JOHN BROGDEN
ABOUT THE SHOW
John Brogden joined on stage by Ben Farinazzo and Preston Campbell, will be sharing stories from his new book Profiles in Hope, a powerful collection of personal accounts from Australians who have survived suicide and found a path to recovery.
Hosted by Ellen Fanning from ABC Radio, this event will explore John’s unique perspective as a global leader in suicide prevention and Honorary President of Lifeline International, shaped by his own experience.
Hear in-depth stories about prominent figures like James Packer, Layne Beachley, and Ian Thorpe, as well as everyday Aussies, offering hope and inspiration.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
John Brogden is an Australian businessman, former politician, former Chair of Lifeline Australia and the Honorary President of LifeLine International.
John’s career in politics started when he became a member of the Parliament of New South Wales in 1996. In 2002, he was elected Leader of the Opposition on his 33rd birthday – the youngest person ever to lead a major political party in Australia.
A global leader in suicide prevention and crisis helplines, John’s passion for mental illness recovery stems from his own suicide attempt which marked a turning point in his life and reframed the public discourse around depression and suicide.
Ben Farinazzo is a proud Australian with Aboriginal and Italian heritage. Born in Brisbane, he joined the Australian Defence Force at 16, served as an Army Officer, and deployed to East Timor. After transitioning to a civilian career, Ben held senior executive and CEO roles. In 2015, he battled post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, and a broken neck and back—a period he describes as ‘walking through the valley of the shadow of death.’ Over the next three years, he overcame seemingly insurmountable odds to represent Australia in indoor rowing and powerlifting at the 2018 Invictus Games, winning two gold medals. Today, Ben volunteers as an ambassador, advocate, and speaker to help improve the mental health and well-being of Australians, particularly veterans.
Joining John and Ben on stage is Preston Campbell.
Once a shy little boy from a small country town who refused to believe he couldn’t achieve grand things in life, Preston Campbell comes from Tingha, a town with a population of fewer than 900, about 30km from Inverell in northern NSW. Preston started playing rugby league with the Inverell Hawks and made his NRL debut with the Gold Coast Chargers in 1998 as a diminutive winger. Since then, he has played for the Cronulla Sharks, Penrith Panthers, and the Gold Coast Titans.
Preston retired in 2011 after playing a staggering 267 NRL first-grade games. Throughout his football years, he was part of a premiership-winning team and was awarded the Dally M Player of the Year, but it is what he has achieved off the field that is just as inspiring. He received the Ken Stephen Medal in 2008, an annual award given to the NRL player who has contributed most significantly to the community.
Since retiring, Preston has become one of Australia’s most influential sporting ambassadors, working tirelessly in the community as an Ambassador, with a strong focus on supporting individuals, families, and communities across a wide range of fields.
PERFORMANCE DATES & TIMES
VENUE
TICKETS
DURATION
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Suitable for ages 12+
Children under the age of two are not permitted; all other ages must hold a valid ticket
Contains adult themes
Contains drug references
Contains simulated violence
Auslan performance Wed 27 Nov