Debbie and Dan Kennedy

“Dan's story was clearly told from the perspective of a father who was (and still is) carrying an incredible burden as a direct result of the death of Dale - and so was incredibly relatable.”

- Pacific National

_{Dan speaking to Pacific National.}

“Emotional and interactive. I have had plenty of staff asking WHS questions. Today we have had one of most interactive sessions on WHS.”

- Goondiwindi Regional Council

“Everyone was engaged with the presentation and some general questions after the presentation and even a discussion around a certain topic they were going to take back to a group they are part of.”

- Cheryl Middleton, GMEC and Action

“Very impactful talk, a timely reminder to our employees who are working out in the field.”

- Renee Accatino, Earthed Electrical & Data

_{Dan with the team from Earthed Electrical and Data.}

“Gave our team something to think about when driving home after the toolbox. Message about electrical safety and being the change hit home.”

- Giselle Phillips, Fredon

_{Dan with the Fredon team at their Caboolture project.}

“The audience mostly comprised of electrical and refrigeration apprentices of various stages, and they all enjoyed the presentation. The need for correct and thorough isolation and test was reinforced and there were some robust discussions held back in the classroom around processes.”

- Chris Banville, Manunda TAFE

“A massive thank you for assisting us with Dan, Safety Advocate to visit our Gatton project. We had 60 odd workers attend in spite of the inclement weather. Feedback has been tremendous – it really hit home!”

- Giselle Phillips, Fredon

_{Dan with the Fredon team.}

“The video particularly was very impacting, especially the ripple effect on family and friends and was difficult to watch emotionally. We had a number of apprentices present who we could see were affected as well as tradespeople who reinforced the message that if you don't think it's safe, don't do it. Simple.”

- Nilsen Qld

_{Dan talking to Nilsen Qld.}

“Workers came up to me following the presentation thanking for the session. Showing active listening and taking on key concepts from the presentation.”

- Jacob Hall, Sun Metals

“[T]he talk by Dan was delivered to our trainees and apprentices and from the questions asked I would say they were thinking more deeply about the impact of workplace incidents.

- Kandy McAuliffe, Townsville City Council

“Sombré – stunned reality. All, to whom I spoke post meeting were shaken by the reality that something so simple yet so vital has possibly escaped their attention. Thank you Dan for allowing us to be part of your life journey. I firmly believe that you and your presentation today, will influence the safety of workplaces, thus saving someone’s precious life.”

- Kay Moloney, Queensland Country Women’s Association (Atherton Branch)

“The room was silent and feedback from workers after the event was that it was a good presentation, although very sad.”

- Amanda Nicolo, Built Qld

“In the past few days after Dan's presentation, safety has been a major talking point from our staff and how we can improve safety in our workplace together.”

- Emma Tully, Group Linen Services, Princess Alexandra Hospital Campus

“There were multiple people with tears in their eyes so I can only imagine what it must be like for them to present this talk over and over. I know their message struck home with a lot of people so may I pass on a huge thank you for making this possible and I will be recommending my colleagues at the other sites take advantage of this opportunity. I have noticed staff being more vigilant in their actions and pointing out to others when there is a movement away from standard operating procedures. Our staff really appreciated the personal impact Dan and Debbie presented and the presentation has underpinned our drive for a safer work environment.”

- David Gourdie, Group Linen Services, Prince Charles Hospital Campus

“I know that our staff at Scenic Rim value the presentations from the Safety Advocates. I have had staff comment to me that they have called their electrician to check on their electrical wiring at home. Staff have also had their solar panels checked.”

- Pauline Wimmer, Scenic Rim Regional Council


_{Debbie and Dan presenting to Scenic Rim Regional Council.}

“It has made people aware of electrical safety. We are very grateful for Dan’s time.”

- Matt Humphry, GSL Services

“A huge thanks to Dan Kennedy for his time. All the staff were very touched by his story. They all believe Dan is a very courageous and noble man for sharing his story. He made the staff think about safety in their own work space.”

