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Luke Kennedy is a motivational speaker for schools in Sydney, Melbourne, and across Australia, delivering powerful student wellbeing, resilience, mental health, anti-bullying and leadership presentations for primary and high school students.
TRUSTED AS AUSTRALIA'S SCHOOL SPEAKER
- Kevin Anderson, MP
"It was astonishing to watch a large group of year 9 students totally focused, wide eyed with an occasional gasp during your presentation. They are young and impressionable and you certainly connected with them. It cut through the white noise of general advice.
Our young people need you!"
Before anything else, Luke takes the time to understand who he is speaking to.
Each presentation is shaped around your students, your year levels (Yrs 3 & up) and the challenges they are facing right now.
His story creates connection quickly, then gives students practical, age-appropriate tools to build resilience, confidence, & improve mindset and behaviours
SCHOOL TALKS TOPICS
Every school is different, so Luke tailors the focus of each session around your students, year levels, culture and current wellbeing priorities.
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Resilience & Confidence
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Mental Wellbeing
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Bullying, Kindness & Respect
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Peer Pressure & What Others Think
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Identity & Self-Belief
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Ownership & Better Choices
- Are your Friends your Friends
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Leadership & Positive Influence
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Detaching from Labels & Negative Beliefs
"When you stop pretending to be someone else, it relieves stress and makes you a better person. A bad friend can change you completely. Instead, find real friends who help you become a great person."
- YEAR 6 STUDENT
WHAT PARENTS, STUDENTS & TEACHERS SAY
Luke adjusts his tone & messaging to suit any demographic. Whether speaking to business leaders, students, educators, or parents, Luke Kennedy's presentations ignite meaningful change, inspiring growth and transformation in every audience.
"The impact you had on our year 4-6 was significant. They are still talking about it and we have seen a marked difference in the students being more 'present', particularly around adults."
- Donna Snow, Principal
"Guest Speaker, Luke S. Kennedy, had our students from the very first word. You could hear a pin drop in our auditorium! He spoke and answered questions at the end of the session with complete candour. I would highly recommend this remarkable author to speak to teenagers about his harrowing journey out of a life of crime towards healing, redemption and finally, peace"
- J Dhadma, Teacher
PORTFOLIO
YOUTH SPEAKER PORTFOLIO
Luke’s unique ability to connect with teenagers on a personal level makes him a standout in school presentations. Having transformed his own life from a past of crime, addiction, and near-death experiences, Luke understands the pressures and struggles today’s teens face. Through his honest storytelling and interactive sessions, he helps students navigate their emotions, rethink their choices, and find the courage to be themselves.
Request Availability & Info Pack
SPEAKERS FOR SCHOOLS TOUR NSW
Big week of having the privilege to be guest speakers as school across Sydney and then NSW central coast. Regularly when I’m a motivational speaker in Sydney I’ll have events on the way down, or up, and speak in the central coast. This trip ahead looked a little something like this…
TOWNSVILLE AND BRISBANE GUEST SPEAKER
As a motivational speaker I get the opportunity to travel to some nice spots across Australia. This trip was a huge drive up to Townsville (from Casino NSW) which equated to about 19 hours each way. That being said, I had a keynote speakers talk at a high school in Brisbane, before driving up to Mackay where I spoke at another high school, and then finally arriving in Townsville to be a motivational speaker at an event there.
MACKAY PRIMARY SCHOOLS SPEAKER
The way you spoke and moved, portrayed you as a very confident and overall a nice person. As a whole year group, we all needed that push of motivation to gain the confidence to do the things we wanted to do. You have motivated us not to think about others opinions and to strive for the best as we are still young and still mentally developing. We can’t thank you enough Luke, you don't know how much you have positively impacted our lives. - Year 9 student.
BRISBANE SCHOOLS MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKERS
Hi Luke, Thank you so much again, you are the highest rating guest speaker we have ever had!" - Hayley Wilkinson, Teacher Springfield State. The first week back in term four as guest motivational speakers for schools was a big one. It started in Queensland as I was a motivational speakers at Springfield state school. This was an event for years 7 & 8
NSW CENTRAL COAST SCHOOLS SPEAKERS
Hi Luke, I wanted to message you and say that your talk has inspired me to make changes in my life. First I'm going to stop hanging around friends who make me feel bad about myself. Thank you!" - Student . This tour as a motivational speakers Sydney was a little different. I had a side kick with me.. my new beautiful fiancé. Wait… I had two new side kicks with me - she brought the cat.
MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKERS FOR SCHOOLS
Back to the beginning! Back in late 2014, my first book, Stabbed Ego, was published and early on it was successful in terms of feedback and the wide reach. I had been asked by the publicist I was working with if I was open to becoming a speaker at schools and be a part of Australia's motivational speakers. I said "yes" and was outwardly confident, but internally I couldn't see myself doing it. I was nervous, didn't have the best social skills, and doubted whether my story & content would connect with anyone.
SPEAKERS FOR YOUTH EVENTS
It’s always pleasant as a motivational speakers to be asked to return to a school or business to speak. It’s proof of a connection made and also gives the chance to deeply connect, build a relationship, and get a strong feel for the culture of the school or business.
I was recently asked to be motivational speakers at St Andrew's Catholic College Redlynch in Cairns. I spoke their pre Covid for their year 12’s graduation dinner. It was a successful event last time so I was looking forward to getting back there.
YOUTH MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKERS
It's been a while between portfolio posts, and since my last one as resilience speakers for schools & mental health speakers for events, I've spoken across NSW, Victoria, and Queensland. The first stop was in at Canterbury Leagues club where I was motivational speakers at a teacher's conference. I held my keynote session and then 2 workshops for smaller groups.
BRISBANE RESILIENCE SPEAKERS
It's been a great start to 2023 & I've already had the chance to meet and connect with some incredible people. Being a motivational speaker Australia, it's been a huge 8 years of travel, speaking, mentoring, and hearing the stories of people from all walks of life. After connecting with people with my story and messaging, they feel vulnerable enough to open up to me about their stories and insights. It's one of my favourite parts of it all - The people. This latest trip as mental health speakers and speakers on Resilience to Maroochydore state high school was no different.
INSPIRATIONAL SPEAKERS BRISBANE & SYDNEY
After almost 20 years in education, he is the most inspiring student guest speaker that I have heard."
I know I've said it before, and I'll probably say it again, but that was a huge trip away as resilience speakers for schools across Australia.
There was some deep and beautiful moment, tears, laughs, and breakthroughs. Reading over some of the messages I've received during the 3 weeks away as mental health speakers for schools, it really opens my heart.
NSW & VIC GUEST SPEAKERS
I had the absolute best day last Tuesday. The feedback from staff has been amazing and there is a really positive vibe going on here. You are so good at what you do and you are so true to yourself. I have felt different over the last week, calmer, happier, more PRESENT! And, kinder to myself.
- Jennifer Honner, Principal, St Xavier's Gunnedah
I know, I know... I've said it many times that this trip away was something special. I'll say it again... this resilience speakers trip away was out of this world.
MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKERS SYDNEY TOUR
I want to get you back for all the year groups!"
- Teacher
I'm well and truly back into the swing of things with my tours as mental health speakers across Australia.
I had a quick trip down to Sydney to speak at Arndell college. I was speakers for schools there a couple of years ago and was invited back to speak with the students in year 9. They were at camp and I was speaker for the last day of the camp. Leading up to the event, I was speaking with teachers and organisers and they were giving me a rundown on the students and a few of the issues they were having. Out of respect and privacy of the students, I won't go into details, however the topics they wanted focus on was resilience speaker, mental health, and how to be yourself. This is my thing so I was looking forward to getting into it. Because of the schedule for the day, I was asked to hold two sessions: my keynote talk and also my reducing stress and improving resilience workshop/session. Both sessions work extremely well by themselves, but once combined, it's really something special.
WA TALKS FOR PRIMARY & HIGH SCHOOLS
have had so many positive comments from colleagues, parents and students about your talks.
- Dowerin Principal, Barbara Garner
I'm pretty sure this was the third time I've been on a resilience speakers for schools Western Australia tour. Arriving in Perth airport on Sunday (after a stop over in Adelaide), I went straight to a local restaurant for dinner.
After filling my belly, I looked over my itinerary for the 4 big days ahead.I also had to find accommodation for the night (I admit, I'm not the best planner).The week ahead looked busy, but balanced.
