Craig Johnston has a remarkable story of overcoming childhood illness and extreme adversity to become one of Australia’s greatest soccer players, playing for Liverpool. He scored the second goal in the FA Cup Final which his team went on to win. After retiring from soccer, Craig invented the most successful soccer boot of all time: the Predator.
At just 18, Molly Croft is a two-time cancer survivor, passionate advocate, and co-founder of The Tie Dye Project. Diagnosed with osteosarcoma at age 12, she turned her experience into action, raising over $1 million for sarcoma research and supporting countless families. A member of the NSW Youth Advisory Council and a coach, Molly inspires others to “find a rainbow in every day,” embodying resilience, kindness, and the power of community.
Matt Purcell is the founder of Social Kung Fu, Australia’s only verbal self-defense program, and has worked with major brands and high-profile individuals on personal branding and business positioning. He’s a TEDx speaker, winner of Sydney’s Young Entrepreneur Award for Media, and a regular media voice on mental health and business. Now being an evidence-based program, Matt’s mission is to empower 1 million young Australians to become bully-proof through Social Kung Fu.
Anna Cocquerel is an Australian actress best known for her role as Coco Astoni on Home and Away from 2017 to 2019. She began her acting career with the short film Over the Hills and Far Away in 2014. Off-screen, Anna has been open about her struggles with dyslexia, scoliosis, and anxiety, using her platform to advocate for mental health awareness.
Derek Rabelo is a blind, big-wave surfer and author who was the first blind person to ride life-threatening monster waves at Pipeline in Hawaii. Derek has overcome significant adversity in life, defying the odds and re-defining what it means to believe in yourself and to never stop chasing your dreams. Derek recently surfed some of the biggest and most dangerous waves in the world in Nazare, Portugal.
Jael began singing as soon as she could talk. Her musically talented father came to Australia from the Congo as a refugee and raised all his children to sing beautifully. In 2018, Jael was named the Australian entrant for the Junior Eurovision Song Contest. She proudly represented Australia in 2018, singing her powerful and uplifting song ‘Champion’, placing first with the Jury. Now 16 years old, Jael has cemented herself in Australia’s Music Industry with jaw dropping performances on shows such as The Voice and Australia’s Got Talent. With vocal abilities like Whitney Houston, Jael is sure to capture the hearts of the world.
Nicholas (Nicho) Hynes is an Australian professional rugby league footballer who plays for the Cronulla Sharks. He won the 2022 Dally M medal. Nicho has a passion for the indigenous communities after discovering his own heritage in his teenage years. He also has a passion for supporting youth mental health and encouraging young people to choose the right path in life.
Michael Crossland has the ability to captivate the imagination of young people to encourage and inspire them with his story. Michael has defied the odds of a life- threatening cancer to build a life of achievements as an accomplished businessman and an elite sportsman. His message of hope and overcoming adversity has seen Michael invited back year after year to Stand Tall.
Timomatic (Tim Omaji) is a Nigerian-born Australian entertainer, acclaimed singer-songwriter, dancer, and performer who has captivated audiences across music, theatre, and television. Arriving in Australia as a baby, Tim’s creative journey began early amid a household filled with music and movement. After rising to public attention via So You Think You Can Dance (2009) and Australia’s Got Talent (2011), he released the hit single “Set It Off”, which went 4× platinum. Timomatic has since headlined tours, performed alongside international acts such as Pitbull and Nicki Minaj, and brought his artistry to major productions like Moulin Rouge. He uses his platform to champion identity, perseverance and the power of pursuing dreams.
