On Wednesday 19 October, PBC’s Growing Good Humans program was proud to present our final Conversations that Count Event in conjunction with Miami SHS, for 2022. 

“Bouncing forward: Stories of Resilience" was an evening that focused on resilience, vulnerability and how a conversation that counts can support so many people.  Shiike Vanderwerff did an amazing job hosting the evening and kept the audience on the edge of their seats with thought provoking questions to the panellists.

Keynote speaker Andy King retold his journey from professional surfer to loosing his hearing and so much more from a 'one punch' incident. His messages from the evening were many, but one that resonated with so many people was to be grateful, to practice gratitude daily, get off your phone and social media and to ‘PBC’ – Pause, Breathe and make a good Choice. 

Lisa Gillard who is a child sexual abuse advocate, spoke of how retelling her story and opening up to people has helped her to heal and process what she dealt with as a young person. Her passion for advocating for those who may not have a voice has also been a game changing in finding her purpose in life.  Her final message was so simple, but so effective one that we can all strive to do more of, be kind to yourself.

Dinesh Palipana, the charismatic lawyer, turned doctor and scientist did a brilliant job of highlighting why it is important to shift the frame on ‘disability’ as a label and how he wants the focus to be on how people are ‘able’. Dinesh had not let quadriplegia stop him in his dreams and is currently working in one of the busiest ER hospitals in Australia. Dinesh’s messages of seizing the day, book that holiday, the importance of hugging someone and that it is ok to fail, it’s just not ok not to try were brilliant.

Finally, Wayne “Rabbit” Bartholomew had the audience in moments of laughter when he spoke about the difficulties of being a professional surfer in the 70’s but also showed how being told no again and again was resilience building. It is amazing to hear that Wayne was part of the Original Founder Group for what is now known as The World Surfing League.  Wayne finished off with how important passion is, and to follow your passions even when road blocks are put up in front of you.

2022 has finished on a high for Growing Good Humans and the team cannot wait to host more events in 2023.