AusIMM is thrilled to announce Sam Bloom, World Para Surfing Champion and inspiration behind the Hollywood film Penguin Bloom, as the keynote speaker for the International Women’s Day Series in Brisbane on Thursday, 27 February 2025.

Sam Bloom's story is one of extraordinary resilience, love, and determination, a tale that has captured hearts around the world through her bestselling book and the Netflix sensation Penguin Bloom, starring Naomi Watts. At this special lunch event in Brisbane, Sam will share her incredible journey of transformation, reflecting on how a single moment reshaped her life, and how she found the strength to rise again.

A Life-Changing Moment

In 2013, Sam’s life changed forever during a family holiday in Thailand. An innocent moment leaning on a balcony railing led to a devastating six-metre fall onto concrete. The impact shattered her spine, ruptured her lungs, and caused severe brain injuries.

Facing the permanent loss of her mobility, Sam was physically and emotionally crushed. As she described it, she no longer felt like the active, adventurous mother she once was, and she struggled to find purpose in her new reality.

However, an unexpected encounter with a tiny magpie chick her family named Penguin changed everything. Penguin became a symbol of hope for Sam, helping her rediscover the determination to fight for her life and her family. 

A Story That Resonates

Sam and Penguin’s journey of parallel recovery, captured by her husband Cameron Bloom’s stunning photography, became the foundation for the bestselling book Penguin Bloom. The story’s profound beauty and universal message of resilience were brought to global attention with the 2021 film adaptation, which became a #1 box-office hit in Australia and trended worldwide on Netflix.

Sam’s journey is more than a story of overcoming adversity; it’s a testament to the power of love, family, and unwavering courage.

Driving Positive Change Together

Speaking on her upcoming keynote at AusIMM’s International Women’s Day Series, Sam shares: 

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I’ll be sharing how, in a single moment, my whole life came crashing down. My journey back from the edge of death and depths of despair as a woman is so much more than an account of overcoming adversity. I’m so excited to be speaking at AusIMM’s International Women’s Day Series in Brisbane. Join me to celebrate International Women’s Day and continue to drive positive change together.

Sam’s keynote will explore themes of resilience, personal transformation, and the collective strength of community.

The Brisbane audience will also have the opportunity to engage directly with Sam in an exclusive Q&A session, where she will answer questions about her journey and offer insights into finding strength in the face of challenges.

Under the 2025 theme Driving Positive Change Together, this IWD lunch offers attendees the chance to reflect, connect, and be inspired by Sam’s incredible story. Her address will highlight the importance of embracing life’s challenges as opportunities for growth and will empower participants to create meaningful change in their workplaces and communities.

Seats are limited and will likely sell out, so don’t miss your opportunity to hear from one of Australia’s most inspiring figures. Secure your spot today and be part of this extraordinary celebration of resilience, inclusion, and the power of positive change.