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

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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

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