Topics: Teenagers

Abdi Aden

Abdi grew up in Mogadishu until the outbreak of Somalia’s devastating civil war separated him from his family and home. He fled Mogadishu with 300 others and headed for the Kenyan border. On the way, death squads hunted them. Abdi and a group of other boys were caught and lined up to be executed. Miraculously the bullets missed Abdi but he fell to the ground and feigned death. Of the 300 who set out from Mogadishu, only five survived to reach Kenya.

Dr Arne Rubinstein

Dr Arne Rubinstein has been working with teenagers and their families for over 30 years as a doctor, counsellor, mentor, speaker and workshop facilitator. He is the author of the 2013 book The Making of Men, which has become a bestseller. He was the CEO and co-founder of the Pathways Foundation, which creates contemporary rites of passage for adolescents. He recently founded Uplifting Australia to improve the emotional wellbeing and resilience of children and families.

Nick Bracks

Entrepreneur, TV personality and mental health advocate

Growing up the eldest son of a prominent politician, Melbourne-based Nick Bracks was already accustomed to the spotlight when he was offered a contract with American Crew in 2009. His profile grew quickly and before long, Nick branched out from modelling to become a prime time television favourite.

Rebekah Robertson

Rebekah Robertson is an advocate for transgender rights and the mother of Georgie Stone. Her family’s court journey has spanned six years, including an appeal before the Family Court to remove legal obstacles to treatment for trans children.

Georgie Stone

Georgie Stone is a transgender advocate who has overcome prejudice, bullying, and legal barriers to become the remarkable young woman she is today.