Hey, I’m Maddy.

I help leaders and organisations turn lived experience into meaningful change.

About Me

I grew up as a Young Carer. At nine, I launched the Carenet Kids Club and began running fundraising events for young people like me. At 16, I founded Little Dreamers, now Australia's leading organisation supporting Young Carers aged 4 to 25, with more than 50 staff across Victoria, NSW and Queensland.

I’m a Churchill Fellow, a 2025 Victorian finalist for Australian of the Year, and a member of the National Carer Strategy Reference Group. I have delivered a TEDx talk and keynoted international conferences, bringing lived experience, leadership and policy insight to audiences across government, corporate, health and education.

As seen in

SBS

The Wire

ABC

Channel 7

AAP

Triple J

Channel 9

What I Bring

Lived Experience, Real Expertise

I lived it as a Young Carer, built a national organisation in response, and helped shape policy at a national level. I bring every side of the story to the stage, with honesty, humility, and the insight that only comes from doing the work.

Inspiration with Action

I never leave an audience with emotion alone. Every talk is built around practical, achievable steps, so people walk away moved, equipped and ready to create change in their workplace, school or community.

Tailored to You

From Year 12 students to senior executives, I shape each presentation around your audience and goals, and I’m comfortable across keynotes, panels and facilitated Q&As.

Medal of the Order of Australia

For service to the community, 2019
Young Victorian of the Year

Awarded in 2023
17 Years Leading Change

Founded Little Dreamers at 16

Introducing the story of Hannah and her younger brother Alex, who has a chronic illness and is often in and out of hospital. Hannah helps out around the house and likes to make sure that Alex has his teddy bear and is well looked after.

Based on a true story, Hannah grows up wanting to be a doctor so that she can help out other kids just like her brother. This book explores the frustrations Hannah faces when all of the attention is constantly on her brother and she wonders why no one seems to care about her.

This is a story about love, hope and resilience.

Written by Madeleine Buchner, illustrated by Lisa Buchner

My Brother is Sick Again

Keynote Topics

Nothing for Us, Without Us

Why lived experience belongs at the decision-making table, and how leaders can move from consultation to genuine co-design.

The Hidden Workforce

Practical ways organisations and governments can recognise and support the carers already in their workplaces and communities.

Started at Nine

How a Young Carer’s personal story became a national movement, and what it teaches us about purpose, resilience and leadership.

Watch me Speak

Watch my TEDx talk, where I share the story behind Little Dreamers and why every carer deserves to be seen.

In Their Words

“Maddy’s keynote inspired and mobilised our students. Her ability to connect, empower and ignite purpose is exceptional.”

Amber Elliott, Monash University

“Maddy Buchner is one of the world’s leading thought leaders on Young Carers.”

Professor Saul Becker, Manchester Metropolitan University

“Madeleine Buchner OAM was one of the most memorable speakers at our Westpac Scholars Summit.”

Alissa Nightingale, Westpac Scholars Trust

“She distils complex ideas into simple, pragmatic and impactful insights.”

Kosta Bagiartakis, Holstep Health

Let’s work together

Whether it’s a keynote, panel or facilitated conversation, I’d love to hear about your event and how I can help your audience think differently and act with purpose.

Enquire now

FAQ

I speak on lived experience leadership, carer-inclusive workplaces and systems, and my journey from Young Carer to national advocate. Each topic can be adapted to suit your audience and event.
Keynotes, panel discussions, facilitated Q&A, workshops and online presentations are my jam, for audiences ranging from students to senior leaders.
Yes! I work closely with each client before the event to understand their audience, goals and context, so the presentation feels relevant and lands with impact.
I am based in Melbourne, and available for events across Australia, internationally and online.
Fees vary depending on the format, location, and length of the engagement. Please get in touch for a tailored quote.
As early as possible, as dates can fill up quickly! I’m always happy to discuss shorter timeframes where I can.