Life Education is proud to present our 2012 Ocsober Ambassadors, all of whom are outstanding advocates for the work we do in taking our drug and health education programs to children all over Australia.
Paul Wheelton OAM
Ocsober Chairman
Michael Clarke
Apart from cricket, my favourite time at school was when the Life Education Van arrived! I urge everyone to “go off the grog” this October to support Life Education in their quest to make sure every Aussie kid has the benefit of receiving their amazing drug and health education programs.
Natalie Gruzlewski
Hi everyone! I’m going off the grog for Ocsober to help raise money for Life Education’s amazing drug and health education programs that empower children and young people to make safe and healthy choices for life!
I remember Healthy Harold and the Life Education Van coming to my school and my hope is that every Aussie kid has the same opportunity as I had to have this brilliant program. Please sponsor me, every dollar I raise will make sure this vital program is delivered to as many Aussie kids as possible.
Richard Wilkins
What has inspired you to do Ocsober?
It’s a great cause, I’m thrilled to be supporting and it’s a convenient opportunity to clean myself out and give my liver a break! I have recently tried to improve my health by having a personal trainer come around twice a week and I’m watching what I eat, what I drink, and I’m feeling significantly better for it. I have lost a few kilos and this will be the crowning glory in a very healthy year.
What is your tip for getting through Ocsober?
Not to think too much about it, just make abstinence the order of the day and hopefully feel significantly better as a result of a complete detox.
Ellyse Perry
What has inspired you to do Osober?
Social interaction plays a huge part in our lives, not only by providing some truly wonderful experiences and memories, but also as an important component to our health and welbeing.
One of the most integral parts of benefiting from one another’s company is being able to provide a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone. Sometimes, I feel, the consumption of alcohol has the ability to detract from interacting with people in a genuine way, and means we miss a lot of the wonderful aspects of what makes up an individual and the uniqueness of culture and society in general.
What is your tip for getting through Ocsober?
Try doing something different with a group of your friends or family, that you might not have otherwise considered!
Lola Berry
What has inspired you to do Ocsober?
It’s a great excuse to go on a detox and let the body regenerate. Not to mention, glowing skin, more energy, better mental clarity, mood lift and natural weight loss! What’s not to love about Ocsober?
What is your tip for getting through Ocsober?
Get your mates involved, it will be easier to stay strong and say no to drinking when you’ve got mates who are going through the same thing with you! Organise fun nights and make mocktails!
Blake Worall-Thompson
What has inspired you to do Ocsober?
As a personal trainer I see Ocsober as a perfect chance for people to give their bodies a rest and create a ‘new you’. People will find they sleep better, be able to focus for longer, be less stressed, feel more energised, feel fitter and most importantly, accomplish more with their lives. Because at the end of the day you’ve only got one shot at life, you’ve got to make the most of it.
What is your tip for getting through Ocsober?
Strength in numbers! Doing these ‘challenges’ alone can feel quite overwhelming so rope a few of your friends in to do it with you.
Kate Bracks
What has inspired you to do Ocsober?
As a teacher, I’ve seen firsthand the value of the Healthy Harold program by Life Education. As a parent, I think it is vital to support the education of our kids about health and, in particular, about responsible drug and alcohol use. My own broader family has been touched by the effects of alcoholism and I think it’s essential to raise awareness of the issue and do something proactive about it.
What is your tip for getting through Ocsober?
Plan. By planning ahead you avoid falling into old patterns because you give yourself time to contemplate them (and plan a different way!!!)
Alex Fevola
What has inspired you to do Ocsober?
As a mother of three beautiful girls, I am committed to helping raise funds to keep this amazing program going. Throughout my life, I have been affected by irresponsible drinking, so I want to ensure my kids, along with the rest of the nation are armed with the knowledge and tools to make healthy choices. I am proud to be a part of such a wonderful organisation that is doing so much good for our future.
Nathan Joliffe
What has inspired you to do Ocsober?
I think Australians as a culture tend to over indulge sometimes. I’d also like to prove to my younger supporters that alcohol is not always needed to have fun.
What is your tip for getting through Ocsober?