- Lisa Moloney, Centacare NQ

“Many of our workers have children themselves and could relate to Dan's extremely emotional and heartbreaking story of Dale's passing. The idea of looking after yourself and your mates by standing up and saying something if a situation doesn't look safe, are the best messages that everyone heard.”

- Sarah Thomson, Belconnen Steel Pty Ltd

“Dan's story is tough to hear but it is an important reminder of how critical safety is with the work that we do, and the need for everyone to speak up if something isn't safe. We all get caught up with our day-to-day jobs and our small worries, and sometimes it's easy to forget the consequences that can happen if something goes wrong. Thank you Dan for sharing your family's story. Your strength in reliving what happened in order to make sure others are kept safe is inspiring. The conversations around the workplace after the presentation showed that by sharing Dale's story, you have definitely made our team think twice about safety at work and the impact their actions can have on themselves and their families.”

- Paul Messina, Messina Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Pty Ltd


_{Dan presenting at Messina Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Pty Ltd.}

• “Really makes WHS personal.”
• “This was important—I feel that all first year apprentices need to hear this story as they are coming into their trades to empower them to stand up for themselves when they think something might not be right.”
• “Wake up reminder—sad.”
• “Very inspiring and important story, thank you for sharing.”
• “Great to include to keep everything human.”
• “A very moving story and a real eye opener for the importance of workplace health and safety.”
• “Eye opening.”
• “An excellent portrayal of life experience.”
• “Gut wrenching.”

- Post-event survey comments, North Queensland Injury Prevention and Return to Work Conference

“The team were very engaged during and after the presentation. A number of the team have approached the Leadership Team to discuss things that they would like to see changed or updated within the workplace. While the message is a somber one, it does prompt everyone to be reflective of their actions and think about how they go about their everyday tasks. Thank you for the opportunity to engage with Dan, we would be more than willing to participate and endorse any other programs that continue to benefit workplace health, safety and wellbeing."

- Paul Hannay, Chauvel Industries


_{Dan at Chavel Industries.}

“Speaking with attendees afterwards identified that they appreciated the presentation and would be passing on their learnings to others in the workforce. Appreciate the openness and honesty from Dan. Thoroughly recommend this presentation to others.”

- Neville Atkinson, Resources Safety and Health Queensland


_{Dan presenting at Resources Safety and Health Queensland.}

"Such a powerful message and honest talk about the incident and how it impacted the lives of so many. Such a great service you provide and always open to new ideas to get the safety message across."

- Grant Tienan, Tunnel Network Services

"The story was very sad and when a room of grown people have tears running out of their eyes (including myself) you know the story is powerful and is hitting home. It was great as tragic as the circumstances were. The Kennedy's should have pride within themselves for the simple reason they are trying to make things better and preventing a reoccurrence."

- Ian Shepherd, Aurizon

"Good morning Dan, the team at FNQ Avionics and Yates Aero would sincerely like to thank you for your presentation and time on Tuesday. The presentation was very well received by our staff and no doubt will remember the valuable knowledge you have shared for life. Warm regards."

- Alison and crew, FNQ Avionics and Yates Aero


_{Dan presenting at FNQ Avionics and Yates Aero.}

"The presentation from Dan, although obviously being very sad, was very captivating which is everything we were hoping for. The audience were fully engaged in listening to every word of Dan's delivery as they were hearing it first hand from someone who has unfortunately lived the horror of his son's death along with the ongoing grief and pain of losing Dale to what was an avoidable incident. Dan was very open in describing the impact that this tragedy has had on him, his wife, his family, friends of the family, Dale's friends and most tragically, Dale's former partner and son.

"Dan emphasised the point that this, and all workplace incidents, are very avoidable if everyone in the workplace is diligent in performing their works and diligent in ensuring all works are performed safely. The presentation by Dan was very beneficial to our business as being delivered from someone who has lived the tragedy first hand, it has much more impact than us talking about these incidents second hand with our employees. We, like Dan, believe that if his presentation prevents one injury or incident then his time in delivering his painful message is well spent. We thank you and Dan very much for the presentation."

