The Term 2 Thrive Session featuring world record-breaking paddler, community leader, speaker, and author, Bonnie Hancock, proved that the pursuit of excellence transcends mere external motivation. The audience, comprising QAHS students and staff, sat in silent captivation throughout Bonnie's presentation, which provided intricate details of her remarkable achievement of circumnavigating Australia in a surf ski. This 127,000-kilometre journey, spanning 254 days, saw her navigating shark and crocodile-infested waters, braving giant swells and freezing temperatures, where physical, mental, and emotional thresholds were tested and surpassed. Bonnie beat the previous Guinness World Record by two and a half months and set another record by paddling 235 kilometres in a single day, marking the furthest distance covered by a woman on the open ocean in 24 hours.
Bonnie imparted so many impactful ideas and reflections that resonated deeply with us all. Among these insights was her practice of compiling a 'why' and 'why not' list in the decision-making phase, and despite the latter outweighing the former, she was still compelled to embark on the journey around Australia. A huge part of her decision to do it came down to the fact that she did not want to reach 80 years of age and wonder how far she would have reached if she tried.
Additionally, Bonnie emphasized the immense value of asking the 'silly', seemingly trivial questions, which often led her to experts in various fields, resulting in invaluable connections. The significance of teamwork and the kindness of strangers also contributed to the success of her remarkable feat. Bonnie's graciousness in acknowledging the contributions of her crew and the support she received from people along the way reiterated her belief that her success is also due to the dedicated individuals who were on her team. Bonnie's expedition also fostered a newfound appreciation for the beauty of the Australian landscape, evidenced by the awe-inspiring photos shared during her presentation. Although our encounter with Bonnie lasted just one afternoon, we all departed fundamentally changed after being immersed in her story. Bonnie's resilience in confronting adversity, her unwavering positivity, and her tenacity in overcoming challenges served as a profound source of inspiration.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Bonnie for generously sharing her time, wisdom, and story with us. Below are some reflections from our students:
The Thrive sessions are always incredible opportunities to expand our learning in becoming future leaders, and this particular session was exceptionally inspiring for me. Bonnie's recount of the physical and mental hardships she faced, along with the lessons and advice she provided, made this one of the most valuable sessions I have attended in my time at QAHS. The dance circle to begin served as an engaging icebreaker, relieving initial tension, and by the end of Bonnie's speech, everyone was awestruck.
One crucial point Bonnie highlighted was the importance of vulnerability. Often perceived as a weakness, vulnerability actually allows us to form precious bonds and connect with others on a deeper level, which I truly felt in the Lecture Theatre. Her sheer grit and unwavering dedication to achieving her goal were incredibly inspiring, and I hope her speech acts as a catalyst for action within our community. To be leaders, risk-takers, or to demonstrate grit, we must learn to embrace vulnerability and confront the adversities in our lives, whether they involve paddling around Australia or stepping onto a stage to dance at a Thrive Session. – Pravit Tandon, Year 11
Attending Tuesday's Thrive session and listening to Bonnie Hancock's story about her circumnavigation of Australia by paddle was a truly unforgettable experience. Learning about Bonnie's exceptional feat of paddling around the entire coastline over 254 days and breaking multiple world records was incredible, but the most significant takeaway was the lessons she learned and the character development she gained. Bonnie demonstrated immense grit and perseverance throughout her expedition, paddling through shark-infested waters and crocodile territory, with the greatest challenge being her treacherous journey across the Great Australian Bight. Against all odds, she completed her voyage around Australia with the support of her crew and kind strangers she met along the way.
She emphasized the importance of building strong relationships to help navigate tough times, maintaining a growth mindset, and breaking down goals into manageable parts. From Bonnie, I learned the value of seizing every opportunity, as you won't know how far you can go unless you try. Bonnie epitomizes resilience and grit, serving as an awe-inspiring role model for us all. – Georgina Crowther, Year 12
Bonnie Hancock is a truly incredible individual, and listening to her personal story was inspirational. Observing how someone can persist in a field where they are not originally a "professional" made me realize the immense impact of faith and perseverance. I was deeply impressed by her achievements, especially given the sacrifices she made to her health and finances. Her story put my own stresses into perspective, making me grateful that I have not endured hypothermia or 8 months of continuous paddling at sea.
The cinematic portrayal of her journey allowed us to visually experience her adventure, making it a more realistic and engaging experience. Hearing her read a letter to her past self was particularly powerful, as it was empowering, relatable, and comforting to hear someone boldly confront their challenges. I felt as though her pep talk was directed at me, as her words were so relative and encouraging.
Learning about her world-record paddling journey was unexpected, but I am glad I did, as her ability to adapt and face challenges head-on is incredibly inspirational. As a result of this encounter, I can confidently say that my mindset has become more resilient. – Jacqueline Xu, Year 11
Tuesday's Thrive session was a unique experience, unlike any other. Bonnie Hancock was an incredible speaker, and her vivid description of her journey around Australia truly captivated me. Despite the session lasting over an hour, I was so engrossed that I didn't even notice the time pass or realize that my friends had left for band practice. Although Bonnie's experience of paddling around Australia is something few can relate to, I found myself reflecting on many of the topics she discussed, such as vulnerability and the importance of continually pushing oneself. I can definitely apply so much of what Bonnie spoke about to challenges that lay ahead of me. Overall, the session was undoubtedly worthwhile, I didn't even mind (much) that I missed out on the cookies at the complimentary afternoon tea. The experience and inspiration gained was worth more than any cookie. - Joshua Thomas, Year 12
Marnie Chetter
Teacher of English & Student Leadership Coordinator