Margaret-Anne grew up in post-war Australia, experiencing a tough childhood marked by community support and church, yet overshadowed by her father's unresolved trauma.

Inspired by her mother’s kindness, Margaret-Anne learned the importance of empathy and helping those in need, which became central to her values. In 1994, during a severe drought, she launched a grassroots drought appeal, mobilising her community to collect and deliver essential goods to affected areas. This began her lifelong commitment to fundraising and community service, starting with local efforts and expanding to larger initiatives like cancer research.

Despite personal hardships, including raising three children and losing her son Aaron to cancer, she remained dedicated to her community work.

Margaret-Anne lost 20 kilograms, completed a half marathon, and raised significant funds for cancer research in her son’s memory, impacting many lives. She organized vital relief efforts for victims of the Cobargo bushfires, using social media despite limited technical skills, proving her adaptability and resilience. Margaret-Anne participated in skydives and shaved her head multiple times, raising substantial funds and awareness for various causes with creative initiatives.

Her unparalleled community service earned her an Order of Australia Medal (OAM), acknowledging her extensive contributions and inspiring many. She champions simple acts of kindness, advocating patience, empathy, and colourfulness in life, emphasizing humanity's shared desires for well-being.

*****

We hope that you enjoyed this episode of Kintsugi Heroes.

Please take care: if you have been triggered by listening to this episode we recommend you get in contact with someone who can help keep you safe and give you the support you need. This may be Lifeline, AA, a friend, a counsellor, or some other support group.

If you’d like to share your story on Kintsugi Heroes, please get in touch by contacting us via the website here - https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/contact

We hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories!

Warmly,

The Kintsugi Heroes team

YouTube || Facebook || Instagram || LinkedIn || Website

Theme Song: "Broken" by Colin Lillie

This Limited Kintsugi Heroes podcast series was made possible with grant funding from the NSW Department of Communities & Justice Connecting Seniors Grant Program. To find out more about the program, head to https://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/connecting-seniors-grant-program-2025.

Bradley Dowling is a passionate community advocate and basketball coach who thrives on making a positive impact in the lives of young individuals and raising awareness for neurofibromatosis (NF), a genetic condition he was diagnosed with at age five. Growing up in a supportive family, Dowling saw his parents actively involved in NF advocacy which instilled in him a strong sense of purpose and resilience.

His coaching journey began accidentally with the Hornsby Basketball Association, where he focused on building confidence, teamwork, and a positive attitude among young players. Despite facing stares and whispers from others due to his condition, Dowling has focused on living a full and active life, emphasizing physical fitness, trust in a higher power, and maintaining a positive outlook. Beyond coaching, Bradley works part-time for the Cerebral Palsy Alliance and remains strongly affiliated with the Children's Tumour Foundation of Australia and Chaplaincy Australia.

Bradley's life has not been devoid of challenges, but his approach to overcoming them serves as an inspiration to many. Significant symptoms of NF appeared in his late teens to early adulthood, bringing with them societal challenges such as misunderstanding and judgment. Nonetheless, he utilized these experiences to foster understanding and empathy through media engagement and educational resources.

He provides QR-coded cards to educate others about NF and shares his story publicly to raise awareness. His faith and supportive circle, including family and his church community, have been instrumental in maintaining his resilience. Bradley constantly emphasizes the importance of self-care, taking breaks, and seeking help for mental health, beliefs he puts into practice as he aspires for a future filled with joy and continued community service.

*****

We hope that you enjoyed this episode of Kintsugi Heroes.

Please take care: if you have been triggered by listening to this episode we recommend you get in contact with someone who can help keep you safe and give you the support you need. This may be Lifeline, AA, a friend, a counsellor, or some other support group.

If you’d like to share your story on Kintsugi Heroes, please get in touch by contacting us via the website here - https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/contact

We hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories!

