Lorin Nicholson

Location: Brisbane, QLD

Challenge: Blind

Website: lorin.com.au

Lorin Nicholson is fast becoming one of Australia's pre-eminent entertainers and motivational speakers. He has an imposing and unforgettable presence, and a musical ability that has attracted the genuine acclaim of critical experts. But more than that, Lorin is a decent bloke who personifies life's ideals, and unfailingly gifts an audience with something that is very special - an example of using the gifts that each of us has been given.

Many people consider living a normal life a huge achievement for some one who is blind. If this is the case, then Lorin is definitely not normal. At age four, doctors diagnosed Lorin with a genetic eye disease called Retinitis Pigmentosa RP and with only 10% sight, was declared legally blind.

Despite the enormous challenges of blindness growing up and the pessimistic views and low expectations of so many, it soon became obvious that Lorin possessed an incredible inner strength, resilience and determination that would see him destined for great things.

Today Lorin not only understands the keys and principles for success, he personifies them and now shares this knowledge and experience to thousands of audiences around the country and the globe.

In 2021 Lorin received the prestigious Order of Australia Medal OAM for his valued service and leadership to those who are blind, along with his inspirational work with youth and adult people across Australia.

Lorin's primary achievements include:

• Queensland Service Award
• Vision Australia's Person of the Year
• Brisbane person of the Year nominee
• Australian Person of the Year nominee

As one of Australia's most loved inspirational presenters, Lorin is a speaker with a huge difference.

Unlike the usual, naturally gifted celebrity athlete, business person and motivational speaker who chooses to become successful, Lorin was forced to dig deep, fight hard and muster every ounce of his will-power just to be normal. Amazingly, he continues to surge on to achieve far above and beyond most abled people. His clear method for success is delivered in a way that is real, authentic, personal, completely engaging and absolutely inspirational.

Lorin has become one of Australia's most successful independent recording and performing artists, with five albums to his credit, a golden guitar nomination, 3 Frater awards for excellence in the touring performance program, as well as winning 2015 music producer of the year at the Australian Celtic Music Awards. Lorin’s virtuoso skills as a guitarist has also earned him a lead-line endorsement with the prestigious Martin & Co Guitars, FBT audio, fishman amplifiers and Rode Microphones, as well as hundreds of newspaper articles, radio and television interviews and appearances including 60 Minutes and Channel Nine's nationally televised Carols by Candlelight.

Lorin's incredible guitar playing during his keynote speeches is always a huge hit for every member of his audience and adds another inspirational dimension at every event.

At age 16, Lorin's friends rightfully laughed and scoffed when he declared that he was about to attempt riding nearly 300km on a solo pushbike, over what is the third steepest mountain in Australia from Tamworth to the beach at Port Macquarie. The Amazing Bike Ride is the heart wrenching, heart stopping and heart warming true story of Lorin's incredible journey, along with the courageous support of his father John. The simple and powerful messages of resilience, determination and self belief conveyed throughout the story are bewilderingly inspirational and has earned Lorin a place on the New South Wales premiers reading challenge list for primary school students.

Over the past decade Lorin has shared his amazing music and inspirational life experiences in over 3000 concerts and presentations, to nearly a million people throughout Australia, New Zealand and the USA.

Lorin Nicholson at Boyup Brook Country Music Festival 2011