ONE of the men behind the iconic Redgum song I Was Only 19 will be the guest speaker at AFL Central Victoria’s Leadership Wellness Breakfast in Bendigo on Thursday.
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Frank Hunt will speak on his life since serving in the Vietnam War, focusing on dealing with pain, mentoring and mateship.
Originally from Birchip, Mr Hunt has had a decorated career since his time in Vietnam, supporting people with mental illness, drug dependency and mentoring footballers.
His war story was immortalised with the line “Frankie kicked the mine the day that mankind kicked the moon” from the iconic Australian song.
AFL Central Victoria regional manager Paul Hamilton said Mr Hunt’s story is an inspiration to others.
“I’ve spoken to a number of people and they have all said Frank is an excellent speaker,” he said.
“The theme we wanted to focus on was overcoming adversity."
The annual breakfast is held in conjunction with football-netball leagues across the region and invites inspiring speakers.
Mr Hunt has been awarded the Order of Australia Medal, Centenary Medal and served as an Australia Day Ambassador.
In the last 30 years he has served as a crisis counsellor for war veterans and young people, a juvenile support worker with Far South Coast Police and a motivational speaker for troubled youth and Aboriginal youth.
Mr Hunt attended the launch of a book titled The Jungle Dark in May this year in his current hometown of Bega, detailing the stories behind the Redgum song.
During the launch, he said it was difficult exposing his stories in such a public manner and the situation was hard work “physically and mentally”.
The book launch included a playing of I Was Only 19 and speeches.
Mr Hamilton said AFL Central Victoria wants to bring engaging people to speak in Bendigo.
“Frank has an ordinary every day background, but has had extraordinary experiences in his life,” he said.
“It’s a great opportunity to hear from someone who has made a massive difference for the lives of others.
“This isn’t just about sport. We find sporting clubs are a great vehicle for sharing and advocating for issues in the community.”
The speaker at the next event will likely be working in the illicit drug field, offering support and guidance to sporting clubs and community members.
Mr Hamilton said they want to hear first hand how clubs can be involved in tackling drug problems in the community.
“Sporting clubs are doing a whole lot of work in this area at the moment in trying to deter young people from going down that path,” he said.
The Leadership Wellness Breakfast will be held from 7.30am to 9am on Thursday, July 30 at the Bendigo Club. Tickets are $30 from AFL Central Victoria on 5434 2400.