4-time TEDx speaker. She is also the author of two books: 9 Tips to Up Your Creative GeniusDrawing Solutions: How Visual Goal Setting Will Change Your LifePatti works with teams at all levels to up their creative genius and capture their vision and strategy into huge, beautiful visuals with everyone from small/medium business owners to global clients Nike, Starbucks, Microsoft, amazon and the Gates Foundation. She is known for her high energy, quick wit and commitment to helping people and businesses achieve their goals.Socials:Website - https://www.upyourcreativegenius.com/Website (courses) - https://www.creativegeniusyou.com/FB - Up your Creative Genius  https://www.facebook.com/upyourcreativegeniusInsta - upyourcreativegeniusLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/patti-dobrowolski-532368/Mentions:Robin Sharma - The 5am Club (20/20/20 Rule)  https://www.robinsharma.com/book/the-5am-clubHoffman Le Roche pharmaceutical   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoffmann-La_RocheDraw Your Future class free code - DYFFREEEnjoy the visual here on Youtube

Monika Krimendahl & Rick Hayhurst, are the co-founders of BlitzBe, a Digital Media Company helping Entrepreneurs make the world better by creating currency through traffic and connections.BlitzBe, the umbrella brand, is simply the experience we’re all having each and everyday.   The Blitz: hurrying, racing, deadlines, etc.  and the Be: rest, balance, breath, centering. BlitzBe comprises 3 main areas:BlitzBe Integrative Lifestyle Directory with over 20,000 members, ShopBlitzBe, which provides a variety of organic products, and BlitzBe MarketingMonika and Rick have also created The Gold Rush Summit, A Movement That Transforms Lives.BlitzBe and The Gold Rush Summit are the result of Monika and Rick journeying down their own healing paths to discover the joy of supporting others in their Big Dreams! In their words “Healing is simply about improvement on any level. Manual Therapies, Yoga, Meditation, Coaching, Spa Life, Education, Activism have all created the crescendo that has culminated in the creation of a movement.”Monika and Rick are committed to bringing healing to a world that needs it!Socials:FB - The Gold Rush SummitWebsites:BlitzBe Marketing BlitzBe Integrative Lifestyle DirectoryShopBlitzBeThe Gold Rush Summit Mentions:Matt Langdon / Hero Round TableTrav Bell (The Bucket List Guy)

Jane Sahhar started as a Secondary school English teacher, who noticed how many teenagers wore headphones as the ultimate accessory. Her move to co-founding ‘Friendie’ with her husband Phil, came after a realisation that 2 children and just 1 iPad is not great math!It all started with an audio splitter so the kids could connect two headphones to one iPad and share music and movies on the go. After purchasing a splitter for an exorbitant price, Jane and Phil looked at it and thought, “We could do this better. We could produce these. These are useful, small, simple yet powerful. They are marketable and could be made to look beautiful.” And they embarked on a side hustle start up journey of brand creation, marketing from scratch, product creation, challenges, setbacks and triumphs. They became addicted!Jane and Phil then noticed a gap in the market for the perfect headphones. There was nothing to compliment the splitters, which were now very successful. There were no high-end, sportsluxe headphones that were on trend, fashion forward and versatile with great sound. Step two for Friendie was to embark on a new journey of creation and produce headphones, which opened the door for more opportunities...and some pretty big leaps of faith…and the rest is history. Friendie has been featured on the runway at Melbourne Fashion Week, pictured in glossy magazines and online, as well as being proud partners of Miss Universe Australia in 2020 and 2021. As a company, they are determined to give back to the community and Jane’s proudest moment of 2020 was running a “Friendie for Beyond Blue” campaign. Friendie donated headphones to those in need, asking customers to simply “Pay What You Can”, with profits going to Beyond Blue.From a business born in their own home in country Victoria, and which begun literally in their lounge room, co-founders Jane and Phil now run a hugely successful company boasting a range of Bluetooth headphones, audio sunglasses, speakers and accessories.But Jane will still tell you that her greatest achievements are their kids, Thomas and Charlotte.Socials:Website - https://www.friendie.com.au/FB - friendie  https://www.facebook.com/sharewithfriendieInsta - friendie_audioLinedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/janesahharfriendie/Mentions:Start Up GippslandSophie Cachia  House of White  Erika McInerneyEnjoy the visual here on Youtube

