Entertain-Motivate-Inspire

I have watched Phil Cleary captivate audiences at various speaking functions over the last year, many different audiences, and many different topics. Last Saturday he was the last of six speakers, presenting to over 100 people in a warm stuffy room. "Well he certainly woke me up", "I wanted more", "Blew my socks off", were some of the comments I got from people as they clamoured to shake his hand afterwards. Hard hitting, but always with a sense of humour, Phil Cleary comes into his own in front of a room full of people. Pure entertainment yet packed with plenty of food for thought. His unique style captivates people in a way that few people can in these days of quiet politeness and mediocrity. He paints pictures of people, situations and circumstances that draw the audience in. He takes them with him on his journey, and they always keep up. One woman who has a PhD said ' it was wonderful to be taken on such a great intellectual pursuit ...I couldn't remember feeling so alive and switched on mentally for a very long time…' He makes people laugh and cry, strive for more and feel brave. His experiences, as a teacher, a politician and a football coach allow him to tune into an audience, challenge the mental hurdles that they have erected and push through them. People emerge less precious, more aware of how we all interact and have a role in this world and more prepared to accept responsibility for their own decisions and actions. I have never known anyone, after hearing Phil in full flight, who hasn't taken something new, unique or exciting away with them, when they left the room.

Jane Ashton - Twin sister of Julie Ramage, who was strangled by her estranged husband in 2003. Julie’s death was the subject of Phil's book - Getting away with murder.

The ball of energy and passion that is legendary VFA hard man and media commentator, Phil Cleary, swept into Pyramid Hill on 14 June as the headline act for the men's health night jointly initiated by Northern District Community Health Service and Pyramid Hill Football Club. Cleary, well-known for his exploits as a player and coach for Coburg and for his dogged campaign to bring an end to the legal defence of provocation following the murder of his sister, took the reins at training and the night air rang with his barked instructions and praise for the efforts of his temporary charges. The men's health night, held during International Men's Health Week, attracted an excellent crowd of sixty men to Mitchell Park to engage with some of the major issues in men's health and well-being. Cleary also picked up on the night's theme of men taking responsibility in his address. He regaled the audience with amusing tales of his days as a VFA player and coach and of his time as an independent member of federal Parliament. As probably the only MP to have his campaign accidentally kick-started by the Truth newspaper, Cleary had the crowd in stitches with anecdotes about his meetings with then Prime Minister, Paul Keating. Cleary returned to two key challenges for men. Firstly, he stressed the need for good men to take responsibility in the roles of dads and mentors for the raising of fine young men and women. Cleary's description of his realisation that his relationship with his kids was the most important thing in his life really struck a chord with his audience. Warming to the theme, Cleary described how his sister's murderer was able to use the defence of provocation to his advantage and his campaign, not only to change the law, but to urge men to take a stand when they see something, they believe is wrong. Admitting an on-field 'hard man' reputation, Cleary said that in fact he didn't like violence and urged men to take responsibility, not only for their own conduct in their relations with others, but also not to condone it where they see it happening. The passion of Cleary's commitment and his courage in taking a stand against the odds won the respect of his audience and his views are certain to have made a mark.

Greg Currie

PHIL CLEARY provided an outstanding keynote presentation at our school's curriculum day in March 2005. Phil provided the impetus for the renewal of our school values and mission statement with his evocative and powerful address. Phil is a most inspiring speaker who engaged our staff with a wide range of thought-provoking, real life anecdotes. A feature of his presentation was the way in which Phil enabled our staff to make connections from his presentation with our practical needs. In addition, Phil worked side by side with our staff following his main address, providing very valuable support to our workshop teams. Phil has a unique and wonderful talent for engaging with people. He certainly brought our curriculum day alive. I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending him.

Henry Grossek, Principal, Berwick Lodge Primary School