Senior Sergeant QLD Police
I completed my pursuits driving lecture...all in all I found it fairly informative but dry type of subject...until I heard your input...May I say how truly touched I was by your part in this lecture...I've been in the job for over 25 years and have seen most things, but your story, your downright guts truly touched me...I just wanted to say that you made a difference to me and I'm sure that you and your sons make a difference to everyone you touch through your story.
Guests who attended the Attitudinal Driver Workshop Maroochydore 2008
- I just wanted to say how blown away I was by your presentation last night. Your message is a very powerful one - it was both an honour to have met you and to have heard your story...your energy as you speak almost has a glow about it...which seems to reflect not the tragedy of your loss, but the divine purpose of a life so short lived. It was truly inspirational.
- I attended the Attitude Driving Awareness Workshop last night with my daughter...each of us went away with our own personal opinions and perspectives...I personally couldn't go to sleep as I thought about each and every word you spoke and I felt so different...thank you for making such a difference to our lives...
Cancer Council QLD
Cancer Council QLD is pleased to recommend Anita Rowland as a community speaker. Anita recently addressed a group of Cancer Council QLD workshop participants on the subject of advocacy, community responsibility and the law. She delivered a passionate and engaging presentation, leaving a lasting impression on workshop participants who benefited greatly from her experience and advice. Importantly, her presentation was highly informative and educational. Anita is an articulate compassionate and compelling speaker. I recommend her without reservation.
Sergeant QLD Police
Just a quick email to firstly thank you for your attendance at the Attitudinal Workshop last night. I can't begin to comprehend how you find the inner strength to do what you do. You are truly an amazing person. Your presentation was incredibly powerful and thought provoking and had a profound effect on the audience and me personally. I have 31 years experience as an operational officer and have dealt with more serious road incidents than I wish to remember. I thought I was reasonably 'well conditioned' to the emotions involved with dealing with these jobs. That was until I heard you speak. Thank you...you have an amazing strength of character.
Mark Williams, GM Travel & Tourism Sales, Queensland Rail
During our journey through life we continue to learn, however on occasions we see or hear something that is truly life changing. Anita Rowland's story was a life changer for me. I have five children with three of them toddlers. There were times that the broken sleeps used to annoy me. After listening to Anita talk about her life and the loss of her beautiful Jet, the life changing injuries to her and Bailey and the sense of loss felt by her husband, Paul. I now look at my cheeky curly haired twin boys and thank Anita daily for giving me a firm slap of reality - Anita is amazing and demonstrates a strength only a mother could have.
Robert Hamilton, LTCOL
'Anita has represented the Queensland Police Service at a number of the Driving Attitude Workshops conducted in support of the Defence personnel here in Townsville and in my opinion her speaking role has been pivotal to their success. The very strong message she delivers is universal and delivered in a manner which appeals to both the logic and the heart of those in attendance - powerful stuff'.
Carole Horne - Producer Channel 7 Brisbane
In 2009, I had the privilege of meeting and speaking at length with Anita Rowland during the production of a road safety television documentary for Queensland Transport called Here for Life.
Anita is one of those rare people who embody all that's honourable about the human spirit. In the wake of the unthinkable pain of losing her child, Anita has been able to - not simply carry on with life - but find the strength and endurance to repeatedly share her story so that others will never have to walk in her shoes.
Yet the terrible sadness of her presentation carries more than the simple message to stay safe on the roads. Anita's sensitive and dignified sharing of what happened to her and her family somehow reconnects us to those things that we too often take for granted - the love of our families, the joy and value of life and our responsibility as individuals to make a better and safer world for everyone.
Anita's dedication to the cause of saving lives on the road is laudable enough - but behind the public campaigning is a woman with an incredible depth of compassion and generosity which she frequently and freely shares with others.
She is genuinely an inspiration on so many levels and I wish her every success in all her endeavours.
Erin Edwards, Journalist 7 News
"I'm never going to slide or speed again"... this was the reaction of an 18 year old hoon who'd just listened to Anita Rowland tell her family's sad story.
He is just one of hundreds of young men and women who've heard Anita speak, and immediately changed their driving habits. No more speeding, No more drink driving, No more dangerous driving.
It's impossible not to be moved when Anita talks about that terrible day on the Logan Motorway on February 28, 2004, when her son Jett died and Bailey lost the use of his legs. Even people who've heard her story several times before, will often be found crying in their seat. She's compelling and convincing� so much so when you get in your car to leave� you can't help but think of Anita and her family which was torn apart.
Peter McMahon, Director of Students, Pacific Lutheran College.
At times when asked to write a testimonial for someone the task is difficult, not because there is little to write but because any length of testimonial would not do justice to the person, her deeds and all that she stands for. Such is the case with Anita Rowland.
Anita has been associated with Pacific Lutheran College for the past three years through our College's motor vehicle accident prevention program - "It's Up To You".
Anita has a very powerful and very personal story that she delivers to our groups.She speaks with great courage as she re-tells the day that changed her family's life forever.One cannot help but feel the enormous loss, the grief and the pain that she and her husband went through. How one person's decision to ignore his medical condition had devastating consequences for many others.The image of Jet's tiny white coffin is one that will stay with the students and staff for a great deal of time.
Anita's presentation is so powerful that for many months after the presentation students will speak to me regarding what Anita said about taking count of what is happening around you, being responsible for yourself and remaining vigilant when your friends are driving or maybe going to drive when they shouldn't.I am sure that because of Anita and her story, she has spared the College's year 12 students from a greater number of incidents and injuries from motor vehicle accidents.
I am hoping the association between Anita Rowland and Pacific Lutheran College is one that will last for many years.