about us
drew brauer
Founder / CEO
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Occupation: Musician
Location: Cairns, QLD
I believe we all fluctuate up or down on a Mental Health spectrum and we all find ourselves in the red zone at many points in our life, whether it be from events out of our control, or more than likely, situations that have been created by our own thoughts, decisions and actions! I want to help build self-awareness, mental resilience and teach people about the correlation between physical health and mental health to empower the community to make positive changes for themselves, and for their fellow humans to make the world a better and far happier place!
gus fernandez
Co-Founder and Treasurer
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Occupation: Marketing & Event Manager and Musician
Location: Cairns, QLD
I find myself compelled to help others. By sharing some of my own experiences and how to overcome times of darkness, I hope to help people believe in themselves and help build resilience. We are living in a very fast paced society where everything is accessible by a single swipe or tap. There are more and more broken families, and the struggle of people’s constant pursuit of ‘happiness’ and living up to that expectation is claiming many lives both young and old. My mission is to ‘connect, empower, and inspire’ through our work and wellbeing programs.
melody carragher
Chief Operating Officer
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Occupation: Youth Worker
Location: Cairns, QLD
Hi, I’m Melody — proud COO of Kick On Charity and a passionate advocate for mental health, wellbeing, and community connection. I’ve spent over a decade working with youth, supporting young people through some of their toughest moments. I have also specialised in youth alcohol and other drug support, helping communities across Far North Queensland and the Lower Gulf of Carpentaria tackle volatile substance use with honesty, respect, and education.
My greatest achievement isn’t something that fits on a certificate — it’s the connections I’ve built with young people who seem to have trusted no one else. I believe real change starts with real conversations, and at Kick On, that’s exactly what we do: we listen, we share knowledge, and we build people up so they don't ever have to feel alone.
I’m here to lead with heart, break down stigma, and help build a world where everyone feels heard, valued, and supported. Mental health matters — and so do you.
marc harbrow
Facilitator
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Occupation: Owner / Operator Harbrow Mentoring
Location: Cairns, QLD
Marc is a passionate advocate for youth empowerment, dedicating his life to supporting and uplifting young people. His journey has taken him across diverse communities, including Cape York and the Torres Strait Islands, where his work with the Australian Football League helped shape his deep commitment to positive change. At just 15 years old, Marc faced a life-threatening battle with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia, spending nine months in the hospital undergoing intensive treatment. A successful bone marrow transplant from his younger brother, Jarrod Harbrow, gave him a second chance at life—one he now uses to inspire and motivate others. Through storytelling and mentorship, Marc empowers young people to overcome adversity, build resilience, and embrace their full potential.
sharon wedel
Artist / Facilitator
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Occupation: Artist / Teacher
Location: Cairns, QLD
Sharon is a passionate artist, educator, and mother whose work blends creativity with purpose.
Her De-escalation Murals are thoughtfully designed to help young people find physical and mental calm during emotionally heightened moments. Each project includes a collaborative design process, starting with a consultation to reflect the unique values, environment, and identity of the school or community. Participation in the painting process is encouraged, giving students a strong sense of pride and ownership.
These murals feature consistent de-escalation tools and full-body interactive elements that promote mindfulness, grounding, and self-awareness—tailored uniquely to each space while maintaining their core purpose.
With a background as a qualified teacher and award-winning artist, Sharon has exhibited her work across Victoria and Queensland, created nationally recognised wine labels, and led youth art projects like the Cairns Youth Urban Art Project in 2021. Her greatest reward lies in the responses her work evokes and the creativity she inspires in others.
connor davy
Board Member
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Occupation: Building Designer
Location: Cairns, QLD
Mental health has been a common factor in my life, both directly and indirectly through it effecting friends, family or coworkers. I became fed up with hearing things such as 'we had no idea anything was wrong' once someone’s mental health troubles became public and felt more needed to be done to get more people speak up earlier and ask for help. The opportunity to become involved in the charity in its early stages has been a great experience and I’m looking forward to growing the charity and furthering the cause in the years to come.
kurt bradshaw
Facilitator ​
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Occupation: Owner / Operator at Tropical Palms Pest Management
Location: Far North Queensland
Kurt has been part of the Kick On family for several years, starting out as a dedicated volunteer and now stepping into the role of facilitator. A proud father and small business owner, Kurt brings a calm, grounded presence to every event. His lived experience balancing the challenges of work, family life, and personal growth fuels his passion for supporting others.
Kurt believes in the power of honest conversations and showing up for your mates — values that align perfectly with Kick On’s mission. Whether he's running a workshop or simply lending a hand behind the scenes, Kurt is known for his reliability, warmth, and genuine care for the people around him.
He’s passionate about creating spaces where young people feel heard, valued, and empowered to speak up about how they’re really feeling.
hayden bradley
Ambassador / Legend
Occupation: Veteran
Location: Cairns, QLD
Hayden served in the Navy for six years as an electronics technician before being medically discharged with shoulder and back injuries. The transition out of service brought its own challenges, especially around his mental health — something he never saw coming. Since then, he’s been passionate about helping others feel less alone on their tough days.
At Kick On, Hayden brings lived experience, empathy, hilarity, and a down-to-earth energy that makes people feel comfortable to be themselves. He’s a big believer in looking after your physical and mental health — because in his words, “you can’t have one without the other.”
You never really know where you’ll spot Hayden — he’s always chucking on a shirt for a good cause, jumping in wherever he’s needed, and giving his time to a bunch of different organisations. One thing’s for sure: if something’s happening in the community, there’s a good chance Hayden’s already there lending a hand and cracking a smile.
shay douglas
Facilitator​
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Occupation: Speaker, Designer and Manager
Location: Cairns, QLD
The human life is so complex yet incredible. With a healthy mind, life is abundant, beautiful and bliss, with the potential to create magic. However, if it’s mistreated, neglected or abused then it has the capacity to self destruct. At the core of the human being is our mind which has the potential for limitless expansion or sacrificial self sabotage. When the mind is strong, the body is healthy. We all have a responsibility to take care of our own state of mind. I really like Joyce Meyer’s quotation “You cannot live a positive life with a negative mind.”
jeanette conway
I have a Bachelor of Applied Social Science (Counselling). I work with Adults, Children, and Youth. I specifically help clients tackle Depression, Anxiety, Stress, Conflict Management, Suicide, HSC, Grief, and more! I'm located in Richmond NSW, however will be available to speak to anyone in Australia.
Life starts outside of your comfort zone. If you find yourself bored, it’s time for a change. You create the universe you live in so DREAM BIG! FAIL! LEARN! GROW! LOVE!
Drew Brauer
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