Resilient Project: Nurturing Resilience, Inspiring Change.
Resilient Project: Nurturing Resilience, Inspiring Change.
Empowering Resilience Together
Our Mission
Led by , educator, broadcaster, child advocate and author Deborah Sugirthakumar, The Resilient Project is a platform created to inspire change through lived experience, professional knowledge, and practical tools. This space exists to empower families, uplift children, and educate communities through conversations, creativity, and compassion.
Here, we believe that resilience isn't just built, it's nurtured. Through radio, writing, workshops, and personalised resources, Deborah brings together advocacy and healing to raise awareness about mental health, family violence, parenting, and youth wellbeing.
About Deborah
Educator • Author • Broadcaster • Advocate
Deborah Sugirthakumar holds a Bachelor of Health Science majoring in Psychology and Health Promotion from Deakin University, a Certificate of Education from Monash University, and a Certificate in Identifying and Responding to Domestic and Family Violence from The University of Melbourne.
With over a decade of experience in public services, Deborah now works in a secondary school as a Wellbeing Educator, supporting young people with empathy, insight, and lived experience. She is also a 2024 Wyndham Living Book Speaker, sharing her personal journey.
Deborah has 16+ years in radio broadcasting, beginning with WYN FM’s Tamil Multicultural Program Vaanisai. She currently hosts Mindful Moments on 88.9FM, a fortnightly radio show dedicated to parenting, mental health, and resilience. She is also the current secretary of 88.9WYN Fm. She is the proud author of the book Raising Resilient Families a heartfelt guide to raising emotionally intelligent children in a safe, conscious home.
Accolades & Recognition
Deborah's dedication to advocacy, mental health awareness, and community empowerment has been recognised through several prestigious accolades.
- 2024 – The Power of Peace Award, presented on United Nations International Peace Day by the Centre of Melbourne Multi Faith and Others Network.
- 2024- Wyndham City Council Living Books acknowledgment
- 2025 – Nominated for the BEAM Awards in the category of Creative Leader of The Year.
- 2025 - Winner International Impact Book Award in Self-Help- Emotional Resilience and Healing.
- 2025 – Nominated for the Women Changing The World Award in the Rising Star category.
- 2025 – Nominated for the ABLE Golden Book Awards in the Health and Wellbeing category.
- 2025- Judge Community Broadcasting Association Australia Awards
- 2025- Winner Bronze ABLE Book Awards
- 2025 - Aus Tamil Tv Award for Volunteer Contribution to Multicultural Society
Programs & Services
Deborah offers a range of community-driven services, including:
- Keynote Speaking for schools, events, and organisations
- Parenting & Youth Empowerment Workshop
- Digital Safety Workshops
- Facilitated Conversations on Domestic & Family Violence Prevention
- Deborah is available for guest appearances, including judging panels, media interviews, and expert discussions on mental health, empowerment, and family wellbeing.
As part of the Resilient Project, nonprofit organisations are offered a complimentary 20-minute keynote speaking session to support their community initiatives, subject to proof of nonprofit status.
Personalised Products
Empower your home, school, or community with purpose-designed resources:
- Personalised Products
Every product is created with intention—to support healing, build connection, and promote resilience
Book & Radio
Raising Resilient Families – A powerful guide for parents raising emotionally intelligent, respectful boys. Drawing from Deborah’s own journey, this book blends storytelling with strategies to create connected, safe, and values-driven family life.
Mindful Moments – Tune in fortnightly Sundays from 9–10AM on 88.9FM, where Deborah hosts heartfelt conversations with experts, survivors, and advocates on topics including mental health, parenting, body safety, and cultural healing.
📰 Deborah’s voice has also been featured in The Westsider, where she regularly writes on family wellbeing and community resilience.