Stand Tall inspires students to live a happy and healthy life

An inspirational line-up of speakers had hundreds of students, keen to learn more about mental health, mesmerised during this year’s Stand Tall event at the International Convention Centre on June 8.

The Stand Tall Event was founded in 2012 in response to the tragic level of drug use, depression, bullying, hopelessness and self-harm among high school students.

A photo from last years event in action at the International Convention Centre Sydney. Source: Stand Tall Website\

The event brings a host of speakers together to arm them with the skills of resilience, the strength to stand up to bullying, the keys to motivation, the power of perspective and the benefits of making wise decisions.

This year’s line up included rugby league star Nicho Hynes who is dedicated to assisting young people with their mental health and music sensation Timomatic.

Ambassador and former Paralympian Joany Badenhorst said: “The vibe and energy following this year’s event was absolutely infectious, you could feel the student’s emotions rising from the inspiring stories of all the speakers.”

“The energy and passion of the music squad, especially Timomatic, is always a fan favourite.”

As Australia’s premier female Para-snowboarder, Joany won silver and bronze medals in three consecutive Women’s Para-snowboarding World Championships.

Joany, who hosted the live stream event said: “How fantastic it was to interview the 2023 Stand Tall line-up for the thousands of students online and on 7Plus and open-up on some fun and thought-provoking questions.

“It was an honour to be amongst such beautiful and inspiring people. I am forever grateful to the PAYCE Foundation who continues to support me and my work within such an incredible community.”

Stand Tall will be returning to the regions this year, with an event scheduled for Tamworth on November 17.