I think keeping fit and active is the best tip. There is nothing better than the feeling after a hard work-out. I have also decided to learn Spanish and French which will definitely keep me busy and require a clear head.
Liz Cantor
Being an ambassador for Ocsober is important to me as a way of acknowledging that alcohol can be responsible for ruining lives. It’s about creating awareness and lending a hand.
Tom Wren
What has inspired you to do Ocsober?
My health! Generally the need to give my liver a break, he deserves a holiday!
What is your tip for getting through Ocsober?
Lots of exercise to distract you and have your partner or a friend do it with you.
Sarah Grace
What has inspired you to do Ocsober?
With summer coming, Ocsober is a great opportunity to get healthier and enjoy our wonderful outdoor lifestyle. I think this is an amazing opportunity and cause to simply live a healthier lifestyle for a month, I think sometimes we drink a glass of wine with dinner or when out just for the sake of it when we don’t really need it. I think this will be a great way to enter Summer healthy and happy. If I can also do something to help children live a safer, healthier life, that’s fantastic!
What are your tips for getting through Ocsober?
Getting up early and going to the beach to watch the sunrise. That is my plan! There is no excuse not to enjoy early Sunday morning’s now.
Frank Costa
What has inspired you to do Ocsober?
My motivation is the actual cause. We are raising money for Life Education who provide drug, alcohol and general well-being and nutritional education to Australian kids. It is important to equip our youth with the right tools to make educated decisions.
What are your tips for getting through Ocsober?
As I am not a drinker I will be abstaining from chocolate this October.
What are your tips for getting through Ocsober?
Replace alcoholic drinks that you may have had at home with drinks using fresh fruit and veggies. At a bar you could order a great fruit mocktail instead of a cocktail.
Craig “Huggy” Huggins
What has inspired you to do Ocsober?
I’ve been on a bit of a health kick for a while now and have dropped about 15 kilos, and given that I’m not a big drinker anyway, cutting back to zero is not such a big stretch for me, and will help even further with my strive for better health. Knowing I am helping a great cause at the same time it turns out to be a win-win for myself and Life Education, and in turn the kids of Australia.
What are your tips for getting through Ocsober?
Don’t think about what you’re not having, enjoy what you are having.
I’ve also found during Ocsober in the past, that when my friends might be having a wine with dinner, I’ll get a glass of water, and squeeze lemon into it. It’s kind of tart like a dry white, and with food, works as a good replacement.
Paul Holmes
102.9 Hot Tomato
I remember the wonderful work of Life Education’s founder Ted Noffs. Life Education does great work educating young people so I’m pleased to do Ocsober to help make a difference. It’s also a good opportunity to try to balance out the other 11 months of the year!
Rob Kidd
Zinc Central Queensland
The Morning Zoo with Rob Kidd
5am – 9am Weekdays
What has inspired you to do Ocsober?
I’ve got two healthy young children and just like any parent, I want to see them grow up with the best possible chances in life, so this program has got to be a champion not just for my kids, but everyone’s here in Central Queensland and Australia wide, plus who wouldn’t want a giraffe helping you out?
What are your tips for getting through Ocsober?
Don’t put yourself under pressure. If you need a pass out, take it. Reach for the bottle of water instead of a bottle of something with a percentage marked on it. It’s only a month and it’s quite achievable and fun.
Brad Smith
What has inspired you to do Ocsober?
I believe that, by introducing young kids to adrenalin sports such as dirt bike racing, they have more chance at becoming hooked on the sport and the rush that it provides than on alcohol or other drugs. Anything we can do to provide an alternate to alcohol and other drugs is all right with me! Braap’s whole approach discourages the use of alcohol.
What is your tip for getting through Ocsober?
Looks like Perrier water!
What’s your favourite mocktail or non-alcoholic beverage for Ocsober?
I’m on a fruit smash at the moment – a mixture of two fruits and five vegetables.
Bo De La Cruz
What has inspired you to do Ocsober?
