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.