In 2000, Daryl survived a near-death ambush where he was TWICE SHOT — a moment that forged the high-performance blueprint he now shares with audiences globally. Drawing on his extraordinary story, he arms organisations to build resilience, enable courageous conversations, develop inspiring leadership, and execute brave decisions under fire.
Daryl’s road to recovery was a decade-long journey of grit, discipline, and reconstruction. While the shooting was a turning point, it was but one chapter in a distinguished 30-year policing career. Daryl’s return to the front line saw him serve as an investigator for the world-renowned Task Force Argos — dedicated to dismantling global child exploitation networks. For his exceptional bravery during the ambush, he was recognised with the Valour Award — the Queensland Police Service’s highest accolade — and a Group Bravery Citation awarded by the Governor-General of Australia, Sir Peter Cosgrove. The beginning of Daryl’s journey back to the front line was captured in an iconic episode of ABC’s Australian Story.
Today, Daryl delivers TWICE SHOT keynotes globally — translating lessons forged in the firestorm of adversity into visceral, cinematic storytelling experiences that captivate audiences from start to finish. Delivered with energy, wit, and optimism, his down-to-earth style connects through a gripping true story, raw authenticity, and actionable wisdom.
TWICE SHOT is much more than an epic story of survival — Daryl epitomises the resilience of the human spirit, equipping your people to perform, lead, and succeed when it matters most.
We’ve all had bullets slammed into us. Maybe not physically, but the impact is just as real: relentless disruption, high-stakes pressure, and firestorms that leave even the strongest teams, leaders, and organisations reeling. When those bullets hit, the first things to go are clarity, confidence, and momentum.
Bulletproof teams don’t avoid the hits. They absorb the impact, stay calm under fire, and analyse the situation. Then they act — making decisive calls, communicating with courage, and performing under pressure. They don’t just survive the impact; they emerge stronger, wiser, and drive performance with purpose.
Daryl equips your audience with a high-performance blueprint specifically tailored to your organisation’s unique circumstances. Through gripping storytelling, immersive visual production, and actionable wisdom, he delivers an unforgettable experience designed to forge:
Daryl doesn’t just inspire — he arms your people to perform when it matters most.
In 2001, Daryl was awarded the Queensland Police Service Valour Award — the Service’s highest honour for bravery. It recognises exceptional courage in hazardous circumstances.
Sixteen years after that fateful night, Daryl and his colleagues received a Group Bravery Citation from Australia’s Governor-General, Sir Peter Cosgrove — recognising their courage in extraordinary circumstances.
Daryl served as a Lifeline Ambassador from 2018 to 2025. His appointment was confirmed in a humbling letter from Lifeline Australia, supporting their mission of hope and crisis support across Australia. Watch the announcement Play
May Day, 2000. A routine call becomes a life-and-death struggle — Daryl is ambushed and shot in the face and shoulder from less than a metre away. Featuring a gripping re-enactment of the attack, this six-minute film by director Michael Hanson reconstructs the harrowing incident and documents Daryl’s journey to overcome fear, reclaim control, and return to purpose. A raw, visceral story with a powerful message for any leader.
The story of Daryl and his colleagues, captured the hearts of the nation when it featured in an iconic episode of Australian Story.
Announced as a Lifeline Australia Ambassador by CEO Bob Gilkes — recognising Daryl for his message of hope, courage and resilience.
Recognised by Professional Speakers Australia — celebrating professional excellence and mastery of the stage.
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