FLOURISH AUSTRALIA - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- General Manager, Services
MBA Aidan's dedicated, 35 year career in Mental Health began in 1980 as a Clinical Nurse Specialist in a mental health inpatient setting. He is now responsible for Operational Management of mental health services in metro, regional and rural NSW and South East Queensland.
Shedding light on the value of investing in the life-changing work Flourish Australia do for families impacted by complex mental health issues has deeply personal meaning for her. Alison is on a mission to enlighten those who are in a position to make a difference, on the real cost of mental health issues to our communities, by bringing her media skills and connections to The Flourish Foundation.
Job Titles:
- General Manager, Services
B Ed (Econ & Geog), Dip Comm Mgt, MAICD Absolutely passionate about social justice, inclusion and empowering people to participate in making decisions that will impact their lives, Andrew worked for the NSW Ombudsman and managed out of care programs, before transitioning to the mental health sector. He co-founded CREATE, the national peak organisation for young people in and out of home care and his published work includes a co-authored book for people studying youth work and articles about inclusion and participation in decision making, in state and national journals.
An accomplished senior finance executive and carer for his daughter on her recovery journey, Andrew's experience fuels his powerful advocacy for people experiencing mental health issues, their families and carers. Andrew applies skills acquired during 30 years in corporate finance, with the Westfield Group, ASX20 and PWC, to improving mental health services. He is a Board Director and Treasurer for Mental Health Carers NSW and provides consultation, governance and guidance on the strategic direction and development of Headspace, Western Sydney.
Multi award winning singer, conductor, teacher, composer, director and recording artist, Jonathon Welch is one of Australia's most unique and diverse artists with a career spanning four decades.
Highly regarded as a clinician, academic, teacher and administrator, Josey has many roles, including as a consultant psychiatrist at the Black Dog Institute, Clinical Director at Royal Far West, a conjoint Associate Professor with UNSW, a Psychiatrist Member of the NSW Mental Health Review Tribunal, and a member of the NSW Mental Health Commission's Community Advisory Council. Josey has specialised in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry for more than 20 years, and championed the development of young people's services in Western Sydney, including our highly successful Young People's Outreach Program, and three Headspace centres in Western Sydney. She currently provides psychiatry consultation via telehealth to headspace Broken Hill and Orange, and provides an onsite clinic at headspace Bankstown, on behalf of Black Dog Institute.
As Managing Partner of NGS Global, and in her earlier career with Gartner and Melbourne Business School, working with industry and government leaders helped Marianne to understand the many different paths they follow. Like managing the uncertainty of sailing open seas on a small yacht, we have some idea of where we want to end up, but won't achieve this by attempting to head in a straight line. We must deal with the vagaries of weather, wind and waves by tacking; an approach to navigating change that she addresses, in a personal way, in her book: The Agile Executive: Embracing Career Risks and Rewards.
Job Titles:
- General Manager, Inclusion
B Crea Vis Arts, Dip Ed. A multi-award winning national and motivational speaker, educator, advocate and voice for mental health, Fay is renowned for her unique ability to break down barriers and engage diverse audiences on matters of mental health. Fay is regularly engaged to advise the NSW and federal governments, and NGOs, on the state and conditions of mental illness and mental health in the community, services and workplace. She was awarded the inaugural Mental Health First Aid Champion and oversees the development of our peer workforce.
An Olympic gold medallist, Herb is one of Australia's all-time sporting champions and much-loved Australian heroes. He was CEO of Puma Australia from 1985 to 1995 and President of Puma North America from 1995 to 1997. He has been a Director of Pacific Dunlop and Ansell Ltd and was Chairman of Fortescue Metals Ltd for many years.
Job Titles:
- Chief Executive Director of the Yoorook Justice Commission
Hugh brings over two decades of human rights law experience advocating for positive change for people and communities whose rights are at risk. He currently works as the Chief Executive Officer of the Yoorrook Justice Commission and previously led the Human Rights Law Centre and the Victorian Federation of Community Legal Centres. Hugh has served as a Commissioner of the Victorian Law Reform Commission and a Director of the Sentencing Advisory Council and has performed a number of not-for-profit board and advisory roles. Hugh started his legal career at the law firm Mallesons. He has served as a board member of the National Association of Community Legal Centres and on the Advisory Council of the University of Melbourne Law School. Hugh also helped to establish knowmore - the national service that provides free legal support to survivors of child abuse.
Hugh is the Chief Executive Director of the Yoorook Justice Commission and has two decades of human rights law policy and practice experience. Amongst other roles, Hugh has served as a Commissioner of the Victorian Law Reform Commission, Director of the Sentencing Advisory Council and Executive Officer of the Victorian Federation of Community Legal Centres.
Working together, we can bring about change and realise a shared vision of a better future where people with lived experience of complex mental health issues can reach their potential and flourish. We can end stigma and discrimination and we can secure dignity, equality, respect, understanding and hope.
