Emma Lynam: The Entrepreneur
Emma started her business in Townsville with just one client. Thanks to her strong, unique service offering – shredding important documents, which remain confidential with her, because she can’t read or write – she now has over 50 clients throughout town.

Melissa Kirkman: The Artist
Melissa has always loved art and painting – but it’s not easy to succeed as an artist. Throughout COVID-related lockdowns, and with the support of her family, she came up with a business idea; scanning her artworks and printing them onto t-shirts, which are sold via her online store. She has partnered closely with local providers in Adelaide to successfully run her business, ‘Kirkman by Melissa Kirkman’ and has seen great results, especially through attending markets, engaging in traditional marketing methods, and working with business who commission her artwork.

Adam Broadstock: The Man About Town
Adam is a true social butterfly and great conversationalist – he loves chatting with everyone in his local community, especially about his passions, fire trucks and airplanes. Adam’s business, Adam’s Delivery Service, was built around his personality. He works with local businesses to collect their mail and undertake courier services. With his support workers, Adam has kept his business going for almost a decade. But it’s not all about work for Adam. He loves catching up with his friends at the different clubs he goes to, plus swimming, going to bowling and taking on art projects.

Natalie Curtis: The Working Supermum
Natalie started her disability support business when she saw a gap in the market for high-quality care, inspired by her son. In just 18 months, she grew from two team members to 48, and became incredibly successful in the Townsville community. Natalie also trained and coached a wheelchair basketball team, worked for Sporting Wheelies to bring wheelchair basketball into schools, and was a proud ambassador for the Australian Institute of Sport.

Tragically, Natalie passed away in February 2023. This film is shared in her memory and with permission from her loved ones.

Hannah Smedley: The Musician
Hannah is a Singer/songwriter based in Adelaide, her trajectory to pursue her passion and turn into carving a career is well on its way! Diagnosed with ASD, Hannah’s passion for music has developed into a real talent. She has performed on stage alongside Guy Sebastian and amongst her many achievements has just recorded her first music video. Hannah is employed as a music mentor at Lift Up Voices – and is currently enrolled in a Bachelor of Music program. Hannah brings extensive lived experience to her work at Lift Up Voices and is motivated to help others explore their ideas and emotions through the creative arts.

Elijah Arranz: The Motivator
Elijah was just 14 when he sustained a severe traumatic brain injury from a skydiving accident. Since then, he’s had his sights set on motivating others to be strong and resilient, carving out a motivational speaking career around the ACT and NSW. Working at The Rehabilitation Specialists as a much-loved team member, Elijah also has his sights set on competing in the 2028 Paralympics. He spends a lot of time in the gym looking to achieve that goal, having rowed every day for over four years. As his mother mentions, people often ask themselves: “what would Elijah do?”