- Ross Stubbings, Stowe Australia

"On behalf of the entire team at DC Electrical, we would like to thank Dan and Workplace Health and Safety Queensland for the presentation. With a team of young people, many now with young families it was a strong reminder to not just be responsible for your own workmanship but be aware of the risks associated with other people's works, as well as the danger risk of ceiling/confined space works. Dan and Debbie's loss is heartbreaking to hear about, but we thank Dan for the courage to speak about it, as we now have 30 + employees with increased awareness of why safe work needs to be at forefront of their mind and the consequences for them, and those around them when there is a workplace incident like this. Thank you."

- Aaron, DC Electrical

"A big thank you to Dan and Workplace Health and Safety Queensland for arranging his visit. Dan's story really hit home with site, followed by many questions, and we have followed up by ordering stickers to be placed on the manhole to the roof space reminding you to switch off before going into the ceiling space."

- Jayd McKenzie, Gladstone Power Station


_{Dan at Gladstone Power Station.}

"Thank you again for organising this for us. Dan's presentation was very powerful and the room was silent when he told his story. It was a story that is so important to tell and relevant to all workers and everyone who pokes around in their homes, in ceiling spaces. Our team really appreciated his presentation and are confident his message rang through to everyone."

- Amanda Nicolo, Built

"Dan's message was received very well, with many people walking away with lots to think about. Thank you so much for your help and support!"

- Jenny Krasny, Caterpillar

"The presentation by Dan went over very well. Well attended and well received."

- Patrick Wilson, Skills Tech TAFE Queensland

"The Apollo team were so very amazed at Debbie and Dan's courage to share their story. The guys didn't feel comfortable taking photos as they were very emotional and simply lost for words."

- Lyndall McCabe, Apollo

"Unfortunately no pictures were taken … everyone was concentrating too much on Dan's presentation. Of all the Safety Advocate visits we have had Dan's presentation hit them quite hard emotionally … there were numerous tears around the room. Our maintenance team always make sure I have booked a Safety Advocate for our forum as they get so much from the presentations. Dan's presentation really enforced the importance of managing our electrical risks. The Safety Advocate program is fantastic and such a valued resource to us. I really appreciate the commitment the advocates have in delivering their messages."

- Peta Jerome, Bolton Clarke

"Our crew really appreciated Dan sharing his story. The session initiated some really value adding discussions within our team including improving our minimum standards when it comes to entering roof spaces. Also our most senior technician mentioned that this has really changed the way that he thinks about his approach on jobs including what he finds in switchboards and the conversations that he will now be having with our customers. Dan was very open to our diversity of questions and we are ever so grateful for his openness to our curiosity. Also it was humbling to hear of the process Dan and Debbie have been going through with the inquest; and how they are champions of change for our industry by working towards improving the minimum safety requirements to better protect our technicians, community and loved ones."

- Sherree Raffin, Wondai Electrical

_{Dan at Wondai Electrical.}

"We can't thank you enough for the opportunity to have Dan visit our students, undertaking trade traineeships. Dan's ability to share Dale's story left every person in the room looking at safety in a totally different light. Our usually lively bunch of people, were so deeply engaged that you could hear a pin drop in the room. You could feel the enormity of how Dale's death had impacted not only the Kennedy family, but their friends and the community as a whole. Staff and trainees walked away from the session with a real certainty of the importance of safety, no matter what industry, workplace or situation you might find yourself in. It was an vital reminder to everyone listening, the importance of complying with safety policies and procedures, and speaking up if you feel that something isn't safe! Thank you Dan for sharing your story and keeping Dale's legacy alive."

Some of our trainees spoke to us later:

• "Wow – I completely understand why you're always talking about safety."
• "I'll never zone out during a pre-start talk again!"
• "I didn't think that the trade I was wanting to get into was much of a safety risk, now I can see how easily things like this can happen to anyone."
• "I'm going to show the video to my mates who are tradies, they need to see this!"

- Shelly Knight, SANDBAG Inc.

_{Dan at SANDBAG Inc.}

"Dan and Deb Kennedy… what to say… they are two very kind and great hearted people and I am very grateful for having met them and having them in our toolbox session."

