PBF Speakers

Mike Rowney

Workplace

“Safety is an attitude and can be adjusted.”

While fishing in Greece, Mike fell from a friend’s yacht in the dry dock. The fall resulted in spinal injuries that caused permanent paraplegia. In 2001 Mike returned to his home in Perth, and now works part time as a PBF Presenter conducting workplace presentations on the importance of safety.

Mike’s story reveals all of the challenges a paraplegic faces – from financial ruin to ongoing health issues. Mike is extremely passionate about responsibility and safety, and his engaging story resonates with workplace audiences and community groups. Sometime after his accident, Mike generously sailed to East Timor to deliver wheelchairs to underprivileged children.

Mike is planning his next sailing voyage to depart Fremantle in April 2022, hoping to make Port Hedland his destination. Mike will be stopping in a number of ports along the way promoting both the importance of having a good attitude regarding safety and the purpose and work that PBF Australia does.

Brad Ness

Workplace

A talented, athletic country boy, Brad had a big future ahead of him playing top level AFL football.  When he was 19 he was working for a well-respected and busy boating company.  Brad was performing his usual work duties when a procedure went wrong, communication was too slow and a rope caught him around his leg.  Brad lost his leg that day, along with many of his dreams and goals.

Brad was able to return to different duties at the same workplace and has reignited his sporting prowess through wheelchair basketball – captaining Australia to Olympic Gold.  He understands the importance of teamwork, leadership and how poor workplace safety can change your life in a second.

Adrian Hollis

Workplace

“A few seconds of inattention resulted in a horrific crash.”

Adrian worked in the high-risk industry of power line construction and maintenance for many years. Dealing with risks and hazards that could result in death was an everyday occurrence. Dangerous situations and environments where not a problem for Adrian, he carried out risk assessments and acted accordingly to reduce the possibility of injury.

Leisure time was a mixture of martial arts, gym and riding motorcycles, however a few seconds of inattention resulted in a horrific motorbike crash.

As part of our Injury Prevention Workplace program, Adrian speaks of how a moment of distraction changed his life. Adrian also gives an inspirational presentation on his return to work program, back to the power line industry.