The Resilience Project with Martin Heppell

Through music, storytelling and plenty of laughs, The Resilience Project’s most engaging and entertaining presenter Martin Heppell will teach children aged 5–10 and their parents ‘3 Happy Tricks’. And it couldn’t come at a more crucial time. 

New research has revealed that 1 in 4 primary students are experiencing symptoms of depression. And almost 1 in 3 are experiencing symptoms of anxiety. 

“After two years of really tough lockdowns, social isolation and navigating the challenges of online learning, it’s no wonder we are seeing such confronting statistics about our children’s mental health,” says Hugh van Cuylenburg, The Resilience Project’s founder and best-selling author. 

“Martin is unbelievable, there is no-one like him! I couldn't think of anyone better to help kids and their parents understand how much fun they can have looking after their mental health!” Hugh continued.  

More than one million Australians have heard Hugh’s message of practicing gratitude, empathy and mindfulness (affectionately known as GEM) through his two books, his podcast The Imperfects, and thousands of talks at high schools, workplaces and sporting clubs across Australia.

These shows are a great opportunity for families across the state to learn how to incorporate GEM into their daily routine and help children to improve their wellbeing.

A former primary school teacher and assistant principal, father of three, Martin Heppell is also a former AFL player who played with St Kilda and Melbourne and has delivered more than 1,000 presentations for The Resilience Project.

Having grown up in a tribe in Borneo in South East Asia, Martin’s boundless energy, incredible sense of humour, and compassion for people of all walks of life make him the perfect person to help kids work through difficult feelings and take steps towards better mental health.