I think it’s a great initiative. I am an elite athlete and on the very odd occasion I’ll have a wine or two, but this has given me a really good reason not to drink at all ,especially that I am heading into the start of the Rugby 7’s Women’s World Series in Dubai, so I need to be as healthy and fit as I possibly can be. It’s also to be able to prove that you can have fun without alcohol and when you want something bad enough you have to be dedicated and sacrifice whatever it is to achieve what your trying to achieve.
What is your tip for getting through Ocsober?
Keeping my eye on the prize is definitely a tip, I have given myself a goal and that is to be as conditioned and fit as I could possibly be leading into the World Series. I also have a neck injury which im working hard to get over, so drinking alcohol will only slow down the healing process.
Natarsha Belling
What has inspired you to do Ocsober?
Alcohol is such a dominant part of Australian society and unfortunately is associated with a growing level of violence, especially with many young men. I have two young sons and I want to be a positive role model for them, especially when it comes to drugs and alcohol. It’s all about moderation and a month without alcohol gives me a chance to really focus on my health!
What is your tip for getting through Ocsober
Buy lots of lemonade and enjoy more exercise!
Nathan & Haley Bracken
Help us help Life Education by sponsoring us during Ocsober. The inspiration for the both of us to do Ocsober is neatly summed up by Haley: “I have been inspired to get involved with ‘Ocsober’ as my family has had issues with alcoholism….My Nan’s brother was an alcoholic and a very good family friend died as a result of alcohol related illnesses. My tip for getting through ‘Ocsober’ is to remember you don’t have to drink to have a good time…..If you need to fit in with your friends, have a non-alcoholic drink or water (think how healthy you will feel).”
Deedee Z
What has inspired you to do Ocsober?
I remember Healthy Harold visiting my school like it was yesterday and truly believe in Life Education’s drug and health prevention programs. These programs really make a difference for young kids and are part of building a safer alcohol culture in Australia.
What is your tip for getting through Ocsober?
Finding fun alternative drinks that are just as tasty without the hangover!
Kevin Hofbauer
What has inspired you to do Ocsober?
Life Education is a brilliant health and safety program in which I believe kids can greatly benefit from. Still to this day I remember the excitement of having Healthy Harold come to our school. Taking part in Ocsober also provides that much needed reboot to the system.
What is your tip for getting through Ocsober?
Stay strong to the cause! Join a sporting team or enjoy a good walk with friends. Maintaining fitness is always a good option. The weather should be warmer so there will be no excuses.
Milly Stilnovic
What has inspired you to do Ocsober?
Adults are considered a great influence in determining the attitude children have with alcohol. I would like to be known as a positive influence.
What is your tip for getting through Ocsober?
Learn to love the taste of water.
Arrnott Olssen
What has inspired you to do Ocsober?
Everyone knew me as the ‘big guy’ when I was on the reality talent TV show Popstars. But last year, I decided it was time to be known for the things I’m proud of; my voice, my songwriting ability, and my passion for personal styling. Going off the grog was a major contributor to achieving a weight loss of more than 80kgs – an achievement I count as one of the most important in my life to date. It wasn’t easy, especially when for a big part of the week I was out performing in bars and clubs! But every time I stepped on the scales I knew I was doing the right thing. I’m doing Ocsober to help me achieve my aim to lose more weight and in the process get fitter and stronger. I’m very excited to become an ambassador for Ocsober and abstain from alcohol for the month and raise funds for Life Education to teach more children the skills and the knowledge to say no to drugs and alcohol.
What is your tip for getting through Ocsober?
Swap alcohol for something else – I had to learn to do that when I lost 80kgs last year. My drink of choice was sparkling water, fresh mint and a dash of lime cordial. It allowed me to still feel social without breaking my diet.
Charlie King
I have seen the damage irresponsible drinking can do. I feel we all need to do our bit to highlight the issue.
I will not drink during October. I will put a bottle of wine in the fridge and see it every day but I won’t touch it. I’ll tell all my friends what I’m doing and wouldn’t risk the ‘shame job’ of drinking.
Tania Zaetta
What has inspired you to do Ocsober?