Tommy Walker is a Mindset, Business and Life Coach, and better known as ‘The Mind Engineer’. He started his entrepreneurial journey more than 21 years ago, and has endured many struggles, but the past 10 years has seen Tommy’s success transform as a result of studying and working on the mind.He has created 2 successful businesses, focusing mainly on the mindset and has reached more than 120 thousand people and has been invited to offer lectures around the world.He has combined the best practices in the world, mixing the entrepreneurial journey and mindset, to develop Rapid Transformational Reprogramming™, combining coaching, neuroscience, inner child connection, self-awareness, and emotional intelligence. Tommy is the author of ‘Mindset Secrets’, and the founder of ‘Unleashing Your Mindset For Success’.He is now living his dream life, with his wife and kids in the mountains.Socials:Website: https://www.unleashingyourmindset.com/FB - Tommy Walker (The Mind Engineer)LinkedIn - Tommy Walker - The Mind Engineer Book - Mindset Secrets Mentions:Celestine Prophecy (book)

Aisha Alim is an empowerment coach, speaker, consultant, mentor, facilitator and now a published author. Born in country Victoria, Aisha was raised in a domestically violent home, experiencing multiple forms of abuse and leading to a life of anxiety and severe depression. Aisha has also endured more than 40 surgeries.A mother, former primary school teacher, Aisha became trained in life coaching including Meta Dynamics, NLP, and Mental Health First Aid. Aisha is also trained in body language, learning from world renowned experts, Greg Hartley and Scott Rouse.In 2017 she turned her attention specifically to life coaching and facilitating adult workshops, with a passion in helping people find their purpose, overcome fear and develop confidence. She takes a very balanced view of things and believes true authenticity comes from experience and a willingness to learn.With over twenty-five years’ experience, she aims to take her workshops worldwide to audiences seeking to better themselves and welcomes the opportunity to do so. She is heavily involved in her local community with a particular interest in teaching dance and umpiring hockey, as well as serving on a local committee. Aisha’s hope is that every person walks away from her workshops feeling empowered and ready to change their lives by implementing her tried and tested tools. During lockdown in 2020, Aisha wrote her first book It’s All Within You - a book not just for confidence, but a book for life.Socials:Website - aishaalim.comLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/aisha-alim-265315201/FB - https://www.facebook.com/Aisha-Alim-Coaching-Solutions-105232071133341/Insta - Aisha Alim Coaching Solutions  @aishajalimBook launch: 12th March - Traralgonhttps://www.trybooking.com/events/landing?eid=713697&

Victoria Reeves is a Writer, Storyteller, Producer and the Host of SOUL STORIES LIVE. Victoria loves to channel her parents and other wild characters into her stories, and is well known for her stage appearances at Soul Stories Live, This Much is True, Inspired Live Lit, and Louder than a Mom. Her one woman show “BRASSY + INTREPID: Fighting to Be Me” was selected for Lifeline Theatre’s 23rd Annual Filet of Solo Festival and the Elgin Fringe Festival. A passionate Creativity/Career Coach, Victoria is also the Founder/Guide for Creativity Lab - Women Thrive Here. Creativity Lab offers a virtual playground for judgement-free exploration and tools to curate an “experientially flexible” life!  With new classes every month, women from around the world connect, collaborate and celebrate their unlimited possibilities.Socials:Website - https://www.prosperitycareercoaching.com/Facebook - Creativity Lab - Women Thrive Here  http://www.facebook.com/PlayatCreativitylabFacebook - Soul Stories Live http://www.facebook.com/SoulStoriesLiveLinktree - https://linktr.ee/VictoriaReevesMentions:Panera BreadHappy ColourClubhouse

