Let’s be brave enough to believe things can change

When life feels hard, it can start to seem like things will always be this way. When exhaustion or fear becomes familiar, hope can feel out of reach.

But change isn’t reserved for the lucky or the strong - it’s possible for anyone. It often starts small, with courage that’s quiet and determined.

Real change builds slowly. It begins with noticing when something isn’t right, reaching out for help, and believing that life can be different from what it is today.

A story of courage and change

When Jelena Dokic visited Deniliquin she shared her story - not just as an athlete, but as a survivor and advocate for hope.Through her books Unbreakable and Fearless, Jelena has spoken with honesty about trauma, recovery, and the long, human work of healing.

She doesn’t share her story for sympathy. She shares it to remind us that healing is possible - even from the darkest places.

“I don’t think I will ever get over what I have been through. But I won’t be defined by it; I am now determined to grow from it and be stronger and wiser because of it.”— Jelena Dokic, Fearless

Her story shows that you don’t need to have everything figured out to begin again. Healing isn’t about forgetting the past - it’s about finding a new way forward, with honesty, support and time.

Jelena Dokic speaking at the Brave Enough event at the Deniliquin Town Hall

Hope takes bravery

Believing things can change takes courage to imagine a future that feels different.

For Jelena, recovery began with honesty and help:

“I thought for a long time that I could run away from my problems and trauma, but I know now that is not possible.”- Jelena Dokic, Fearless

With therapy, connection and daily acts of self-compassion, she rebuilt her life piece by piece.

“Your worth is all yours and no one person or thing can take it away from you”

Her story reminds us that even when hope feels distant, things can change - with help, with courage, and with time.

Our community, our courage

When Jelena joined us in Deniliquin, she reinforced a message she’s shared before: speaking up can save lives - and healing is possible with help.

For some, it’s speaking for the first time about what’s happening at home.

For others, it’s asking for help, starting therapy, or simply showing up.

When we share stories of struggle and recovery, we make it safer for others to do the same.

That’s how stigma begins to fade - and how real change takes root in a community.

Let's be Brave Enough to believe things can change. Find local and confidential support at Calm, Cool, Connected