Warmly,

The Kintsugi Heroes team

YouTube || Facebook || Instagram || LinkedIn || Website

Theme Song: "Broken" by Colin Lillie

This Limited Kintsugi Heroes podcast series was made possible with grant funding from the NSW Department of Communities & Justice Connecting Seniors Grant Program. To find out more about the program, head to https://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/connecting-seniors-grant-program-2025.

Jann McCall grew up in Russell Lea in Sydney, with a multicultural and religious background. Her upbringing shaped her outlook on life, emphasising faith, family, and adaptability amidst evolving societal changes.

Jann's practical decision to become a primary school teacher aligned with her family responsibilities. Teaching allowed her to positively impact young lives. Despite the bureaucratic changes over time, she remained committed to children’s development until health issues resulted in her decision to leave teaching.

Her health issues included a stroke and breast cancer followed by increasing mobility problems. She had intense rehabilitation and adapting to new physical limitations. Despite these, she maintained a positive outlook, emphasising resilience and communal support.

Bringing up three daughters, Jann navigated health and financial challenges. Her family’s unwavering support was crucial. She highlights the importance of open communication, empathy, and adaptability within her marital life, celebrating 41 years of a successful marriage.

Jann's interests in travel and family history provided joy and fulfillment. She engages in planning trips, creating photo books, and genealogy research both for herself and others.

Community support is important to Jann, particularly her church community and longstanding friendships. During COVID, she stayed connected through Zoom dinners and church groups, highlighting the importance of maintaining social bonds for well-being.

With unwavering faith in God's plans, Jann embraces life’s uncertainties with optimism. She finds joy in daily interactions and contributions, believing in the purposeful existence of every individual. Her positivity influences those around her, fostering hope and resilience.

*****

We hope that you enjoyed this episode of Kintsugi Heroes.

Please take care: if you have been triggered by listening to this episode we recommend you get in contact with someone who can help keep you safe and give you the support you need. This may be Lifeline, AA, a friend, a counsellor, or some other support group.

If you’d like to share your story on Kintsugi Heroes, please get in touch by contacting us via the website here - https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/contact

We hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories!

Warmly,

The Kintsugi Heroes team

YouTube || Facebook || Instagram || LinkedIn || Website

Theme Song: "Broken" by Colin Lillie

This Limited Kintsugi Heroes podcast series was made possible with grant funding from the NSW Department of Communities & Justice Connecting Seniors Grant Program. To find out more about the program, head to https://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/connecting-seniors-grant-program-2025.

The son of Holocaust survivors, Walter Frankel grew up in Rhodesia and South Africa before moving to Australia. His parents' experiences during the war profoundly shaped his upbringing, instilling in him a strong sense of resilience and adaptability.

Coming from a dysfunctional family, Frankel struggled with the impact of his parents' trauma on his own life. He experienced estrangement from his wife and children and learned to cope with breakdowns in intimate relationships through work.

Through his challenges, Walter worked to change his belief and value systems. He acknowledged his passive-aggressive tendencies inherited from his father and strived to overcome them, demonstrating a commitment to personal growth and self-improvement.

From his parents' experiences during the war to his own challenges, Walter has demonstrated a remarkable ability to adapt to change. He reflects on his transition from a working life to a position of needing help with his significant mental health challenges, including a major breakdown.

This experience led him to become passionate about learning about mental health, becoming a mental health first aider and suicide prevention advocate.

He dedicates his time to volunteering for various organizations, always making himself available to help others. Walter believes in the importance of passing on valuable information, engaging in meaningful conversations, and being empathetic in today's society.

Drawing inspiration from Viktor Frankl Walter emphasizes the importance of choosing what resonates and making choices in life. He highlights the significance of using life's experiences for the betterment of mankind, leaving a lasting legacy.

Biography

Walter is retired. He was previously a senior corporate executive/project manager in various roles, from management accounting, administration, sales & marketing in FMCG and retail, including hospitality, restaurant operations, and events management, to IT operational roles.

Over the past 15 years, he has been extensively involved in Vocational Educational Management - Training and Assessment as a subject matter expert in Leadership & Management and Project Management.

