John Raymond Shepherd AM

Former Executive Director, Operation Flinders; currently Senior Consultant, The Sapling Connection & General Manager, LBI Foundation

John spent twenty-five years within major branches of the S.A. Police Department. Formerly the Executive Director of the Operation Flinders Foundation, which runs a world leading wilderness adventure program for young offenders and young people at risk.

John is currently the Senior Consultant for The Sapling Group (a small consulting  firm providing the corporate, government, community and not for profit sectors with advice and support in the development and growth of an organisation or concept) and General Manager of the LBI Foundation (a not-for-profit agency dedicated to partnering with individuals and communities supporting Australians impacted by trauma, mental illness, disadvantage, social exclusion or disability). 

He has been involved as a board member in numerous Australian and South Australian educational, emergency service and social inclusion organisations. 

John is an enthusiastic speaker with a particular passion for helping the youth of South Australia. 

Meet our Ambassadors

Anthony Hart

Anthony Hart

Mental Health Advocate & Nominee South Australian Local Hero 2022

In November 2003, Anthony Hart made a significant attempt on his life. Through a remarkable stroke of luck, he clung onto life and survived. Since then, Anthony has been on a mission to empower men to identify and address challenges before they escalate into serious mental health issues.
Ingrid Kennerley

Ingrid Kennerley

Mental Health Advocate & 2019 South Australia Citizen of the Year

After her husband’s suicide, Ingrid displayed incredible strength and resilience, guiding her children through the tragedy, and maintaining her volunteering and support roles that are so vital to small communities.
Bill Denny AM BM

Bill Denny AM BM

Veteran, Community Advocate & SA Nominee Senior Australian of the Year 2022

Bill’s deep and long-standing commitment to the ex-service community has been demonstrated through his role as Chair of the RSL ANZAC Day Committee, Chair of the ANZAC Day Commemoration Council and as founder of the ANZAC Eve Youth Vigil.
Dr Gill Hicks AM MBE

Dr Gill Hicks AM MBE

Motivational Speaker for peace South Australian of the Year 2015 & Australian of the Year Finalist 2015

Gill Hicks is considered to be one of the most thought provoking, powerful and life affirming speakers in Australia and the UK. She is globally known as a survivor of the London terrorist Bombings on July 7th, 2005. 
Dr Robert ‘Bob’ Irving

Dr Robert ‘Bob’ Irving

Veterinarian, SA Nominee Senior Australian of the Year 2019

For 28 years veterinarian surgeon Dr Bob Irving spent half of each year travelling to Aboriginal remote communities in the Anangu-Yankunyjatjara-Pitjantjatjara (AYP) lands in South Australia, Western Australia and the Northern Territory to treat sick animals, mostly dogs.
Professor Helen Marshall AM

Professor Helen Marshall AM

Vaccination researcher & SA State Recipient Australian of the Year 2022

Professor Helen Marshall AM is one of Australia’s most celebrated and recognised vaccination researchers. Specialising in vaccinology, public health and infectious diseases at the University of Adelaide’s Robinson Research Institute, Helen has been involved in game-changing studies that have had a global impact. 
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