269: Allan Sparkes CV, OAM, CBC Part 1

Allan Sparkes is Dep Commissioner - Mental Health Commission of NSW. Cross of Valour, OAM & Commendation for Brave Conduct recipient.

He’s a Best selling Author & Speaker. And self described Rugby Tragic.

Find him on Twitter @AllanSparkes and on IG @Allansparkes_cv

Allan Sparkes OAM is one of Australia's most highly decorated citizens and a leader in the shift toward the inclusion of lived experience in the areas of mental wellness and suicide prevention.

Allan is one of just five Australian heroes in the past 43 years to be awarded Australia's highest bravery decoration and civil award, the Cross of Valour.

In January 2017, Allan was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (0AM) for service to mental health support organisations and the community. In August 2016 he was further awarded Australia's 4th highest bravery decoration, The Commendation for Brave Conduct for saving the life of an aboriginal man who had fallen onto train tracks at Redfern Railway Station in Sydney.

His life story is extraordinary. He is also a sailor who has circumnavigated the globe, a survivor of PTSD and a best selling author with Penguin Books. Allan's book, 'The Cost of Bravery' was released on May 22, 2013 and reprinted in January 2015.

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