From the Frontlines to the Heartlines: Storytelling for Recovery and Resilience
Tracks
Prince Room and Virtual via OnAIR
| Monday, March 2, 2026 |
| 2:15 PM - 2:45 PM |
Overview
Con Patralis, Lived Experience Australia
Details
Three Key Learnings:
The Power of Storytelling in Recovery Understanding Identity Disruption in Emergency Services Integrating Lived Experience into Systemic Change
The Power of Storytelling in Recovery Understanding Identity Disruption in Emergency Services Integrating Lived Experience into Systemic Change
Speaker
Mr Con Patralis
Facilitator / Trainer
Lived Experience Australia
From the Frontlines to the Heartlines: Storytelling for Recovery and Resilience
Presentation Overview
Presentation Title:
From the Frontlines to the Heartlines: Storytelling for Recovery and Resilience
Presenter:
Con Patralis
Founder – RealLink GLOBAL
Facilitator – Lived Experience Australia
Presentation Abstract:
This presentation explores the role of storytelling as a peer-led tool for recovery and reconnection among frontline emergency service workers. Drawing on over three decades of lived experience in the fire and rescue sector, including more than 20 years in critical incident stress response, Con Patralis examines how storytelling can offer not just reflection, but realignment – anchoring identity, building purpose, and creating bridges for healing across teams and generations.
The session will focus on real-world applications of narrative practice in the peer support space, touching on how story-sharing fosters psychological safety, cultural change, and emotional literacy. Participants will be invited to consider the enduring power of personal narrative within the high-impact context of emergency services, and how it can be used to move individuals and teams from burnout toward resilience.
The presentation will include lived experience reflection, thematic framing, and practical insights for frontline leaders, peer workers, and wellbeing practitioners. It will speak to the power of story as a frontline tool not just for recovery, but for reconnection to what matters most.
From the Frontlines to the Heartlines: Storytelling for Recovery and Resilience
Presenter:
Con Patralis
Founder – RealLink GLOBAL
Facilitator – Lived Experience Australia
Presentation Abstract:
This presentation explores the role of storytelling as a peer-led tool for recovery and reconnection among frontline emergency service workers. Drawing on over three decades of lived experience in the fire and rescue sector, including more than 20 years in critical incident stress response, Con Patralis examines how storytelling can offer not just reflection, but realignment – anchoring identity, building purpose, and creating bridges for healing across teams and generations.
The session will focus on real-world applications of narrative practice in the peer support space, touching on how story-sharing fosters psychological safety, cultural change, and emotional literacy. Participants will be invited to consider the enduring power of personal narrative within the high-impact context of emergency services, and how it can be used to move individuals and teams from burnout toward resilience.
The presentation will include lived experience reflection, thematic framing, and practical insights for frontline leaders, peer workers, and wellbeing practitioners. It will speak to the power of story as a frontline tool not just for recovery, but for reconnection to what matters most.
Biography
Con Patralis is the founder of RealLink GLOBAL, a consultancy built on lived experience, peer support, mentoring, and frontline recovery. He served over 30 years with the Metropolitan Fire Brigade Melbourne, including 20 years in critical incident stress response, gaining deep insight into trauma, identity, and resilience.
Con has also worked as a Lived Experience Peer Support Worker across adult mental health and suicide prevention. He now facilitates training with Lived Experience Australia, promoting the voices of lived and living experience across diverse sectors, helping shape recovery-focused approaches in emergency services, mental health, and community peer support.
