MEET THE 
SPEAKERS
Derrick McManus
Trained by the Australian military SAS, Derrick was a sniper, diver and counter-terrorist operative
in the elite South Australian Police Special Tasks And Rescue (STAR) Group when he was shot
14 times. He lay on the ground for 3 hours before rescue, and defied all medical and psychological
odds by returning to full duties. Derrick had trained for optimum performance in these circumstances.
Human Durability is not just one man’s theory. The University of South Australia’s School of
Psychology is collaborating with Derrick in research, and Derrick has now founded the
Australian Centre for Human Durability.
Arman Abrahimzadeh OAM
Arman Abrahimzadeh OAM became an anti-domestic violence campaigner after losing his mother to domestic violence in March 2010. Together with his sisters Atena and Anita, in September 2015 they founded Zahra Foundation Australia in their mum’s honour, an organisation that provides financial literacy and economic empowerment for women fleeing abusive homes. He is an ambassador for Our Watch and White Ribbon Australia and a board member for the Australia Day Council of South Australia.
A graduate of the Louis Laybourne Smith School of Architecture and Design, Arman currently works as a project manager for the South Australian Housing Authority. He was the 2016 SA Young Australian of the Year and has recently been elected as a councillor for the City of Adelaide.
Katrina Webb
Katrina Webb is recognised and acknowledged for her success as a Paralympic athlete. She has won Gold, Silver and Bronze medals in athletics at three Paralympic Games.
Katrina is a global ambassador for the International Paralympic Committee and due to her own experience in dealing with a disability and a deep love of helping others, Katrina is the Founder and Director of newday a platform to lead for the greater good of others. Newday hosts summits and leadership programs in Australia and Nepal.
Katrina loves to be challenged. She has walked the Kokoda track and has trekked to Basecamp Everest twice. She is also a mother to not just to one son but to three. Katrina Webb is a unique and inspiring speaker whose ideas and experiences challenge and motivate her audiences. She has spoken in seven different countries to over 150,000 people.