About Wayne
Wayne has quickly become a media ‘go-to’ on the topics of sexual exploitation, social media access and suicide prevention. It’s not unusual for multiple interviews every week across all areas of the media. His story has been shared around the world. Comments on social media are numerous – many identifying and sharing the horrors their own families have been through.
Wayne’s why
Impact
His lived experience and determination are helping to push for legislative changes to raise the age of social media access for children to 16, to work towards preventing sexual exploitation situations with devastating consequences and helping save lives in the face of a national suicide crisis.
Wayne with Sarah Harris while appearing on The Project
Wayne at Parliament of Victoria
Wayne with Premier of Victoria Jacinta Allan
Wayne with Treasurer of Australia Jim Chalmers
Wayne presenting a SmackTalk presentation
Wayne presenting SmackTalk at St Bedes
Wayne at a speaking event
Wayne getting a disability award
Wayne was fantastic and gave a presentation that resonated so powerfully throughout our group, not a dry eye in the room.”
Casey Women’s Football Club
Wayne’s story (is) so incredibly inspiring.”
SmackTalk presentation attendee
…this was the most impactful presentation I have ever seen. It’s raw, it’s honest, it’s factual and it provides kids and adults with real answers to deal with their own depression or suicidal thoughts and importantly, HOW to ask your mates how they are really going.
I HIGHLY recommend you all get on board and have Wayne come out and present this.”
Grant Harrison
CEO Knox Basketball
Brave, confronting and very important.”
SmackTalk presentation attendee
Wayne from SmackTalk was outstanding, compelling and we learned so much and now feel empowered to save lives.”
Mornington and Casey Basketball Clubs
Difficult subject matter but I applaud Wayne in sharing his story and bringing these issues to our attention.”
SmackTalk presentation attendee
Wayne’s presentation Smacktalk was as powerful as I have ever attended I now feel ready to help others, you are a legend Wayne and inspiration.”
Rockets Basketball Club
Wayne’s courage to bring to light and try and help stop this from happening to other families is amazing. Thank you Wayne for your bravery.”
SmackTalk presentation attendee
Thank you for coming out and providing such information that we now know will save lives. Outstanding individual.”
Cramli
The honesty and vulnerability from Wayne was amazing.”
SmackTalk presentation attendee
As a 21-year-old, I learnt a lot from this event and will forever remember what to look out for, who to call, and what to do. Wayne’s speech really impacted all of the club players and parents who were there tonight. We are beyond grateful for Wayne’s time, energy, kindness and knowledge. You (Wayne) are doing an amazing job at spreading awareness and normalising these conversations. I know for a fact that Wayne helped so many people in the crowd tonight and has without a doubt saved a life.
FTE Eagles Football Club event attendee
OMG such bravery from Wayne to be able to deliver that session. Such an emotional topic which I have been personally impacted by, but as emotional as the session was, I took so much out of it.”
SmackTalk presentation attendee
You’re an absolute inspiration and I will be forever grateful that you have allowed my family and wider community the chance to hear your tragic story, and given each and every one the opportunity to save lives.”
Secretary of the Bass FNC
As a parent myself I appreciate Wayne sharing his story to prevent others having to go through what he has. Thank you!”
SmackTalk presentation attendee
I have been receiving thoughtful feedback from those who attended last night, all of whom were genuinely moved by your presentation.
Many have told me that it started a conversation at home with their kids and family regarding the downfalls of social media and being able to talk to each other.
Genine Arvanitakis
Secretary of the Bentleigh JFC
Wayne was an incredible advocate, and I cannot find words in any language on this earth to commend him for his courage and strength. He spoke about an issue so incredibly important to all of us.”