Soa "The Hulk" Palelei delivered motivational speeches to the community at the Meekatharra Youth Expo thanks to the support of Doray Minerals Ltd, Mission Australia, the Department of Premier & Cabinet and the Meekatharra Shire.

In its inaugural year, and organised by the Meekatharra Shire, the communities of Wiluna, Meekatharra, Yulga Jinna, Mt Magnet, Cue and Newman were invited to participate in the Youth Expo which informed people of the wide range of within school and post-school options and networking opportunities. 

Coinciding with Mental Health Week, the Expo also contributed to social-emotional well-being and suicide prevention through securing Soa Palelei as guest speaker, sponsored by Doray Minerals and Mission Australia, to discuss mental health, resilience, bullying, depression, motivation and overcoming adversity.

Doray Minerals’ managing director Allan Kelly said the Company was pleased to be able to support the Youth Expo through sponsoring Soa The Hulk’s three day visit to the community.

“Soa’s life story is one which resonates with the community and his messages including mental health, fitness, resilience and being the best you can be, are both inspirational and motivational for every one of us – children and adults alike,” Mr Kelly said.

Mr Kelly said Soa gave two inspiring presentations to the local community during the Youth Expo, and also presented to Doray staff at the Andy Well Gold Project.

“Soa’s messages are relevant for everyone. We consider ourselves very fortunate to have him visit our mine site and speak on motivation, mental health, resilience and fitness to our staff. Soa’s trip to Meekatharra has been widely appreciated and his positive messages will be remembered by all who attended his presentations and the Youth Expo for a long time,” said Mr Kelly.

Companies and businesses which had a presence at the Youth Expo, providing information and services to youth and adults, include Meekatharra Shire, Mission Australia,  Australian Defence Forces, Drug & Alcohol Awareness agencies, WA Health Department, WA Police, Doray Minerals and TAFE, and WA Netball’s Shooting Stars to name a few.