Beau Vernon is a Pride of Australia Medal holder, awarded to him for his outstanding contribution to the community despite living with the constant challenge of Quadriplegia. A passionate sportsman, Beau was left wheelchair bound at just 23 when a game of Australian Rules football went horribly wrong. Beau spent 8 months in hospital undergoing rigorous rehabilitation, facing multiple physical and mental challenges. He was determined and focused on having an exceptional life regardless of the disability, which required unwavering strength and belief. Beau has proven himself to be an exceptional young man inspiring people in his community as a motivating and successful Senior football coach, surfer, hand cycling champion, husband and now father. Champions come in many different forms and Beau is a champion whose journey has changed his life, the lives of his community and audiences who listen to his unbelievable story of hope and happiness.

Dr Kathleen O’Moore is a Clinical Psychologist, Post-doctoral Researcher, and Senior Clinical Research Manager working at the Black Dog Institute. She completed a Doctorate of Clinical Psychology at the University of Sydney and has experiencing working with clients with a range of presenting issues. She is interested in the prevention and treatment of mental illness and the use of digital interventions for improving mental health. She currently leads a project designing an online mental wellbeing app for adults. In her previous roles she i) managed a suicide prevention app for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, called iBobbly, ii) led the development and implementation of an online stepped care mental health clinic in general practice, called StepCare, and iii) managed an online stepped care mental health clinic for youth, called Smooth Sailing. She has worked in research and in clinical settings at the University of New South Wales, University of Sydney, St Vincent’s Hospital, and in private practice.