Uplifting Stories

Adam Thomas, known around town as “Adam the Bike Man,” is a familiar face in the tight-knit community of Murray Bridge, where he has lived all of his 49 years. Adam’s journey has been defined by perseverance, community, and a desire to give back to others.

Adam Thomas, known around town as “Adam the Bike Man,” is a familiar face in the tight-knit community of Murray Bridge, where he has lived all of his 49 years. Adam’s journey has been defined by perseverance, community, and a desire to give back to others.

Brian James’ (BJ) smile lights up any room, radiating warmth and positivity – the Murray Bridge Navy Veteran understands the power of deploying his smile, which not only brightens the atmosphere but also promotes well-being for everyone present.

For David, happiness is a full-body experience – something infectious, radiating warmth and pure joy to everyone around him. His bright outlook and unselfish nature have made him a standout both on and off the stage, as he continues to chase his dream of performing.

Colleen Williss of Tailem Bend embodies resilience and warmth, with a life story that spans decades and brims with love, loss, and unwavering determination. Born in the winter of 1959 in Wynarka, west of Karoonda, Colleen has faced her share of challenges, yet her spirit remains indomitable.

For the past two weeks, Caleb Carter, a caring and spirited young man from Milang, has been embarking on a life changing journey with Orana Murray Bridge.

Caleb found the first few days were all about integrating into the Orana community, a NDIS provider renowned for empowering individuals with disabilities.

Planned high speed rail links combined with a marvellous warm holiday in Australia motivated Wendy Johnson of Purnong, north of Mannum, to join her sister in the country down under.

Cadeyrn Smith of Murray Bridge advocates for disability awareness and the rights of all individuals – his infectious smile constantly encourages others to never lose hope.

Local Foster Parent, Janet Smith of Murray Bridge, is convinced that life is beautiful, when it’s about family and giving.

Eddie Schild of Murray Bridge has been building things all his life and cannot think of anything better than the feeling of accomplishment and sense of pride, when finally sitting in front of another finished project.

Alan Loi of Lameroo arrived with his mother and siblings from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam in 1985 – it was here that they were reunited with their husband and father, an ex-serving South Vietnamese soldier. Initially settling in North Melbourne, Victoria, the family later relocated to Footscray, Victoria.

Championing their Olly, and with a dream of helping others with similar dyslexia, level one autism and depression issues, Lisa, and Darren Henly their children Olly, Charleigh and Harry, sold everything, forsaking their city lifestyle, to develop a dream in an old dairy in Jervois, South Australia.

After sharing an optimistic story with a class of students about a small Sunflower seed growing in a student’s garden pot, Pauline Linke of Meningie has taken her passion of helping people with mental illness to an immeasurably sunnier space.

The bond between Adrian Elliott of Murray Bridge and his dogs, is like no other. His cherished companions have been along for the ride for the past ten years, no matter what obstacles Adrian has had to face.

Kerrie McDonald’s life changed in May 2018, after an unlikely encounter with her pet lamb landed her in a coma with a rare flesh-eating bacterial infection.