SPEAKERS FOR SCHOOLS
They were absolutely gripped by his story and messages. It's created a tremendous shift and I'm so grateful.
-Jillian Shapiro, School Psychologist | Reddam House Sydney
As a resilience speakers for schools and schools Motivational Speaker, this tour away was one of my biggest.I left home for 6 weeks of speaker for schools (currently writing this 5 weeks in) where I was speaking at primary schools, high schools, teacher PD events, community and parent talks.To give an overview of the weeks, it went a little something like...
ONLINE MOTIVATIONAL TALKS
Resilience Speakers for schools | Luke Kennedy | Mental Health Speakers
"I wish my son could have been here for your talk!"
- Teacher
Yes! It's so good to see everything opening up again! As a mental health speakers for schools, I love visiting events, however with restrictions, we've all had to adapt, and a lot of my gigs have been held at the local services club where I hire a room to hold my Zoom sessions. Admittedly the session have been working extremely well and feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, however, nothing beats a face to face interaction!
TERRIGAL HIGH SCHOOL
Where were you when I was at school? That's needed for these kids.
-Teacher, Terrigal High
Because of the second wave of Covid, as a mental health speakers for schools, my talks & workshops are really needed at the moment. Unfortunately with new restrictions coming out though, it's getting trickier to reach those in need. I've been getting a heap of enquiries through to be motivational speakers for schools, and we've been tentatively booking the gigs in. A heap have had to be postponed, some big events cancelled, but others have luckily been allowed.
KEMPSEY HIGH SCHOOL SPEAKER NSW
That was life changing! It hit me and my friends hard. This is the start of something big. Thank you.
-Kempsey High School
Wow... It's great to be back into it! The last couple of years as one of Australia's most sought after speakers for schools, except for school holidays, a week hasn't passed without me being guest speakers for schools students across the country. To go a few months without doing so, it really made me realise how much I love what I do, and how I need it as much as the students do.
OATLEY CAMPUS GRC YOUTH SPEAKERS
That was next level man. The changes I'm going to start making now have got me pumped! Thanks bro - Student
So 2020 is well underway and my second motivational speakers for schools talk for the year was for the year 11 students at Oatley seniors campus.
I spoke at Oatley last year to the year 11 students, and the day was a huge success! Having the opportunity to return to a school as mental health speakers for youth is encouraging, because it allows me to get a strong connection with teachers and organisers which allows us to all be on the same page, and it's nice for me as it gives me confidence knowing what I'm delivering is valuable for the students.
PRIMARY SCHOOL MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKERS
Wow, thank you so much! Tonight was amazing. My daughter came home today and told me all about your talk today. I just had to come see your talk tonight - Parent
I've had the privilege to be motivational speakers for schools Queensland, Melbourne, youth speakers Sydney, and throughout Australia. I enjoy speaking in the big cities, but what I really love is travelling to the smaller towns, and connecting into the supportive culture at each spot.
MENTAL HEALTH SPEAKERS FOR SCHOOLS
We've had overwhelmingly positive feedback from staff, students and parents. I'm so glad we had the opportunity and we know it's had such a positive impact on all of us. - Principal, Boambee Primary
If you've read my previous blogs or portfolio posts, you'd know as a motivational speakers for schools and mental health speakers events, I usually have to travel pretty far, either by plane, car, or both. This time, being guest speakers for kids at Boambee Public school, it was only a short 3 and a half hour drive. I know 3 and a half hours seems big, and in the past, I'd think the same. However, I've been having some monumental tours with tens of hours of driving for each, so this trip was easy done.
XAVIER COLLEGE SYDNEY
Organising this event was different to most. Usually when leading up to my mental health speakers for schools event, I'm liaising with a teacher, principal, or school well-being coordinator, to plan my visit.
This time, I was first contacted through LinkedIn (I no longer have social media including LinkedIn) by a student of Xavier College Llandio, whose name was Mia. Her professional and confident message really impressed me.
MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKERS MELBOURNE
Now... that... was... huge!
Okay, I know I've said in the past that I've had some busy tours away, however this one was the biggest motivational speakers for schools tour I've had.
It spanned 3 states, and all of it was behind the wheel of my own car. It was my first speaking tour where I had a bit of a hicup and almost didn't make a gig.. almost :)
On my guest speakers for schools tours, I usually uber to airport, fly to destination, grab a hire car at different spots, and then fly back.
