Jason McCartney became a national hero following the Bali Bombings, embodying the resilient Australian spirit. His story is a powerful testament to humanity's ability to overcome adversity. A talented Australian Rules Football player, Jason captured the hearts of Australians through his courageous recovery from severe burns sustained in the Bali attack.
His unforgettable return to AFL football saw him contributing to a winning goal, symbolizing not just a personal triumph but a victory over terrorism and a shared win for all Bali survivors. For his bravery and contributions, Jason was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM).
Jason's football career began when he was selected as the fourth pick in the National Draft by the Collingwood Football Club. After four seasons with Collingwood, he moved to the Adelaide Crows for three seasons. He then returned to Victoria to play six seasons with the Kangaroos, where he was inducted into the AFL 200 Games Club.
As a guest speaker, Jason has a remarkable ability to inspire audiences with his stories of overcoming adversity, supported by his family, friends, and teammates. He is also actively involved in several charities, including Life Support @ The Alfred Foundation and the K.I.D.S Foundation.