Hacia Atherton is Speaker, Company Director, Certified Practicing Accountant, Ambassador, Industry Thought Leader and Philanthropist. In 2017, Hacia was crushed by her 600kg warmblood horse and doctors told her she would likely never walk again in any meaningful way. Devastated by her new reality, Hacia fell into a deep depression. However, her fighting spirit revived itself, as she faced her toughest challenge yet - to stand unaided for the first time since her accident. Hacia was only able to stand without assistance for three seconds. She cried in agony, defeat, and frustration at the helplessness of her situation. It was at this point mentally and emotionally that Hacia realised she had a choice. To let her tragic circumstances dictate the remainder of her life, or to face the seemingly impossible goal of walking again with courage, positivity, and spirit. Three years and thirteen operations later, Hacia has defied the odds, not only learning to walk again but also completing two 100km bike rides and achieving her CPA from her hospital bed - successfully turning a major life trauma into a triumph. Hacia’s adaptability and resilience, and her ability to redefine her own version of success, is a story she now shares to inspire audiences across Australia. Hacia is also the founder of NFP Empowering Women in Trade, with the mission to radically increase female representation in skilled trades in Australia and to create a more equitable, balanced workforce that values and prioritises the participation of skilled female tradespeople. Empowering Women in Trade also aims to support women who are in vulnerable situations.Hacia’s courage, adaptability and resilience has been recognised by numerous organisations. She has been invited to join the CPA Emerging Leaders Network Committee, is a Just Strong Ambassador and has been accepted into the pilot Women and Leadership Program run by the City of Darebin. Socials:Website: https://haciaatherton.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haciaatherton/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/haciaatherton/ Instagram: @haciaathertonMentions:Atherton Amy Gillett Foundation

Lee Hicks is a Human Development & Lifestyle Educator, Visionary & International Speaker. Against many odds, Lee has accomplished extraordinary mile stones & achievements in his life. He has visited 49 countries around the world, was a pearl diver, delivered a sailboat from Australia to Florida, became one of the youngest qualified Super Yacht Captains in the industry & sailed around the world for 10 years. He then moved to the land & developed a rain forest retreat in Noosa Australia, built large teams in two marketing companies & is now the Founder & Director of The Define Your Vision Discovery Movement. Lee created The Define Your Vision Movement because he personally experienced a very real struggle that most online entrepreneurs suffer from. Lee had invested large amounts of time & money on both his personal development & the latest marketing skills, however he began to feel frustrated, burned out and overwhelmed when he wasn't creating the income he felt he was worth. It was only when he realised he was chasing the money instead of creating a Vision in accordance with his core values, innate strengths & what he LOVED to do, that things began to manifest & shift!

Brodie Pyle is a young comedian who is on a mission to showcase his beloved Gippsland. His passion to support local business led to the creation of Gippsland Promotions, which provides free Gippsland social media content. The purpose of Gippsland Promotions is to rally around the community and make people laugh whilst getting valuable exposure for local businesses.Brodie believes Gippsland Promotions puts purpose behind him talking shit, which he does fluently on his podcast ‘Brodie Pyle talks SH*T!’Brodie can be seen around Gippsland with his microphone overtly sharing his pzazz with the world, and for the lucky ones, he can be seen strutting his alter ego Barbara Billions up and down his makeshift catwalks.Socials:FB - Gippsland PromotionsFB - Brodie PyleInsta - Gippsland PromotionsInsta - Brodie Pyle    brodie_pylePodcast - Brodie Pyle talks shit!Mentions:Voyage Fitness Gippsland Jersey DJ Nige Ellstyle BoutiqueGrant DenyerLady Gaga

After 15 years in law, Jenn bought a retail business in a regional town in Victoria. She built that business into a highly profitable 7 figure business and eventually sold it. Since then, Jen has been assisting other small business owners in retail, service based and tourism, around the country, to achieve their business goals.Jenn specialises in helping start-ups in rural and regional areas turn ideas into businesses, online and offline marketing, social media and community building.The founder of Buy From a Bush Business, Co-Founder of Spend With Us - Buy From a Bush Business Marketplace and host of the very popular podcast Small Business Made Simple, Jenn is all about community and humans interaction with humans! H2H Marketing - human to human marketing.Jenn believes that the currency of ‘community’ is underestimated in business, and in 2021 is profoundly deeper than so many business owners, corporate companies or solopreneurs realise to their business.With a community of more than 300,000, Jenn talks the talk but importantly, walks the walk!Jenn is a gold winner of the Aus Mumpreneur Awards, and has been featured in MamaMia, Ticker, Whimn, Weekly Times and the Social Hub, Jen has appeared on the ABC, and is a highly sought after podcast guest.Socials:Website -  jenndonovan.com.au Website - Spend With Us FB - Buy From A Bush BusinessFB - Like Minded Business Owners FB - Social Media and Marketing  Insta - Small Business Made SimpleInsta - buy_from_a_bush_businessInsta - spendwithusaustraliaLinkedIn - Jenn DonovanPodcast - Small Business Made SimpleMentions:Ventra IP ASIC Premium Beat abr.gov.au IP Australia (Trade Marks) 

