Joe Williams is a Wiradjuri/Wolgalu, First Nations man born in Cowra, NSW. He spent 15 years as a professional sports person, playing in the National Rugby League for South Sydney Rabbitohs, Penrith Panthers and Canterbury Bulldogs before switching to professional Boxing in 2009.
Your Invitation
Date 9th August, 2022
Time 1 – 3pm
Venue Batemans Bay Soldiers Club
Joe has battled much of his life with suicidal ideation & Bi-Polar Disorder. After a suicide attempt in 2012, he felt his purpose was to help people who struggle with mental illness,
establishing his organisation The Enemy Within.
He authored his autobiography Defying The Enemy Within and received multiple awards including Wagga Citizen of the Year 2015, for his work within the community, mental health, and suicide prevention sectors.
In 2017, named finalist in the National Indigenous Human Rights Awards for his work with
suicide prevention and fighting for equality for Australia’s First Nations people.
In 2018, he received Suicide Prevention Australia’s highest honour, a Life Award for his
dedication & work in community in the mental health and suicide prevention sector.
More recently Joe was named a dual winner of the Australian Mental Health Prize in Nov 2019.
For information & registration details please contact Janice Ackland, Program Coordinator - 0416 298 349 or Hope House Office - 0431 722 886