Now he trains people in Mental Health First Aid and Suicide Prevention as a First Responder. Runs Discussion Groups and presents workshops and selected mini-courses on subjects such as - Negotiations, Conflict Resolution, Strategy, Emotional Intelligence, youth matters, Leadership & Management, Project Management and more.

Facilitates discussion groups to Seniors on how to address “Difficult Conversations” and life planning necessary to become resilient and Empowered. Individuals are given a safe place to discuss and learn how to cope with life challenges, address difficult conversations with family and others, prepare and sort out their personal affairs in a way that they would like, and ensure that they are stored in a safe. secure and accessible when required.

Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/walterfrankel/

*****

We hope that you enjoyed this episode of Kintsugi Heroes.

Please take care: if you have been triggered by listening to this episode we recommend you get in contact with someone who can help keep you safe and give you the support you need. This may be Lifeline, AA, a friend, a counsellor, or some other support group.

If you’d like to share your story on Kintsugi Heroes, please get in touch by contacting us via the website here - https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/contact

We hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories!

Warmly,

The Kintsugi Heroes team

YouTube ||

Born in the Peruvian mountains in 1948, Graciella's upbringing, surrounded by nine siblings and teacher parents, instilled in her strong values of resilience, community, and cultural heritage.

She was educated at a St. Vincent de Paul school. To support her family, she worked in sales and representation within construction companies, showing adaptability and commitment.

Married for 54 years, Graciella and her husband moved to Australia to ensure family unity and provide better opportunities, overcoming challenges related to language and cultural adaptation with determination.

Graciella actively supports Spanish-speaking immigrants through Fusion, an organisation in Australia, aiding their transition and promoting well-being, exemplifying her dedication to community service and social support.

Graciella helps seniors connect with family through technology, fostering a sense of global family. She emphasises learning and using tools like WhatsApp for maintaining relationships and community ties.

Her life's philosophy centres around understanding, respect, and solidarity. Graciella believes in open conversations, learning from multiculturalism, and maintaining a positive attitude to enhance health and family relations.

Graciella shares her wisdom about caring for others, seeing beyond appearances, and overcoming adversity is a testament to her life's journey, emphasising love and community contribution and above all continuing to learn.

*****

We hope that you enjoyed this episode of Kintsugi Heroes.

Please take care: if you have been triggered by listening to this episode we recommend you get in contact with someone who can help keep you safe and give you the support you need. This may be Lifeline, AA, a friend, a counsellor, or some other support group.

If you’d like to share your story on Kintsugi Heroes, please get in touch by contacting us via the website here - https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/contact

We hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories!

Warmly,

The Kintsugi Heroes team

YouTube || Facebook || Instagram || LinkedIn || Website

Theme Song: "Broken" by Colin Lillie

This Limited Kintsugi Heroes podcast series was made possible with grant funding from the NSW Department of Communities & Justice Connecting Seniors Grant Program. To find out more about the program, head to https://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/connecting-seniors-grant-program-2025.

Bill Kable, born in Australia, comes from a family with a rich legal heritage. As a fifth-generation descendant of Henry Kable, he grew up with a strong sense of justice. Bill pursued his education in law, following his family's footsteps.

Bill established himself as a practicing lawyer, dedicating his career to serving his clients and upholding the law. Throughout his years in the legal profession, he has been involved in significant events and cases that have shaped his expertise and reputation.

In a surprising twist of fate, Bill discovered that he had become a father through sperm donation during his student years. This revelation led to a unique family dynamic as he navigated the complexities of connecting with his biological children.

Bill became passionate about advocating for fathers' rights in family law. He has been actively involved in discussions surrounding custody battles, attachment, and the challenges faced by fathers in the legal system.

Bill’s commitment to supporting fathers and families led him to join the "Dads on the Air" radio program. Through this platform, he has interviewed extraordinary parents, shared inspiring stories, and discussed various topics related to fatherhood and men's issues.

Drawing from his extensive experience as a lawyer and his personal journey, Bill offers valuable insights on family law and its impact on society. He advocates for reforms, increased mediation, and better support systems for families going through difficult times.

