Michelle Hanton OAM

11/06/2026

Beautiful paddle and it's wonderful to see how popular it has become since it featured in our "In the Pink" episode of Australian Story back in 2004 - seems like yesterday! But it's 22 years ago 😲 Blessed to have completed this 3 times.

06/06/2026

Cooking is another way I choose to relax. Today was my first time making chutney 😃

05/06/2026

"Compete against yourself.

When you look outside — your rivals, your industry, your luck — there is always something to blame.

When you look inside — your process, your effort, your rate of learning — there is always something to improve.

Average looks out. Elite looks in." - James Clear

When I take my evening walks, I have quiet time to look inside myself. Amazing what reveals itself when you look inside yourself.

How often do you set aside time to regularly look inside yourself?

01/06/2026

Love this definition of a champion - it's so much more than a moment of glory.

A champion’s legacy isn’t defined by trophies alone, it’s defined by impact.

Titles come and go, but the real mark of greatness is what they make possible for others. For me, giving back has always been a big part of who I am.

There are two ways to make a real difference. You can share your knowledge, experience, and guidance with others following a similar path or you can improve the structure and environment within your sport so the next generation faces fewer obstacles.

For 15 years, I poured my energy into helping others through my Aim For The Stars Foundation, where we provide guidance, training, and financial support to help people reach their full potential, whether in sport, business, their careers or personal growth. It’s about giving people the tools to succeed and the confidence to push beyond their limits.

I love supporting young athletes, helping them navigate challenges and giving them advice to reach their potential. Some of the people I’ve mentored have gone on to incredible achievements. Others have told me that sometimes the moral support and guidance mattered even more than anything else.

I hear this often. The people I work with describe me as tough but compassionate, driven but grounded and that’s exactly who I am.

Beyond mentorship, I’ve worked to advocate for women’s surfing, even when that means challenging an unsympathetic group of men, or going unappreciated by some peers.

That’s the point. A champion isn’t only measured by titles or medals. A champion is measured by the doors they open for others, by the lives they inspire, by the paths they clear so the next generation can go further, faster, and with more support because success is only truly meaningful when you use it to lift others along the way.

01/06/2026

Hello June 👋 - first day of winter here in Australia 🦘

There was a distinct chill in the air this morning, definitely a few degrees cooler but totally gorgeous!

Simplify to Amplify is my theme for June :)

28/05/2026

Love this from NPR Law - check in on one another 😘

28/05/2026

One of the topics that frequently comes up when I chat with small business owners is them saying they feel "guilty" taking time out for themselves, away from business and family.

My answer is that unless you take care of yourself it's impossible to bring your best to your business. Do not feel guilty!

Protecting your own wellbeing should be your #1 priority. It's not selfish, it's being smart because you can't pour from an empty cup.

I know from my own situation that this is not easy to do, but it absolutely CAN be achieved if you are determined.

I've just enjoyed a 2 night mini-break; the timing was horrendous in terms of what was on my plate commitment wise.

I could have cancelled but followed my own advice that I regularly dish out, "we make time for what we truly want."

Now heading back to my little island desk feeling refreshed and relaxed 😀

22/05/2026

This is a great opportunity for those who are eligible!

We have an innovative new program offering eligible groups, including chambers of commerce and local councils, between $250,000 to $600,000 for initiatives that unlock regional opportunities and build long-term economic capacity.

From practical workshops to digital tools and business showcases, the Regional Business Gateways Program will provide tailored support to help small businesses grow and make a real difference in their communities!

Check out our comment below for how to apply.

22/05/2026

When you spend all your time working in your business, it is super easy to get off track.

Overwhelmed. Confused. Frustrated. Exhausted.

By contrast, when your actions are guided by clarity (instead of fear or doubt) then you approach each day with a sense of purpose and control.

Having a clear head is one of the key elements of the secret sauce for success.

That little voice inside your head is very good at whispering reasons not to do something.

❎Do not listen to it!

Here are 2 quick tips on how to get that little voice under control

✅ Surround yourself with positive people that celebrate your achievements.

✅ Be realistic - life is a learning process and every day you have the opportunity to learn and through learning you grow.

Unless we commit to being lifelong learners we will stagnate.

One way of learning is through therapeutic writing. The next course starts 1 July and this one has a twist!

👉 It is specifically designed for anyone running a small business or working for themselves.

Priced at $299 and running over 3 weeks at your own pace. It's tax deductible too as a business expense :)

PM if you'd like details.