I had never been to Mackay, and I was super excited to get there to be guest speaker for schools, holding teacher stress workshops, and parent mental health evenings. I had been chatting with numerous organizers leading up to the trip, and going by our conversations, I could tell I was going to get along with them. 

 

The itinerary for the trip wasn't as jam packed as my usual motivational speakers tours are.

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Monday -

9-10:30am Guest speaker for Yrs 4-6 at Mackillop Cathloic primary school.

 

3:15-4:45pm Teacher Stress workshop 

 

6:30pm Parent mental health evening 

 

Tuesday -

9-10:30am Guest motivational speakers for Yrs 4-6 at Emmanuel Catholic primary school 

 

11:40-12:50am Speakers for schools at st Brendan's catholic primary school Yrs 5-6 

 

Wednesday -

high schools speaker for Yrs 7-8 at Saint Catherine's Catholic College, Prosepine.

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I left Sydney early on the Sunday, and was picked up at home by my dad (he always takes me to the airport) at 4:40am.

 

I had a quick stopover in Brisbane and then just over an hour flight to Mackay. When I left Sydney, it was cold and raining, arriving in Mackay, the weather was perfect - not a cloud in the sky, and a perfect temperature. 

 

Traveling around as one of Australia's best motivational speakers, I've have the privilege of being guest speaker at some amazing locations. Mackay was no different. A beautiful town with a refreshing energy.

 

I had some time before I had to check in, so I got some groceries for my 3 night stay, hit the gym, then kicked back on the beach (not a bad life!).

 

Waking early on the Monday I headed to the first school where I was guest speaker for the morning. The Yrs 4-6 students were already seated in the hall for assembly, and after a short technical glitch (happens often) the slides for my presentation were ready to go. After the talk I sat for the longest Q&A (which I loved) I've ever had. We had to cut the questions off after about 40 min! There was some really insightful and deep questions. Loved it! 

 

After the talk I had some spare time and went and ate a vegan big brekky at The Grazing Goat Cafe.. WOW!!!! I couldn't have asked for a better meal. 

After eating, I went and hit the gym again, and then beach... again.

 

The teacher stress session in the afternoon was fantastic, and the feedback was great!

 

The parent mental health talk was just as good, and I received some beautiful messages afterwards.

 

"Hi Luke. 

I was in the crowd at your parent session at Mackay last night. 

I just wanted to say a huge thank you.  I work in a highly stressful corporate job and I give so much of myself to my boss that I have very little for anything else.  In fact everything else I’ve got goes to my son and husband and there is nothing left for me. 

I felt so strongly what you were saying - and even shed a few tears sitting there listening and realising what my life has become!  
I’m not the lady who said I get up and check my emails when I go to the toilet at night....but I sat there thinking - everyone is laughing at her, but Jesus Christ - I do that too!  
I’m going to start by turning off my phone during non business hours and getting up 40 mins earlier and going for a walk.  I don’t exercise at all and always said ‘who the hell has time for exercise anyway?!’  But as you simply put it - just get up earlier!  

Thanks so much again. 

Peace "