Dr Jorian (Jo) Kippax is an emergency physician, disaster response specialist, and search and rescue expert whose career has been defined by decisive action in life-threatening situations. Recognised as an Australian of the Year in 2026, Jo brings audiences powerful insights into leadership, teamwork, and composure under extreme pressure.
In 2024, Jo was part of a specialist rescue team tasked with freeing a whitewater rafter trapped in perilous rapids on Tasmania's Franklin River. The patient, Lithuanian rafter Valdas Bieliauskas, was submerged in freezing water with his leg pinned. Jo and his team performed an underwater amputation to free him, ultimately saving his life. Throughout the rescue, Jo guided the team with professionalism, courage, and remarkable calmness. For this act, the President of Lithuania awarded Jo the nation's Life Saving Cross, which he humbly accepted on behalf of his team.
This extraordinary rescue is just one chapter in Jo's long career dedicated to saving lives in challenging circumstances. As a keynote speaker, Jo shares the principles that guide effective decision-making in crisis: clear communication, trust within teams, and the ability to remain focused when the stakes are highest. His stories resonate with leaders across industries who face high-pressure environments and must inspire their teams to perform when it matters most.
