The production tells the remarkable true story of thousands of stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland, Canada that welcomed them. Although initially cultures clashed and nerves ran high, in the end uneasiness turned into trust and gratitude grew into enduring friendships.

 Eight years on this story still has relevance for us all.

“Kevin is a Compassion Ambassador and senior consultant to the global Charter for Compassion, and in this role he has agreed to come to Ballarat to give this talk,” Adjunct Research Fellow, Dr Lynne Reeder, a member of the Compassionate Ballarat group, said.

Kevin’s memoir, Stranded in Gander on 9/11 is the inspiration for an onstage character Kevin T in Come From Away.

Set in the week following the September 11 attacks it tells what transpired when 38 planes were ordered to land unexpectedly in the small town of Gander.

In addition to being a published writer, Kevin is also a social entrepreneur with 25 years of experience in behaviour change communications with local, state and federal governments.

Tuerff is a co-founder of America Recycles Day, which is now managed by Keep America Beautiful.

“Besides the epic tale of warmth, compassion, and the kindness of strangers in a strange place, this lecture also provides those interested in the arts with access to learn about a very successful Broadway production,” Director of the Arts Academy, Associate Professor Rick Chew, said.