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Karni Liddell

Former Paralympian, Presenter & Keynote Speaker

Karni Liddell is a Paralympic champion, clinical social worker and internationally acclaimed speaker, inspiring audiences with her story of resilience, inclusion and leadership.

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Karni Liddell is a former world record-holding Paralympic swimmer, clinical social worker, TV presenter, disability advocate and internationally sought-after keynote speaker. Born with a neuro-muscular wasting disease, Karni defied medical expectations, breaking her first world record at age 14 and winning Paralympic medals at every Games she competed in. She regards being captain of Australia’s number one team at the Sydney 2000 Paralympics as her greatest sporting achievement.

Beyond sport, Karni has raised over $1 million for disability charities and continues to champion inclusion and opportunity. She is currently Queensland Manager for the Public Service Commission, leading initiatives to increase employment of people with disability across the public sector. She is a former NDIS Ambassador, member of the Queensland Premier’s Domestic and Family Violence Council, and a recognised specialist and trainer in domestic and family violence programs.

Karni has appeared on Channel 7’s The Weekender, hosted talkback radio programs, and serves as Ambassador for Kids Helpline, Muscular Dystrophy QLD, and the Sporting Wheelies and Disabled Association. She was Patron of the International Day of People with a Disability and has been awarded the Pride of Australia Medal, the Bond University Alumni Community Achievement Award (2021), Qld Teacher and Trainer of the Year (2015), and the QUT Faculty of Health Alumni of the Year Award. She holds a Clinical Master’s in Social Work (QUT) and a double Bachelor’s in Communications (Bond University).

Karni recently delivered a TED talk that received a standing ovation and has been viewed by thousands worldwide. Her story, resilience and insights into disability, inclusion, leadership and social advocacy inspire audiences across the globe.

Topics

  • Tough times, sporting success, health obstacles, family support and perseverance
  • How we cannot control what life throws at us, we can only control how we handle what is thrown.
  • Goal setting and how to handle adversity.
The best speaker I have ever experienced’ was a sentiment echoed by high profile business executives and politicians at our event. Karni Liddell’s message to our business community proved inspirational to our audience on corporate, personal and family levels. Capricorn Tourism & Economic Development
When we invited Karni Liddell to join us as a guest motivational speaker at our annual conference for our top-performing employees, we did not anticipate the extent to which she would capture the hearts and minds of our people. When Karni later joined us on a leadership development roadshow across Australia, there were few who not left absolutely inspired by her journey. Westpac
When Karni presented at the AMP national sales conference, an audience of over 1500 rose spontaneously in a standing ovation in tribute to both the story and the person behind it. This audience has been exposed to some of the best speakers from around the world and there is no doubt that Karni would be considered amongst the top ten speakers. AMP
We were absolutely delighted to have Karni speak at our recent staff retreat. A truly amazing, down to earth and positive person, she certainly was the highlight of our two days and definitely inspired us all. A number of staff commented that she was one of the best motivational speakers that they had heard. CQ Medicare Local
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