AFL great, broadcaster and commentator, salesman, mental health advocate and serial social-impact-entrepreneur, Wayne has led anything but a boring life to date. Through his personal journey and relationship with mental wellbeing, he realised his life’s purpose: to end suicide in Australia. The first iteration of this vision was the Sunrise Foundation which he founded in 2006, delivering preventative educational programs to high school students. PukaUp was the next step in his quest to achieve his vision.
Over to Wayne…
I founded PukaUp because of my passion for suicide prevention. I believe suicide is preventable but the way in which we have approached, managed and responded to mental health and suicide prevention in Australia has not resulted in a reduction of suicides – in fact the number of people ending their lives continues to track in the wrong direction. We need to tackle the issue of suicide from a fundamentally different perspective and approach. I used to think my purpose in life was to be an athlete but I realised that my personal journey with mental health conditions and the work I have done in this space for the past 15 years has been preparing me for the work I now do with PukaUp. It’s why I’m here – to fulfil my life purpose. Every life matters!
The best part of your job?
I make decisions every day that allow me to take care of and maintain my wellbeing. Prioritising sleep, eating well, exercising regularly, staying connected with my support network, recognising when I’m stressed or my mental health is being negatively impacted, asking for help, talking with my GP and Psychologist, when necessary taking medication and monitoring the type of content I’m consuming – especially during the pandemic.
Knowing that the work we do is having a positive impact on people’s lives and in an increasing number of situations our work saves lives. There is nothing more rewarding than knowing the work you do has this type of impact on other people.
I make decisions every day that allow me to take care of and maintain my wellbeing. Prioritising sleep, eating well, exercising regularly, staying connected with my support network, recognising when I’m stressed or my mental health is being negatively impacted, asking for help, talking with my GP and Psychologist, when necessary taking medication and monitoring the type of content I’m consuming – especially during the pandemic.
What’s your happiness hack?
Sitting in the sun, closing my eyes and feeling the warmth on my body
Perfect weekend?
Cycling, family, food, wine and plenty of sleep
Introvert or extravert?
Both, depends on how I’m feeling and what’s happening at the time
Morning person or night owl?
Morning, earlier the better
Phone call or text?
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