NSW SCHOOLS SPEAKER TOUR
My recent trip as motivational speakers for schools to Port Macquarie had been in plans for a couple of years. When organising a schools speakers talk, there's many things that have to be taken into account. Most school's schedule is planned many months in advance (sometimes the full year is planned), so chuck in a motivational speakers for kids visit, and it can throw a lot of things out of whack. There's the schools schedule we have to work around, and also mine. Most weeks I'm interstate, so a visit to a school for me has to be planned months ahead. There are some occasions where I can visit on short notice, though it's rare.
SYDNEY MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKERS TOUR
I know I've said it a million times before, but my passion as a motivational speaker for kids, is something that I can't be more thankful for.
Our youth is in the process of a huge mindset shift, and I love the fact that I can be a part of that. As a motivational speaker for kids, I get to speak across the country at schools, events, and also parent evenings and teacher stress workshop.
This shift in the minds of our youth is needed, and it's come at a point where there really is no other option but to evolve. I've spoken in other blogs, and videos about why we've reached a breaking point mentally, and being in my position as a speaker for youth, I've not only seen the dramatic need for change, but it's allowed me to view this change starting to take place.
MELBOURNE GUEST SPEAKERS TOUR
And again... another hugely successful motivational speakers for schools Melbourne tour. I had a full week booked!
Monday;Youth speakers for schools Melbourne at Sunshine Christian School for one session for yrs 3-6
Tuesday;Motivational speakers for schools Melbourne at St. Macartan's Primary School, in Mornington. Here I'd have a talk with yrs 4-6, then a parent talk in the evening.
BLAKEHURST HIGH SCHOOL MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKERS
Heading back to Blakehurst high as youth speakers for schools, always spins me out a little. I went to Blakehurst high school and was "asked to leave" about 17 years ago because I was rarely there, and when I was there, I was being a rat bag. That was then... now I'm invited back every year as guest speakers for youth & one of Australia's Most Sought after motivational speakers for schools.
MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKERS MELBOURNE
Now that was a successful tour of Victoria! I've had guest speakers tours in Victoria before, and every time they're really something special, and I've got some beautiful memories from them.This one was right up there! It's interesting that when I'm putting the word out for my motivational speakers for schools tours, a lot of the enquiries come from primary schools. I love that I can be a speaker for primary schools and make a lasting impact on the fresh young minds.
KINCUMBER HIGH SCHOOL
I was chatting with a teacher from Kincumber last year after they heard of the impact I made at a neighboring school in Tumbi Umbi. I had a full day as guest mental health speakers last year speaking to all of the boys there. 4 motivational speeches back to back can really be demanding on your body And voice. When you love it though, you could do 4000 back to back. I'm still getting messages from the students of Tumbi Umbi, and I love hearing how far they've come since my talk. I get messages like...
DEE WHY, SYDNEY
Being a guest motivational speaker for schools, and events, I've got to speak, and meet, a large range of different people. A demographic I'm extremely passionate about helping, are those that are going through a tough time, or have fallen of the rails, or been getting into some trouble. The reason I like speaking with this bunch, is I relate well and create a strong, and lasting, impact.
It doesn't matter the demographic though, I still make a strong connection because my talks are focused on the same internal battles that we all suffer from.
MACKAY, MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKERS
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.
DARWIN YOUTH SUMMIT
I recently travelled to Darwin as guest motivational speaker at a student summit - SVPC Student Voice Positive choice. The event was a full day, where a select bunch of school students from 14 schools, across the northern territory region, gathered to get ideas on how to improve their school's culture and promote students to use their voices for the positive. The last few months have been huge, and I'm incredibly grateful that I've been able to visit some beautiful spots in our amazing country.I've never been to Darwin, so was excited for the event and also to visit a new town
REGENTS PARK PRIMARY, SYDNEY
Primary School Speaker and Anti-Bullying Speakers, Luke S. Kennedy, made a massive impact on the students of Regents Park Primary School. Luke's topics were Bullying Prevention (self-bullying & self-care), Resilience, and how worrying what other people think can seriously effect our lives.
KARINGUL SCHOOL, SYDNEY
Motivational Speakers for primary schools and Anti-Bullying Advocate, Luke S. Kennedy, recently spoke at Karningul Behavioral School (yr 5-8). Luke's focus was on resilience, Bullying Prevention (self-bullying & self-care), and how worrying what other people think can seriously effect our lives.