I’m not much of a drinker, being of Italian heritage I have the odd glass of Red Wine with dinner and that’s about it, so I’m looking forward to setting an example for others, especially teenagers, that you don’t need to drink and get drunk to be ‘cool’. In my eyes it’s the opposite, drinking lots and becoming messy is NOT cool at all, its ugly. And don’t ever let anyone pressure you into drinking either.
What is your tip for getting through Ocsober?
Setting yourself a goal is my tip… and mine is to use the month to get stuck into my training and pilates and be the healthiest I can possibly be.
Find a new favorite drink is also my other tip so I plan on drinking lots of Coconut water as a thirst quencher to keep myself hydrated and my skin glowing.
Valentina Novakovic
What has inspired you to do Ocsober?
I am involved with Ocsober this year as it’s a great cause and perfect excuse for a detox. Alcohol-free for a month is not as hard as some people make it out to be. I usually try to have alcohol-free detoxes throughout the year and this is the perfect time. I believe you really don’t need a drink to have a good time. Nights in with a DVD can be just as fun. It is also a great excuse to stay healthy and fit.
What is your tip for getting through Ocsober?
When going out – drive instead and stick to non-alcoholic beverages. You will save money and be clean and lean. Ocsober here we come!
Nugget & Al
Zinc Sunshine Coast
The Morning Zoo with Nugget and Al
5am – 9am Weekdays
Nugget
What has inspired you to do Ocsober?
I am never going to climb Mt Everest, but this is the next most difficult thing i could think of doing without getting off my couch.
What is your tip for getting through Ocsober?
Try not to think about how boring most of the people around you actually are when you are not having a tasty drink.
Al
What has inspired you to do Ocsober?
I’m too old to tolerate hangovers anymore, plus, i’m trying to fool my wife into believing i’m on a get fit campaign!!!!
What is your tip for getting through Ocsober?
I’m hibernating for the month… it gives me a legitimate excuse to watch lots of pay TV!!!!!!!
Polly & Waz
Polly what has inspired you to do Ocsober?
Ocsober, is probably the best time to have an old fashioned cleanse before the summer months kick into gear!!
What is your tip for getting through Ocsober?
My tip is to find a replacement beverage at functions, like cordial.
Kim Bunney
Sea FM Wide Bay
Morning Crew with Kim, Mak and Kenny
6am – 10am Weekdays
What has inspired you to do Ocsober?
Who doesn’t remember Healthy Harold the giraffe and his important message to our children of the dangers of Drugs and Alcoholism. I’m proud to lend a hand for this, non-government funded, initiative.
What is your tip for getting through Ocsober?
Remind yourself who is in control and start some new habits like social sport etc.
Elizabeth Renkert
What has inspired you to do Ocsober?
Ocsober is important for many reasons, but the most important is creating healthy role models for future generations. Being a mother myself, I want to ensure I do my part to help children develop healthy attitudes toward alcohol. Giving up alcohol for alcohol for 30 days is and anything I can do to help the cause, I’ll do.
What is your tip for getting through Ocsober?
Be inspired and get your health in check! A spring clean – for your body.
What’s your favourite mocktail or non-alcoholic beverage for the month of Ocsober?
Mojito inspired ‘Nojito’ – just like a mojito, with out the alcohol!
Jenna and Josh
What has inspired you to do Ocsober?
We believe we are great role models for young kids and especially influential given the success of The Block with the next generation. A lot of our childhood friends growing up turned to drugs and alcohol which happened a lot being in the country and boredom was a huge contributing factor. We were just lucky that we didn’t head down that path.
Instead we put all our energy into renovating and achieving our goals, but do understand how easily kids can go off the rails. We would really like to encourage a new generation of young, fit, ambitious kids that can really get anywhere with a bit of hard work and realize that everyone has options.
What are your tips for getting through Ocsober?
Lemon lime and bitters with lots of ice!!!!
Zoe Bingley-Pullin
What has inspired you to do Ocsober?
I enjoy having a drink or two, but when you see firsthand, like I have, the pain and health issues that drinking and alcoholism can cause, it inspires you to be the change and influence others.
What is your tip for getting through Ocsober?
Focus on the end result and remember you can have a brilliant night out without drinking.
