From Rural Advocate to National Change-Maker: Sally Turner Steps Up for Eating Disorder Awareness After Persuasive Presentation Training

North Sydney, NSW – June 17, 2025 – In honour of World Eating Disorders Action Day (June 15), rural change-maker Sally Turner is making bold moves to tackle one of the most misunderstood mental health challenges affecting regional Australians.

After participating in Michelle Bowden’s Persuasive Presentation Skills Masterclass (a transformative initiative funded by AgriFutures Australia) Sally has skyrocketed her advocacy efforts and grown The Wattle Project, her grassroots organisation dedicated to improving awareness, education, and access to support for people living with eating disorders in rural and regional communities.

“The masterclass gave me the confidence to share my story and approach sponsors, funders, and decision-makers with clarity and impact,” said Sally. “I left knowing how to tailor my message to inspire action—and it’s working.”

Since completing the course, Sally has:

• Formed a board and is now applying for Not-for-Profit status
• Created educational workshops for high school students, parents, and carers
• Developed a community workshop model now in pilot across regional centres
• Planned a national sponsorship campaign to fund resource development and workshop delivery
• Launched the foundations of a Rural Ambassador Network—local voices championing The Wattle Project’s message across the country

These achievements come at a critical time:

• Over 1.1 million Australians live with an eating disorder
• Rural sufferers face disproportionate barriers, with treatment often costing $975 per person in travel
• Stigma, service scarcity, and a lack of trained professionals continue to block support for regional families

Sally’s goal? To see every GP and nurse in rural Australia trained in eating disorder awareness, and every young person in the country’s heartland given the tools to seek help early.

Her persuasive skills are already opening global doors. Sally has just been announced as an Australian delegate to the World Food Forum in Rome this October through Global Voices, where she’ll present policy solutions on sustainable farming. She’s also been shortlisted for a Nuffield Scholarship—a prestigious program developing future leaders in agriculture.

“Sally Turner is proof that when you equip the right people with the right skills, extraordinary things happen,” said presentation expert and CSP Michelle Bowden. “It’s been an honour to watch her transform her message into a movement.”

Media Contact
Company Name: Michelle Bowden Enterprises
Contact Person: Michelle Bowden
Email: Send Email
Phone: +61 412 391 170
Address:PO Box 1247
City: North Sydney
State: NSW
Country: Australia
Website: https://michellebowden.com.au/