Despite the challenges he has witnessed and experienced, Bill maintains an optimistic outlook for the future. He believes in the potential of the younger generation and the importance of mentorship from senior Australians in fostering a caring and progressive society.

*****

We hope that you enjoyed this episode of Kintsugi Heroes.

Please take care: if you have been triggered by listening to this episode we recommend you get in contact with someone who can help keep you safe and give you the support you need. This may be Lifeline, AA, a friend, a counsellor, or some other support group.

If you’d like to share your story on Kintsugi Heroes, please get in touch by contacting us via the website here - https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/contact

We hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories!

Warmly,

The Kintsugi Heroes team

YouTube || Facebook || Instagram || LinkedIn || Website

Theme Song: "Broken" by Colin Lillie

This Limited Kintsugi Heroes podcast series was made possible with grant funding from the NSW Department of Communities & Justice Connecting Seniors Grant Program. To find out more about the program, head to https://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/connecting-seniors-grant-program-2025.

This episode of the Connecting Seniors podcast series, is a wide-ranging and deeply personal conversation between Ian Westmoreland, founder of Kintsugi Heroes and John Milham, Kintsugi Heroes Podcast Host.

Despite his reluctance to do so, Ian acknowledges his age and reflects on the untapped wisdom and skills of seniors, advocating for their value.

Ian's perspective on retirement has shifted to focus on giving back and volunteering, finding purpose and fulfillment in the last decade and demonstrates persistence at achieving his goals.

He started mentoring men at 64 and established Kintsugi Heroes at 68, emphasising the importance of "finishing well" in life.

Ian describes what it has been like to face mortality through three illnesses: cancer with a positive prognosis, a non-treatable lung disease, and a near-fatal antibiotic reaction.

Ian shares two dreams: a weekly gathering for sharing stories and easily accessible resources for those facing life challenges.

Biography

Ian spent 42 years working in the Australian and New Zealand telecommunications and energy industries mainly as an IT project manager. In 2013, a profound life changing moment led him to give up paid work and commence a full-time volunteer career.

During his work as a volunteer for not-for-profit youth programs such as the Raise Foundation, Kidshope and COACH, Ian noticed a gap for comparable services for mature adults.

After a personal moment of challenge, he realised how urgently these services were needed, especially for men, who have historically struggled with vulnerability and asking for support. In response he developed the Mentoring Men program in June 2018, and it was officially launched as a registered charity in November 2018. In just three years, Mentoring Men grew to become an Australia-wide, free mentoring service to support men.

In 2022 Ian launched Kintsugi Heroes which aims to show how those major moments of challenge we face can change the course of our life, making it even more beautiful and fulfilling than ever before. It is a weekly podcast of inspirational interviews with people who have discovered beauty, despite the incredible adversities they have faced.

Ian and the charity organisations he established have won numerous awards including:

NSW Volunteer of the Year Award 2016 – Raise Foundation

NSW Volunteer of the Year Award 2020 – Individual and Mentoring Men state finalist

AMHF Men’s Health Award 2020 – NSW Men’s Health award

2024 Order of Australia – For services to Men’s Health and to Youth

Socials:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ian-westmoreland-mentor-menshealth

Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/IanCWestmoreland

mentoringmen.org.au/

kintsugiheroes.com.au/

*****

We hope that you enjoyed this episode of Kintsugi Heroes.

Please take care: if you have been triggered by listening to this episode we recommend you get in contact with someone who can help keep you safe and give you the support you need. This may be Lifeline, AA, a friend, a counsellor, or some other support group.

If you’d like to share your story on Kintsugi Heroes, please get in touch by contacting us via the website here - https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/contact

We hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories!

Warmly,

The Kintsugi Heroes team

Welcome to our Kintsugi Heroes special series, Connecting Seniors, where we share the experiences of aging Australians to create connections across our communities.

To find out more about Kintsugi Heroes and our other podcasts, head to KintsugiHeroes.com.au.