To get the ball rolling we’ve looked in every nook and cranny for some of Australia’s great achievers.

We asked them to share their ‘Thank You’ to the person who gave them their Start in Life.

You can read some of their stories here:


Sarah WilsonAs a kid I was very awkward and unconfident and was bullied pretty badly. At home things were pretty tense - a lot of kids and not a lot of money.

But in Year 5, I had a teacher - Miss Jackson - who "saw" me. She told me I was bright. It'd never occurred to me that this was the case. She'd simply follow closely what I did in class. And she noticed my extra work, or wrote a comment on my work book that made me feel noticed.

This was all I needed. I pushed forward, spurred on by the fact that someone else reckoned I could do it. I honestly think it was Miss Jackson's comment that was the trigger for my drive that's seen me take a lot of career risks.

Sarah Wilson



I’d like to say thank you to Gary Martin. He was my relief teacher when I was in grade five at Lismore Heights Primary School. On the day he taught us, he casually mentioned that he presented a show on the local community radio station. Intrigued, I approached Gary after the class to find out more. He kindly offered me the opportunity to come and see him go to air. I enjoyed the experience so much I ended up going regularly. Then one day he informed me that he’d have to go in to hospital and would I like to host the show for a few weeks? Of course I said yes. When he returned from being away he offered me the slot full time. No doubt the standard of broadcasting was terrible, but it was the start of what would be my life career.

Gary died a number of years ago, but I’m forever thankful of the kindness and generosity he showed me.

Robbie Buck