CHIFLEY COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL, MT DRUITT
I was recently invited to be guest youth motivational speaker for High School, Mount Druitt. It was at Chiffley college Senior Campus. After chatting with organisers for the event I was confident that my talk would impact their students. As an anti-bullying speaker I have a different angle on things. I also speak about drug and alcohol, and resilience. I do this through my own experience. My ‘cool’ stories gets the students glued to my talk and my messaging helps them to better understand their thoughts and actions
TAMWORTH ICE AWARENESS
Sydney Motivational Speaker, Luke S. Kennedy, presented to year 9 students in and around the Tamworth area. His talk was to tackle the growing Ice epidemic. His inspirational speech for students was the "highlight of the event".
Traveling Australia as a motivational speakers for schools, my main topics I target are Drug & Alcohol, Anti-Bullying (Self-Bullying), and Resilience. After speaking at a recent event in Narabri (via video link), I was contacted by Kevin Anderson MP.
WELLINGTON HIGH SCHOOL
A few weeks after speaking at The Aboriginal Men's Health Expo is Dubbo, I was contacted by Jay Forrestor from Wachs (Wellington Aboriginal Corporation Health Services). Jay asked if I was available to speak to a bunch of kids in a camp at Burrendong Dam. I was happy to do so.
"Brother, I saw the impact you had on the boys at the expo and really want you to come back and speak again." - Jay.
ST GREGORY'S COLLEGE, CAMPBELLTOWN
I was the first motivational speaker to have had the privilege to speak in the college's new auditorium. When arriving, I was blown away at how large the place was. Tucked behind open acres of land stood the sights of large sandstone buildings and student's rushing to get inside. Presenting to year 10, I spoke for 45 minutes to the young men who were extremely attentive. I was impressed with the in depth questions they asked at the end of the talk.
BLAKEHURST HIGH SCHOOL
Speaking at Blakehurst high school, Sydney. What an experience this was!
My old high school. In year 2000 I was kicked out of Blakehurst high for being a complete rat bag - fighting, non attendance, and forever arguing with teachers. I failed every subject before being kicked out without getting my year 10 certificate.
ST IGNATIUS' COLLEGE RIVERVIEW
Leading up to the talk I was chatting with the organiser and was looking forward to meeting him. When arriving at the College I approached front reception to ask for who I had been dealing with. I was unsure what subject he taught. I was surprised when the organiser of the event was actually a student of the school. I couldn't believe how mature, and wisely spoken, this young man was - a true testament to the school and discipline of the young man.
WINDAROO VALLEY STATE HIGH SCHOOL, BRISBANE
It's been a busy couple of weeks, and I've loved every second of it.I was shaken up a little though with my latest trip to Brisbane. I was unaware of the frantic day I had ahead of me...I was due to arrive into Brisbane at 7am, Brisbane time, to speak to the students of Windaroo Valley State High, before spending the day with them doing workshops and mentoring.
I woke up at 4:20am, Sydney time (1 hour ahead of Brisbane) to get to the airport by 5:45 AM. I like to get to the airport early to ensure everything is running smoothly.
MORANBAH HIGH SCHOOL
I travelled to Northern Qld in 2015 to speak at Moranbah High.
There was a spike in youth suicide there and the town got together to put on a day of talks by some of Australia's best to help inspire the students and give them hope.
The day was a huge success! The student's at Moranbah High were open minded and passionately answered, and asked, questions. There was an electric buzz the entire day and you could feel a shift occurring.
HURSTVILLE BOYS HIGH SCHOOL
Not long after the release of my book (Stabbed Ego) I received a phone call from a school teacher at a local high school, Hurstville Boys High. The teacher had just read my book and explained that she thought her students would get a lot out of listening to me speak. She asked if I spoke at High Schools. I was hesitant when she asked, and was going to tell her no, because my past was filled with failure. Failure in front of audiences. I was awkward in social situations and even the thought of meeting someone would make me stutter and sweat. I failed a couple of tests at personal training college because I had to explain things in front of a class. I also did the worst acceptance speech of all time at The Business Excellence awards held in Darling Harbours Exhibition Centre.
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