Allan Sparkes - Mindfulness & Mental Health - A leader in the shift towards mental wellness and ...

Travels From New South Wales

Speaker Topics

Challenge and Adventure

Having spent 20 years as a frontline police officer, there is not much Allan has not seen. Hear some of his incredible stories of courage and determination Read less

Inspiration

Hear Allan's incredible story about his experiences with PTSD, suicide and depression, and gain knowledge, hope and inspiration. Read less

Leadership

As one of Australias most highly decorated citizens, Allan is a leader in the shift within mental wellness and suicide prevention. He is one of just five Australian heroes in the past 43 years to be awarded the Cross of Valour, Australias highest bravery decoration and civil award. Learn some of his leadership skills which can be applied in any situation Read less

Lifestyle Awareness

Learn some valuable tools and tips on how to improve lifestyle and cope with stress Read less

Mental Wellness

Allan is passionate about bringing awareness to mental health and wellness. He is a leader in the shift towards the inclusion of lived experience in the areas of mental wellness and suicide prevention. Read less

Allan Sparkes

A leader in the shift towards mental wellness and lifestyle awareness

As one of Australia’s most highly decorated citizens, Allan Sparkes CV, OAM, VA, FRSN is a leader in the shift within mental wellness and suicide prevention. He is one of just five Australian heroes in the past 43 years to be awarded the Cross of Valour, Australia’s highest bravery decoration and civil award.

Having spent 20 years as a frontline police officer, there isn’t much Allan hasn’t seen.

In 2016, he was awarded Australia's 4th highest bravery decoration, The Commendation for Brave Conduct, for saving the life of an aboriginal man who had fallen onto train tracks at Redfern Railway Station in Sydney. A year later, Allan was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his services to mental health support organisations and the community.

With an extraordinary life story, Allan is a professional speaker, sailor, survivor of PTSD and best-selling author.

Allan is a renowned motivational speaker, having presented at events across Australia. He is a compelling storyteller, taking you through his journey with raw honesty and passion leaving you speechless and inspired.

Allan's recovery from debilitating mental illness tested his resolve for more than a decade. With the unwavering support of his wife, he faced his demons and rebuilt his mind, body and soul.

Now, Allan works as Deputy Commissioner (Part Time) with the Mental Health Commission of NSW. He is also an Ambassador for BeyondBlue, Soldier On, Kookaburra Kids and Australia Day. He is also a member of the Mental Health Commission of New South Wales Suicide Prevention Advisory Group and a member of the NSW Police Mental Health Intervention Team.

Allan travels to events around Australia, telling his story about his experiences with PTSD, suicide and depression, providing knowledge, hope and inspiration to others through his dynamic presentations.

His book, 'The Cost of Bravery' was released in 2013 and reprinted in 2015. He has appeared on national TV including ‘60 Minutes’, ‘Sunday Night’ and ‘A Current Affair’ as well as appearing on Richard Fidler's conversation hour and many other national radio programs.

Testimonial

We had the pleasure of hearing Allan Sparkes CV, VA give the keynote speech on his life journey with Mental Illness and championing the removal of stigma attached to mental health in society. His address by any measure was outstanding, well delivered, thoughtful and sincere. Allan took us on an emotional journey of his past, dissecting how heroic achievements can lead us down a dark path. His story captivated the audience and bought the room to tears with his raw, open and honest commentary on his personal experience with mental illness. It is rare you come across a key note speaker that can have such a profound effect on every person in the room. I commend his authenticity and his ability to connect with his audience. Allan is a natural born speaker, whom I would highly recommend.

BUPA

Wow, what an incredible human being. We were so privileged to have the opportunity to hear from Allan about his lived experience of PTSD and depression, and his incredible road to recovery and his ongoing simple and practical methodology for maintaining well-being. His presentation was powerful and authentic, and has sparked conversations around how we as an organisation can be more open and ensure we are actively supporting the wellbeing of staff, how we can sparke some change in the legal industry more broadly and how each and every one of us can take some simple steps to prioritise and take responsibility for our own wellbeing. Allan reminded us that NOTHING IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN OUR HEALTH and have us the COURAGE TO CARE.

Sparke Helmore Lawyers

Allan is a true professional, presenting to large audiences with courtesy and dignity, and adding humour tastefully where appropriate. Allan is a master at keeping audiences engaged, no matter the size of the room, and ensuring the agenda runs smoothly and program kept to time. I would highly recommend Allan as a presenter, MC and keynote speaker. Allan's ability to engage with people at a variety of levels will ensure any event receives great feedback from guests, VIP's and your event team.

Kookaburra Kids

Allan’s approach was relaxed and informal but highly engaging. He spoke openly, honestly and with sincerity. Allan held everyone’s attention from beginning to end and everyone left with the utmost respect for the man himself, and importantly the message he delivered. Allan spent plenty of time with our delegates both before and after his presentation. The feedback we’ve received since was that Allan was a wonderful choice, a brilliant and inspiring speaker. He was a delight to deal with and I’d highly recommend Allan to anyone looking for an inspirational speaker.

National Mortgage Brokers