Mental health leaders graduate from mentoring and development programme

This project aims to support the further development of consumer and carer mental health leaders and advocates, and find and develop the next generation of leaders. It is an initiative of the National Mental Health Commission in collaboration with Mental Health Australia, and with the support of the National Mental Health Consumer and Carer Forum.

In addition to an individual mentoring and leadership development program in 2014, participants also had the opportunity to contribute to the National Mental Health Commission’s work and national forums.

The graduates are:

• Julie Anderson (VIC)
• Dean Barton-Smith AM (VIC)
• Michael Burge OAM (QLD)
• Jen Coulls (SA)
• Fay Jackson (NSW)
• Lyn Mahboub (WA)
• Sarah McFarlane-Eagle (NSW)
• Rod McKay (NSW)
• Lei Ning (VIC)
• Rebecca Randall (ACT)
• Sebastian Robertson (NSW)

National Mental Health Commission Chair Prof. Allan Fels said: “The Commission believes strongly in the importance of developing the capacity of the consumer and carer movement, and in the power of lived experience, whether from personal experience or supporting someone else.

“We congratulate and welcome this group of mental health leaders and look forward to their ongoing contribution to mental health reform. We are all aiming and working for the same thing – helping ensure that all Australians live a contributing life, and achieve the best possible mental health and wellbeing.

“I would also like to acknowledge the efforts of Robyn Kruk AM, former CEO of the Commission and Janet Meagher AM, former National Mental Health Commissioner, who initiated and sponsored the programme, and provided leadership and mentoring throughout. Their support for this initiative has been immense, and they have placed incredible importance on helping develop the capacity of mental health leadership in Australia, which should be commended.”