Derrick McManus

Survivor of South Australia's longest running siege

"Being shot 14 times with a high powered rifle isn't something I asked for, but I now see it as one of the best things that ever happened to me.  I now know that it's not what happens to us, but how we deal with it that determines our future"

Senior Constable Derrick McManus is an incredible survivor against all odds. He sustained 14 gun shots from a high powered rifle during South Australia's longest armed hold up, and lived to not only tell the tale, but to go back to work in the police force!

In doing so, Derrick McManus demonstrated that nothing is impossible when we are well prepared and believe in our ability to achieve. Using his survival as the basis of his presentation, Derrick speaks about what can be achieved with sheer guts and by setting realistic goals. A dynamic and inspiring presenter, he emphasises the importance of attitude and belief in self. Everyone has something to learn - both personally and professionally - about themselves from Derrick McManus's amazing experiences. 

About Derrick McManus:

Derrick McManus has been a member of S.A. Police for over 20 years, He was awarded the inaugural SA Police Bravery Medal in 1989 when, prior to STAR Division (Special Task and Rescue Division), he and his partner wrestled a gun from the hands of the man intent on shooting them. 

In 1997 he was appointed Ambassador to the Australian Red Cross Blood Service, having received 24 units of blood and blood products within 7 hours (the human body only holds 10 units) following the Nuriootpa shooting.

Derrick has a long history of community involvement ranging over 20 years and was awarded an Australia Day Young Citizen of the Year Award.

Derrick McManus talks about:

Derrick is a sought-after speaker with a natural, dynamic style of presenting. Through his role in STAR Division Derrick McManus has run Team Building workshops for leading companies and sporting bodies, addressed conferences and seminars and worked with non-profit organisations and community groups. His account of his experience is a motivational tale of one man's positive approach against adversity and the success this approach achieved. Derrick has his audiences laughing out load at the thoughts you have and the things that happen in the midst of your worst nightmare.  Derrick's presentations include:

Keynote Address - Prepare To Win - On the 3^rd May 1994, in South Australia's most infamous Police siege, Snr. Constable Derrick McManus was shot 14 times with a high-powered rifle and was lying on the ground for 3 hours before he could be rescued. He not only survived but also returned first to his family and then, despite all medical predictions, to his work with the elite Special Tasks and Rescue (STAR) Group.   Be inspired by Derrick's zest for life and competition, learn to look inside yourself to overcome your biggest challenges and how to triumph when others would give up both personally and professionally.

Personal development workshop - Inside Your Head - Inside Your Head is all about proving the specific tools to develop the inner strength to relish the competition, challenges and changes that come with life and work.  Gain the personal confidence to think and perform and the resilience to bounce back in ways that will amaze family, friends, colleagues and employers'. Change the conversations 'Inside Your Head' and then change your life - personal and professional.  There are 5 keys to improving confidence, courage, capacity and resilience.  This program shows you what they are and how to access all 5 of them. This is a powerful program with authentic fact base examples of how these keys really work.

Leadership workshop - The 7 Pillars of Leadership - STAR Group selection criteria includes the ability to be a leader in the toughest circumstances.  Members then learn the 7 Pillars of Tactical Leadership that are used by Special Forces (SAS, Navy Seals, Delta Force) around the world to deal with the toughest assignments. This program will show you how the same 7 Pillars will have the same affect in your office as it does for peak performing leaders around the world.

Creativity workshop  - That's a Bright Idea - Bright ideas and innovative solutions within a matter of minutes.  An innovative idea is often simply two previously unrelated ideas finally coming together.  Creative thinking will also solve problems for your clients and that's what they'll really pay for. Learn tools to develop, encourage and reward innovation so as to increase team interest, motivation and improve problem solving skills and success. Everyone has the skill to be creative.  This program will help them develop their creative thinking confidence

Teambuilding workshop -  Unbeatable Teams - The same attitudes, tactics and philosophies used to create an unbeatable winning team in the field will create an unbeatable winning team in the office too.  Inspire commitment, cooperation and peak performance that other teams will marvel at.  Teach your team to leverage each other's individual strengths, welcome challenges, support each other through good and bad and achieve sensational results.