BOOK SHANNA
Our founder, Shanna Whan (AM), is an experienced keynote speaker, MC, panellist, and presenter who has contributed to a wide range of podcasts, television programs, panels, radio, and other media in the past decade.
When you book Shanna to deliver a keynote or workshop, we want you to know that all fees (and any contributions, including donations for Shanna being a podcast guest) go directly back into the charity as part of our income stream and future sustainability. The same will apply to any future ambassadors we train and equip to speak.
Shanna was the recipient of an Order of Australia medal (AM) in 2025 for ''outstanding contributions to rural health'' and was the national winner of the Australian of the Year (Local Hero) award in 2022, as well as Marie Claire's Advocate of the Year award (also in 2022). She’s been invited to travel from one end of Australia to the other to share the #OK2SAYNO message - which has taken her from dusty paddocks to the Opera House - and even as one of ten Aussies who represented the nation at the funeral of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.
Whether you're a drinker, a non-drinker, or a sometimes drinker, Shanna's message has never (ever!) been about preaching prohibition, and most events she speaks at are functions that serve alcohol. Her job is simple - it's about showing rural communities that it's #OK2SAYNO, and that we're all integral to creating better cultures, from (thoughtful) catering for all.
Shan is known for her unapologetic authenticity, her (also unapologetic) 'Bridget Jones' sense of humour - and for truly relating to every audience she shares time with.
Over the past decade, she's fearlessly and publicly driven this (now national) conversation. Initially, she did so by sharing her own story of ‘almost dying from alcohol harm in plain sight of her rural community’ - but over the years, the SITC message has transitioned into a much broader rural conversation that's relevant to, well, pretty much anybody who eats food, wears fibre, or values wellbeing. She is a powerful rural advocate.
COMING SOON: in 2026 - we will be seeking and training (other) future ambassadors to share our message. Stay tuned for more.
Shanna’s insights and expertise as keynote speaker added tremendous value to our conference. Her ability to engage the audience and deliver thought-provoking content really resonated with the audience. We received overwhelmingly positive feedback from attendees who were inspired by Shanna’s passion, knowledge, and commitment to advancing mental health in rural and remote communities.
Corinne McGowan & Kate Chetwin, Conference Coordinators, WA Rural & Mental Health Conference, 2023
Shanna’s Awards
Appointed – Member of the Order of Australia, General Division, 2025
Winner – Australian of the Year, Local Hero, 2022
Winner – Marie Claire Advocate of the Year, 2022
Winner – ProBono Australia's “Top 25” Impact Awards, 2021
Nominee – Australian of the Year, Local Hero, 2021
Finalist – Regional Woman of the Year, 2020
Finalist – SHINE Volunteer of the Year, 2018
Finalist – AgriFutures Rural Woman of the Year, 2017
Want to book Shanna as keynote speaker, panellist or MC at your event?
Before you fill in the booking enquiry form, please read the content on the pages linked below to ensure you can meet our requirements and that we’re a good fit for your event:
Booking enquiry form
Please supply as much detail as possible. Thank you!
A few snaps of our founder Shan from over the years...
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