We sat down with Camp Hero alumni Ruairi, now an Australian racing driver competing in the Porsche GT3 Cup, to talk about the lessons that have stayed with him long after camp. From defining what leadership looks like, to building the self-awareness and mental resilience needed in racing, Ruairi shares how his Camp Hero experience continues to shape the way he shows up, both in life and on the track.
Q: Looking back, how did your time at Camp Hero shape your outlook on leadership and supporting others?
Looking back, I didn’t really know what to expect going into Camp Hero, but it completely exceeded anything I’d imagined. Being a boarder in Perth, you’re around the same people every day and think you know them pretty well. Camp showed me that’s not always the case. Everyone has their own story and things going on beneath the surface that you’d never guess.
That realisation changed how I see leadership. It’s not just about taking charge – it’s about showing up for the people around you, being present, and being genuine. That’s what actually makes a difference.
Q: Was there a specific moment at Camp that shifted the way you think about helping a mate who’s struggling?
Camp brought together people from all kinds of backgrounds, and that was really eye-opening. Hearing what some people were going through made me realise how different everyone’s experiences can be, and how much I’d taken for granted.
It gave me a sense of gratitude, but more importantly, it made me more aware of what others might be dealing with. You just never know what someone’s going through behind closed doors, and that’s something I carry with me every day now.
Q: You’ve learnt suicide prevention skills by doing safeTALK- can you share a time since Camp when you’ve used them to support someone?
A couple of moments come to mind. In the boarding house, there was a mate who went really quiet and just wasn’t himself. I didn’t make a big deal out of it, I just sat with him, had a chat when I could, and made sure he knew I was there. No pressure, no agenda.
Another time, a close mate went through a major family loss. That was harder, because you want to help but don’t want to overwhelm them. Camp helped me find that balance – just being present, consistent, and checking in without making it feel like a big “welfare check”.
That’s what safeTALK gave me. Not a script, but the confidence to show up in the right way, at the right time.
Q: Motorsports requires intense focus, discipline and mental strength. Are there lessons from Camp Hero you use when racing?
Racing and Camp Hero actually have a lot in common. On the track, you’ve got to stay calm under pressure, block out the noise, and trust the process – and that’s exactly what camp helped me build.
The self-awareness I gained, especially around how I respond under stress and how to regulate that, has made me a better driver. Racing isn’t just physical – it’s so much about what’s going on in your head.
Q: How do you define leadership, and how has your understanding evolved since Camp Hero?
Leadership is about making decisions – sometimes tough ones – and being accountable for them. But it’s also about how you bring people with you.
Camp Hero helped me understand that the best leaders lead by example, keep people connected, and make sure no one gets left behind. When people feel valued and supported, everything works better – whether that’s a race team or just a group of mates.
That’s the kind of leader I want to be.
Q: What advice would you give to young people about looking out for their mates, prioritising wellbeing, and chasing their goals?
Don’t wait for someone to ask for help – check in on your mates, even the ones who seem fine.
And when it comes to chasing your goals, don’t sacrifice your mental health to get there. The two aren’t in competition. When you’re in a good headspace, you actually perform better and enjoy it more.
Back yourself – but also back the people around you. That balance is everything.
