Testimonials

Derrinallum Community Wellbeing Forum

July 12th, 2006

Derrinallum P-12 College, in conjunction with the surrounding community, held a mental health forum to discuss issues surrounding depression and mental health.  Derrinallum is a rural community located in Western Victoria and due to its geographical nature residents in the district often feel unsupported when facing such issues.  The college decided to bring this issue into the forefront by utilising a fantastic keynote address by Mr Wayne Schwass.  It was felt initially that Wayne would be able to connect with people on many levels and this was certainly the case on the night.  Wayne shared his personal experiences with the audience and was able to reach each and every one.  Wayne showed an awareness of the issues faced by people in the western district and was able to bring his knowledge to the area in order to better support the district and its infrastructure.  Following Wayne’s keynote address, he joined a panel of local practitioners who work in fields related to metal health and was able to respond to audience questions in an honest and heartfelt manner. 

The feedback from this evening was phenomenal, with all who attended feeling heard by Wayne and supported by their community.  Many people had travelled great distances to hear Wayne speak and no one left untouched.  It was an important evening in Derrinallum where people got the opportunity to get together and speak about these issues in a supportive environment and Wayne was the key to this.

We thank Wayne for his work and his ability to connect with our community.

Shelby Papadopoulos
Well-being Co-ordinator
Derrinallum P-12 College

Mensline Australia Corporate Breakfast

16th June 2006

Mensline Australia held an event that was aiming to highlight work/life balance issues for men in contemporary Australia. Wayne spoke in an entertaining and thoughtful manner relating his personal experience of dealing with a mental illness while trying to maintain a high profile and stressful career. Wayne’s capacity to balance his personal story and it’s relevance to the theme of the event was outstanding.

The mostly corporate audience provided very positive feedback about Wayne’s presentation including an appreciation for his ability to ‘….bravely share his personal story with men in an open and direct manner.’ I would highly recommend Wayne Schwass as a speaker for future events of this kind.

Terry Melvin
Manager
Mensline Australia

Macquarie Bank Foundation Camp Quality Commonwealth Games Dinner

20th March 2006

We were very lucky to have Wayne speak at the Macquarie Bank Foundation Camp Quality Commonwealth Games dinner in March this year. Wayne opened the night with a welcome to over 200 kids and their carers. His welcome was warm and witty with an underlying message that you can do anything that you believe. Wayne took the time to speak to the carers and organisers to know about the kids and their lives and include parts of their previous Commonwealth Games experiences to enhance his welcome.

He could not have been more generous with his time, chatting with the kids, posing for photographs and signing autographs for much longer then he had committed. The kids loved him and didn’t leave him alone until the end of the evening.

Scott Brownbill
Division Director
Macquarie Bank