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Reimagining Resilience: Highlights from NAHC Adelaide

Last week’s trip to Adelaide reminded me that transformation is forged not just through personal resilience, but also by the people who lift our standards for care, creativity, and leadership.


Caleb, a caucasian man with curly dark hair and red spectacles, stands outdoors on a sunny day in Adelaide, with the Adelaide Convention Centre visible in the background. Other pedestrians walk along the paved path beside a river, while tall trees frame the scene to the right. The city skyline and clear blue sky set a lively, inviting atmosphere.
Caleb, a caucasian man with curly dark hair and red spectacles, stands outdoors on a sunny day in Adelaide, with the Adelaide Convention Centre visible in the background. Other pedestrians walk along the paved path beside a river, while tall trees frame the scene to the right. The city skyline and clear blue sky set a lively, inviting atmosphere.

I had the honour of giving the closing keynote at the National Allied Health Conference, made possible by my dream team at SA Health, Conference Design Pty Ltd, and the effervescent leadership of Dr Ingrid Lensink.


A collage of eight photos from Caleb's conference presentation. The keynote is delivered on a large stage with a brightly lit backdrop and colourful chairs. Shots include: a mostly empty auditorium before the session, audience members responding with enthusiasm, slides featuring graphics and acronyms, and the presenter on stage engaging with attendees. The presentation screen displays key words like "SPECIFIC, AFFIRMING, FUN, ENGAGING" and a closing slide with contact details.
A collage of eight photos from Caleb's conference presentation. The keynote is delivered on a large stage with a brightly lit backdrop and colourful chairs. Shots include: a mostly empty auditorium before the session, audience members responding with enthusiasm, slides featuring graphics and acronyms, and the presenter on stage engaging with attendees. The presentation screen displays key words like "SPECIFIC, AFFIRMING, FUN, ENGAGING" and a closing slide with contact details.

With my 17th "rebirthday" since my #Stroke coming up, sharing my story with 965 allied health professionals was both healing and exhilarating. After accidentally dropping an F-bomb in the first five minutes (🫢) and getting a huge laugh from the crowd, I finally relaxed, embraced the moment, and shouted “Courageous-Authenticity!” (hat tip to May Samali). There’s nothing like a mix of honesty, humour, and lived experience to keep things real.


My keynote focused on practising #Resilience, not just for Instagram reels, but the kind built through genuine partnership. Safe spaces are more than policies or padded rooms; they’re intentional choices in our relationships. I riffed off Stella Young’s words: “I’m not here to be your inspiration; I want to give you an incitation.” My aim was to spark deeper thinking about belonging and amplify authentic stories in healthcare. Big thanks to my allies Emma Gee, Priscilla Ennals, Carol McKinstry, and Dr Natasha Lannin for all the advocacy and wisdom I could reference on stage.


A collage of six photos capturing informal conference moments with Caleb. Groups and pairs pose for selfies and candid group shots inside hotel lobbies and outside near water and city buildings. Attendees wear coats and conference outfits, smiling and relaxed. The settings alternate between indoor cafes and outdoor areas with the city and lakeside views as the backdrop.
A collage of six photos capturing informal conference moments with Caleb. Groups and pairs pose for selfies and candid group shots inside hotel lobbies and outside near water and city buildings. Attendees wear coats and conference outfits, smiling and relaxed. The settings alternate between indoor cafes and outdoor areas with the city and lakeside views as the backdrop.

But the trip wasn’t just about the speech. As part of my Westpac Group Social Change Fellowship, I went full study-tour mode:

Biggest Things I Learned (and Re-learned)

🤟 The story is IN you… even if your slides go AWOL hours before showtime.

🤟 Deep connection comes with honesty, laughter (truth bombs and f-bombs).

🤟 Leadership is about partnership, trust, and letting others help build the bridge.


Caleb, a caucasian man with curly dark hair and bright red spectacles, takes a selfie in front of a bright, busy theatre packed with hundreds of people seated in red auditorium chairs, waiting for a conference event. Attendees wear lanyards and some wave and react enthusiastically to the camera, while the lighting highlights the sense of anticipation and collective energy in the room.
Caleb, a caucasian man with curly dark hair and bright red spectacles, takes a selfie in front of a bright, busy theatre packed with hundreds of people seated in red auditorium chairs, waiting for a conference event. Attendees wear lanyards and some wave and react enthusiastically to the camera, while the lighting highlights the sense of anticipation and collective energy in the room.

Here’s to reimagining resilience, compassion, and innovation... together. 🍻


 
 
 

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