Hannah Swinnerton’s story has been documented over more than a decade across local and national media, beginning with her decision in 2012 to address her school about the impact of bullying. Since then she has continued to build a public role centred on resilience, mental health advocacy and community connection. Today she is the station manager of Radio Western Port and host of Inspired to Soar with Hannah, a weekly interview program that has become a platform for people to share stories of growth and recovery.
Early Experiences
Hannah has spoken openly about the bullying she experienced from prep to year 12. She has consistently described how this behaviour affected every part of her school life, including in the classroom, on the way to and from school and later online. Her accounts of name calling, isolation, cyberbullying, prank calls and targeted harassment have been documented in earlier reporting, including national coverage of the speech she delivered to students at Western Port Secondary College in 2012 .
At the time she described the motivation behind that speech as an attempt to stop a cycle that had left her feeling unsafe, anxious and overwhelmed. The reaction reinforced the impact of her decision to speak up. Hannah has said that staff and students responded positively and that several students approached her afterwards to apologise.
Life After School
Hannah has since developed a public profile through advocacy, speaking engagements and media features. Her story has been the subject of local reporting, national interviews, and in 2022 she wrote in detail about her transition from what she called victim, to survivor, to thriver.
Over the past three years she has focused heavily on personal health and fitness, describing a long term goal to continue building physical and mental strength.
Hannah has also participated in the Special Olympics to further develop her swimming ability, reporting that the program has helped her build confidence and connections.
Radio Western Port
In 2024 Hannah began working with Radio Western Port in Hastings. The opportunity came after she contacted the station about sharing her experiences. The response led to the creation of Inspired to Soar with Hannah, a weekly interview program where she speaks with guests about resilience, adversity and personal growth. Hannah described the show as a reflection of what she has continued to learn about recovery and community support.
When STPL News met Hannah at the station she was preparing for her fiftieth episode. She has since produced 58 episodes and continues to expand the program. Hannah explained that Radio Western Port has provided her with a strong sense of purpose and that she has received extensive support from the volunteers, backers and wider community.
She noted positive guidance from Brett Thiedeman, Attics Health and encouragement from local councillors, particularly of MPSC ward councillor Michael Stephens. Hannah described the environment at the station as welcoming and said that everyone involved in the show has been supportive.
Interview Challenges and Decisions
During the visit, Hannah also discussed some of the more difficult conversations she has hosted, including interviews involving themes of grief and child loss. She said she approaches sensitive subjects carefully and prioritises the wellbeing of guests.
Hannah also confirmed that one of the individuals involved in the bullying she experienced during school contacted her requesting to appear on the program. She decided not to proceed with the interview and explained that the station fully supported her decision.
Looking Forward
Across all discussions Hannah was focused on continuing to grow and build on the work she has begun at the station. She said she is taking each day as it comes, maintaining forward momentum and trying to use her experiences to support others.
Her current role marks a significant shift from the isolation she described during her school years. Hannah said she now feels grounded in her work, connected to her community and motivated to keep developing the show.
