LIVING WITH DISABILITY, PROFFESSIONAL SNOWBOARDER, ADAPTING TO CHANGE 

Joany Badenhorst was Co-Captain of Australia’s 2018 Winter Paralympic Team, carrying the Flag for Australia at the Opening Ceremony. As Australia’s premier female Para-snowboarder, she won silver and bronze medals in three consecutive Women’s Para-snowboarding World Championships. Joany has a deep desire to beat all odds and achieve her dreams. She is a Stand Tall Ambassador and has spoken at many Stand Tall events, inspiring thousands of students with her story of overcoming incredible adversity and maintaining a positive outlook on life.

OVERCOMING ADVERSITY, HOMELESSNES, BROKEN FAMILY, DISCOVERING PASSION 

Daniel 'D Minor' Harvey is an award-winning rap artist from Sydney. His talent was evident at an early age when he began penning lyrics while growing up in a turbulent family life. At the age of 11, he found himself homeless, which became the inspiration for his hit single ‘Concrete Pillow’. This song was written to help raise awareness for young homelessness and performed live on Australia’s Got Talent where he reached the Semi-Finals. Daniel's strength and self-belief has inspired countless Australians.  

Derek Rabelo is a world famous blind big-wave surfer and one of the most inspiring young sportsmen alive today.

Derek stunned the world when he became the first blind person to successfully ride the life-threatening monster waves at Pipeline in Hawaii. He went on to surf some of the largest waves in the world including Nazare. ‘If I can do all this and I am blind, what can you achieve?’.

Derek has been a great part of the Stand Tall team for many years now and never fails to inspire those who hear him speak. His inspiring life has been documented both in the film ‘Beyond Sight’ and biography ‘Beyond these eyes’. He is constantly pursuing new dreams and overcoming all obstacles.

LIFE CHANGING INJURY AND RECOVERY AS A QUADRAPLEGIC, DETERMINATION, PERSPECTIVE 

In 2018, 16 year old Alex Noble was doing what he loved best – playing rugby. In one moment, following an accident, his life changed…He was badly injured on the field, breaking his neck and severely damaging his spinal cord. Since then, Alex has achieved major physical and mental milestones returning to school to complete his HSC, and building strength and control of his limbs. His story is remarkable. Alex is one of Stand Tall’s Ambassadors and continues to share his story of inspiring resilience. 

FINDING POSITIVITY, PERSEVERANCE, RESILIENCE, CHARITY FOUNDER 

Molly is an 18 year old who shares her message in the hope of encouraging young people to not be defined by their circumstances, but to always look for a reason to smile. At age 11, she was diagnosed with Osteoblastic Osteosarcoma (bone cancer) and has lived between hospitals and her home since. As President of the Tie Dye Project charity, Molly has helped raise over $500,000 for research. Her positivity captivates every audience that has the privilege of hearing her speak. 

OLYMPIC RUNNER, OVERCOMING EATING DISORDERS,  CHARITY FOUNDER 

Two times Olympian Track Athlete Eloise Wellings has partnered with psychology practitioner and mental skills coach Rory Darkins to empower the next generation to go after their dreams and be all they can be. From her experience as a professional athlete and overcoming an eating disorder, Eloise shares the important lessons she learnt in resilience, perseverance and the power of the mind. Eloise has also founded a charity in Uganda called ‘Love Mercy’ which aims to support those living in poverty. Eloise and Rory work passionately to help young people feel a sense of purpose and direction in life. 

GANG AFFILIATION, DRUGS AND ALCHOHOL, PEER PRESSURE 

Tony Hoang joined one of the most notorious crime gangs at just 13 years old. During this time he faced the harsh realities of losing a friend to a drug overdose, watching friends go to jail and dealing drugs himself. A decade later he chose to share his hardships to help others break free from the same destructive cycle he was once trapped in, and has since helped thousands of young lives. Tony’s commitment to sharing his extraordinary story leaves an impact on anyone fortunate enough to hear it.