Overview
I am a keynote and professional speaker who integrates research, lived experience and storytelling to leave audiences feeling energised and inspired to act. All my presentations are founded on the premise that people don’t remember what you say — they remember how you make them feel. That is why I use imagery, metaphor and story to illustrate research findings drawn from diverse but related fields.
Signature Presentations
How the voices of frontline workers with lived experience hold the key to transforming our approach to wellbeing.
If You Listen Hard Enough, They’ll Tell You the Answer
Ideal for: Leadership teams, policy makers, healthcare executives, emergency service organisations.
Beyond Survival: A Pathway to Post-Traumatic Growth for First Responders
Evidence-based pathways from surviving to thriving after trauma — drawing on research, lived experience and the science of post-traumatic growth.
Ideal for: First responders, emergency services, high-stress workplaces.
After a Colleague’s Suicide: From Impact to Growth
Supporting organisations and individuals to understand suicide, its impact, and what we can do about it — offering a pathway to empower healing, learning and growth in the aftermath.
Ideal for: Leaders and managers, mental health professionals, peer support teams.
The Multidimensional Approach to Organisational Wellbeing
A framework for sustainable cultural change that works from the outside in, the inside out, the top-down and the bottom-up.
Ideal for: Executive teams, organisational development professionals.
Speaking Engagements — Selected
2026 – “Tara is proud to be part of Mental Health Speakers, Australia’s first specialist mental health speakers’ bureau”
2026 – Invited Speaker: Black Dog Institute Research Showcase
2025 — Keynote Speaker: StandBy Support After Suicide Symposium
2024–26 — Conference Chair & Expert Panel Moderator: Frontline Mental Health Conference (ANZMHA)
2024 — Invited Speaker: Australasian College of Paramedicine International Conference (ACPIC)
2024 — Invited Speaker: Manna Institute Symposium
2023 — Invited Panellist: Fortem Australia Beyond Brave Summit
2022 — Keynote Speaker: Frontline Mental Health Conference
2022 — Occasional Address: Sydney University School of Health & Medicine
2021 — Invited Speaker: Australasian Fire Authorities Council (AFAC)
2021 — Poster Presentation: International Association of Suicide Prevention Conference
2019 — Presenter: Suicide Prevention Australia Conference
2015 — Keynote Speaker: Grassroots Suicide Prevention, UK
Booking
I take on a small number of speaking engagements each year alongside my full-time research role at the Black Dog Institute. I am most drawn to invitations that sit close to my areas of research and advocacy — first responder mental health, suicide, trauma and post-traumatic growth — and where there is a genuine opportunity to move an audience toward meaningful change. If you think we might be a good fit, I would love to hear from you.
Speaking Testimonials
I take on a small number of speaking engagements each year alongside my full-time research role at the Black Dog Institute. I am most drawn to invitations that sit close to my areas of research and advocacy — first responder mental health, suicide, trauma and post-traumatic growth — and where there is a genuine opportunity to move an audience toward meaningful change. If you think we might be a good fit, I would love to hear from you.
Please get in touch via the Contact page with details of your event.
“Tara was fantastic – I received some comments from attendees as well on how strong her presentation of her story was – could be a ted talk!’“
Leanne Tea, The George Institute
“It is a most humbling experience to hear and read Tara’s story. Her delivery is comfortingly direct and honest. Her presentation captivated me, moved me and inspired me – as it did I know, for the rest of her audience.“
Gary Booth, Lifeline Counsellor.
“I don’t think any of us expected such a thoughtful, moving and illuminating talk. Tara was superb. She was able to show that mental health issues can affect anyone, anytime, and this really helped break down much of the stigma around the issue. Tara is down-to-earth and authentic and very easy to relate to. We received great feedback from our staff, and each and every one of us are deeply appreciative to Tara. Thank you!“
Layla Bates, Senior Regional Recruiter – Service Now.
“Tara’s talk was truly moving, inspiring and stimulating. When asked to summarise my feeling about it in one word – It was ‘Grace’, both physically and spiritually.”
Joelle Newman, Member of Eeremos Event Committee