Disability – Death -- Determination
Mark is an advocate in supporting those in need. Through a water-skiing accident in early 20’s he became a tetraplegic and through determination recovered but has spent his adult life in a wheel chair. (Prior to the accident he was a State Champion water skier).
The wheelchair did not stop a successful teaching career, ending up Principal of various Qld country and city primary schools before retiring a few years back. But there were challenges … like the principal’s professional development programme being held in the Polo Club in Brisbane where there was only access via stairs. After three years at the same venue, he challenged Qld Education and won …. They now run the development programme in a disability access venue!
He also challenged Qld Police Service after being treated badly by a young police officer. He told us, he was self-represented against Senior Barristers and won the QCAT case!
Following retirement and during his mother’s end of life experience at Hopewell Hospice, he became a volunteer which led to a full-time job as CEO. Through his determination he managed the hospice and made all “clients” feel comfortable. He even ran “Death Café” discussion groups to allow the hospice clients and their families to open the discussion to ensure greater understanding of what they had generally been through and how they could face their future without fear.
Mark mentored many young kids when life threw the challenges and continued mentoring his friends through Toastmasters. In Toastmasters he faced challenges with determination and ultimately became the World Champion of Public Speaking – a contest that starts with 30,000 Toastmasters at a club level and eventually ends at the World Championship!
Mark continues to share his dynamic speaking skills at events around the world; he also mentors many people around the world who aim to follow similar footsteps (or wheel marks).
While facing challenges of life and Education Qld, he was also the Chair of Disabilities Qld to ensure others in similar situations have successes!
Mark Hunter shared his stories openly and courageously with us.