Gavin Wanganeen is one of the most respected figures in Australian sport and culture. A former AFL superstar, he is the only Brownlow Medallist (1993) to have won AFL Premierships with two clubs (Essendon and Port Adelaide). Beyond his football achievements, Gavin is widely recognised for his leadership, integrity and advocacy.

A proud Noongar man, Gavin has built a powerful post‑football career as a contemporary Indigenous artist as well as a mentor, speaker and health advocate. His work focuses on strengthening connection, identity and wellbeing within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, while using his profile to drive meaningful social change across Australia.

Gavin Wanganeen has been a passionate advocate and ambassador for the Jodi Lee Foundation since the early days of the Talking Sh!t campaign, which launched in 2021 and gained momentum nationally throughout 2022. Recognising the critical need to break down stigma and silence around bowel health, particularly in Aboriginal communities, Gavin has used his voice, influence and lived experience to help start conversations many people find difficult.

Through Talking Sh!t, Gavin has played a key role in raising awareness of bowel cancer prevention, early detection and screening, especially among remote, rural and Indigenous communities where stigma, limited access to healthcare and lower screening rates continue to contribute to later diagnoses and poorer outcomes. His involvement has helped normalise conversations around bowel health in culturally appropriate, respectful and relatable ways.

Today, Gavin continues to work closely with the Jodi Lee Foundation to champion the importance of regular bowel screening, reinforcing the message that early detection saves lives. Through community engagement, public campaigns and advocacy, he remains committed to ensuring more Australians, particularly those most at risk, feel informed, empowered and supported to take part in bowel cancer screening and prevention initiatives.