After seeing the absolutely horrific scenes of the badly injured wildlife during the bushfires in 2019, 10 year old Mikaela Van Haren was gutted, and vowed then to save up as much pocket money as she could to help the koalas and all their animal friends. Saving incredibly hard all year, and going without purchasing her favourite thins, Mikaela managed to raise $1400.20. She also did her own fundraising with family and friends, who had no problem donating to such a worthy cause, especially her 8 year old brother! Even with the isolation of covid, and the devastating hail storm that Mikaela’s family and house endured, her determination to save money to help the animals has never wavered.Mikaela has always loved animals and cares for them dearly. She is adamant she will join her Aunty in the veterinarian field when she graduates university.Mentions:Lone Pine Koala SanctuaryPort Macquarie Koala Hospital 7 News

As one of Australasia’s most successful Medical Technology Business Leaders, Leanne Elich is a passionate Oncology Advocate and Global Healthcare Specialist with over 25 years experience in both clinical and corporate environments with executive leadership.Leanne began her career immediately after graduating from the University of Sydney working at Prince of Wales and Liverpool Hospitals in Sydney. With a desire to help patients on a larger scale and make a significant impact within the healthcare industry, she transitioned into oncology and medical business working for several high profile companies specialising in the latest technology. There she was able to continue her passion of oncology and medical research together with business development, commercial investment and advocacy, expanding her network and business relationships locally and internationally. Leanne is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD). She is an Honorary Clinical Fellow and a University guest lecturer in both Australia and New Zealand. Leanne is a graduate of Harvard Business School and Harvard Medical School having recently completed Genetics, Cancer Genomics, Precision Oncology and Therapeutics. Leanne is also an International Keynote Speaker, Writer and Women in Leadership advisor.Socials:Website - www.leaneelichconsulting.comLinkedIn - Leanne Elich Consulting Insta - leanneelichFB - Leanne Elich ConsultingTwitter - @LeanneElichMentions:Operation GameInsight Timer App

If it is your mission to heighten human consciousness and spread emotional awareness you are in the right place.Tyson Sharpe looks to achieve this mission by helping spiritual coaches, healers, and lightworkers create more reach, impact, and income in their business.In the last 6 years, Tyson has coached hundreds of online business owners helping them integrate their spiritual growth with profitable business strategies so they can step into the role of the ‘Heart-Centered CEO’, allows them to execute business growth strategies through the filter of love, compassion, kindness, and contribution.Tyson is the creator of the online community called ‘The Serving Circle’ and is also the host of the ‘Awaken Your Business’ Podcast.He believes that integrating your spirit with business strategy is the best way to create the impact and income that your heart is pulling you towards.Socials:Website - https://tysoncoaching.com/LinkedIn - Tyson SharpeFB - The Serving Circle - Heart-Centered CEO CollaborationInsta - Tyson Sharpe  tysoncoachingYou Tube - Tyson SharpePodcast - Awaken Your BusinessMentions:Tao Te Ching. Taoism scripture from 2500 years old and stems from the teaching of Lao TzuTyson also recommends reading - Wayne Dyer- ‘Change your thoughts, change your life’

Paul Goddard has one main goal at Christmas - to bring the mystical world to life.Paul started out as a plumber in 1970 and worked his way up to becoming a manager and a mentor to apprentices.After 35 years in the trades, he retired and moved to Gippsland where he spent the first year improving the home and paddocks on his 6 acre creek frontage property.Not fully satisfied with the retired lifestyle, Paul attained a vocational teaching qualification and started teaching plumbing at Tafe.This year he became part of the ‘Scene to Believe’ Traralgon team and became a Santa at the Traralgon Centre Plaza. This is Paul’s first year as Santa and already he is saying he’s in it for the long haul!That’s if he can find the time amongst his plethora of hobbies which include being an amateur apiarist and aviarist, breeding Australian parrots, and breeding and milking a small herd of goats and making goat’s cheese.Socials:FB - https://www.facebook.com/crypto.santa.71Mentions:Stockland Plaza TraralgonScene to Believe