"No words can be expressed on how hard it is to lose a child and having to remember this on a daily basis when also attempting to deliver good practices, safety and a compliance messages, however Dan and Deb did it and constantly achieve that. The general feedback was having received a very touching story of parents who lost their child in a work related incident and subsequently having a devastating impact on family, work colleagues and friends."

- Tiago Amaral, Downer UAM

"Having Debbie and Dan at our Branch Meeting in Cairns was a sobering reminder of the dangers in our industry but also that reset and refresh for our members that are safety conscious. Their presentation was very received and we are very grateful for their time."

- Michael Heinemann, Master Electricians

_{Dan and Debbie at Master Electricians Cairns Branch meeting.}

"On behalf of the ENGIE Services Queensland team we would like to thank Dan for sharing Dale's story. Our team were moved by the presentation and it related directly to our work activities of working in ceiling spaces. It sent a strong message that we all have the right to stop work if it's unsafe and that those doing electrical works must ensure it's compliant. We thank Dan for sharing learnings from this tragic event. We commend his commitment to share Dale's story to improve the safety of others."

- Nathan McPherson, Health and Safety Manager, Engie Services

_{Dan at ENGIE Services.}

"Thank you to Dan for speaking at our trade college. His story touched a lot of our students as they are all engaged in working in a trade and go out regularly on work placement. The students talked (later) about how far reaching the tragedy of Dale's death was to his family, friends and work colleagues. They felt Dan spoke from the heart and it was an important story for them to hear. Some of the students wept and many of them shook Dan's hand or gave him a hug to express their sorry and support for him and his family. Thank you Dan for your courage in presenting and giving this gift to our students."

- Tracey Langton, Australian Trade College

"Thank you so much for arranging Dan to come out to our College and speak. The session was very informative and very emotional and Dan spoke straight from the heart. He is an amazing person to advocate for safety and I can assure you his presentation reinforced our message of awareness and complacency among the work site."

"The feedback I have received from staff present was that they really enjoyed the presentation and are aware of how incidents, such as the one with Dan, has a huge effect not only on the loved ones but work colleagues and friends."

- Randall Gibson, Director of Quality, Risk and Compliance, Sheldon College

_{Dan at Sheldon College.}

"Dan's message hit home with a few of our team as I had a couple of guys approach me during the day commenting on the impact Dan's story had."

- Damien, General Manager, Eveready

"On behalf of ATG Projects we would like to thank Dan and Debbie for giving us the opportunity to have them visit our office, this has been by far one of the best things we have done with our team, I say that with all the respect for Dales family. This experience and learnings will be engraved in to our Safety Commitment and Values from here on end, we must ensure workers and young workers in particular take on work at our job sites in an environment that is safe to work in."

"Like many of us, Dale's plan was to make a living for his family and support them in every way possible, as of now everyone at ATG Projects will remember Dales Legacy."

- Samir Jaramillo, ATG Projects

_{Dan and Debbie at ATG Projects.}

Leave a comment for Debbie and Dan Kennedy

Such a tragic event. Thank you for sharing your story to raise awareness and help save lives.
Jade

A very moving video. It brought tears to my eyes. My son is also an Electrician, let's hope this video helps save lives.
Jackie

Such a touching story, beautifully and sensitively presented. A lesson for us all, not just those in the industry.
Jenny

Thank you for sharing this heartfelt story. Such a tragedy for a young family to go through, yet such bravery for the parents to speak out and raise awareness.
Felicity

What a powerful story! Your family have gone through so much. Thank you for sharing your story.
Julie

Your film is very moving. I hope you raise awareness.
Sam

Workplace visits

Your business can apply for Debbie and Dan Kennedy or another of Queensland's Safety Advocates to attend your event and share their story to increase awareness and influence behaviour change, free of charge.

I love you, Dad - The Dale Kennedy story

• Download a copy of this film (MP4, 1.3GB)

Consultative committee for work-related fatalities and serious incidents

If you have suffered as a result of a work-related fatality or serious injury, you can direct message a request to join a closed support group via our Support for families of workplace fatalities, illness and injuries Facebook page.