Job Titles:
- General Manager, Services
MBA James has been working in the non-profit sector since 1991, including managing disability employment programs in Victoria for MIFV and Ostara Australia, and in NSW for Flourish Australia after returning from a 10 year posting in Europe in 2009. Prior to this James held senior positions branches of C3 Church in Byron Bay, Amsterdam and London between 1991-2009. He also operated as the European Regional Director for C3 International between 2003-2009. James has led the reform of Flourish Australia's Community Business (ADE) program over the last three years following a role as head of program for the organisation's DES program.
Janet advocated for many years to have a national representative organisation for mental health consumers and for the need for continual reform of mental health services with consumer leadership.
Jeremy is the Chief Economist and a Partner in PWC's National Economics and Policy Team, for more than 20 years he has advised and provided expertise, to major corporations, and to all levels of government both in Australia and internationally.
Job Titles:
- Independent Chair of AusPayNet
John Brogden was appointed as the Independent Chair of AusPayNet (the Australian Payments Network) in January 2022 and in February 2022 joined the Board of Colonial First State (CFS) Superannuation Fund and Avanteos Investments Limited (AIL).
In January 2012, John was appointed the Chairman of the NSW Government State Owned Corporation Landcom and was its CEO from May 2018 to April 2022. From 2015 to 2017, John was the Managing Director & CEO of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Prior to this, he was CEO of the Financial Services Council from 2009 to 2015 and CEO of Manchester Unity from 2006 to 2008. John is the President of LifeLine International and Patron of Lifeline Australia, serving as its Chairman from 2012 to 2021. He is a leading international advocate for suicide prevention. From 1996 to 2005, John was the Member for Pittwater in the NSW Parliament. In 2002, he was elected Leader of the Opposition - the youngest person ever to lead a major political party in Australia. John holds a Masters of Public A airs from the University of Sydney and is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
An experienced technology entrepreneur, Kareem brings over 30 years of Digital Transformation expertise, advocating for the use of innovation as an enabler and differentiator for organisations. Having built and run his own Digital Consultancy, Kareem's training in both computer science and psychology has enabled him to transform numerous businesses across many domains in Australia, the US, and the UK. This includes many world-first digital projects that utilise technology to help make a positive impact.
Luc's inherent curiosity and courage led him to blaze the trail for elite Australian basketballers becoming the first Australian to play in the NBA. He also represented Australia in three Olympic Teams including at the 1988 Seoul Olympics which delivered Australia's best result for the Men's Team.
Recognised for his significant service to community health, our CEO Mark Orr, has worked extensively in disability services and guardianship, as well as championing HIV prevention, care and support, and LGBTI health care and rights for decades.
Mark has a deep commitment to social justice and social inclusion and it's what he loves about the work of Flourish Australia. Being part of the Flourish Foundation Australia is exciting for him because it means working alongside passionate people who share a similar vision to make the world a better place for everyone, particularly people with lived experience of a complex mental health issue.
B Bus, Grad Dip App Fin and Invest, CA, GAICD Responsible for providing financial management leadership and advice in support of a culture that values financial stability, Megan is our senior finance professional. She develops and maintains financial systems and controls to safeguard financial information and assets and maintain high standards of ethical financial governance. Megan has proven change management skills and is a powerful advocate for the people she works with and for.
Job Titles:
- Service Planning and Innovation Manager
Megan is the Service Planning and Innovation Manager for Sydney Local Health District's Mental Health Services. Originally trained as an Occupational Therapist, Megan has worked clinically across inpatient and community services, and undertaken service planning and research, all with a strong commitment to consumer led, community oriented, rights based supports for people with lived experience.
Job Titles:
- General Manager, Business Excellence
BSc Eng (Hons), M Eng, MBA, M Law, JP A qualified Engineer, Mohammed manages our formal quality, environmental management and work health safety programs, including independent accreditation against Australian and International standards. Mohammed has worked in mental health for 23 years including a supervisory role in the Australian Disability Enterprises and as GM, Community Businesses at PRA. He previously served 8 years as an Engineer with the the Royal Jordanian Air Force and has managed a paper converting factory.
Job Titles:
- Manager, Consumer Services for North Shore Ryde
Paula is the Manager, Consumer Services for North Shore Ryde, Mental Health Service, and a surveyor for the Australian Council on Health Care Standards.
Being fully seen and supported by Flourish Australia brought about such a profound shift in his own recovery journey that his hope is to make that same opportunity available to all Australians, by strategically guiding the growth of the Flourish Foundation Australia's charitable profile.
As an independent consultant, and Executive Director of Donorcentricity P/L, Peter have advised and counselled organisations including Flourish Australia, The Sutherland Hospital and Garrawarra Centre, St John of God Healthcare, Mosman Environmental Foundation, The Powerhouse Museum and The National Art School. Current appointments include Non-Executive Director Stronger Smarter Institute, Catalyst for Renewal - Spirituality in the Pub, Spirituality on the Sofa. Peter holds a Bachelor of Science (Pathology) and Bachelor of Arts (Music).
Job Titles:
- Chief Development Officer
B Comm, CPA An innovative executive whose experience is comprehensive across leadership, strategy, branding, marketing, finance, not-for-profit, mergers and strategy, Peter spearheads our growth strategy, in partnership with our CEO. He is responsible for identifying strategic opportunities at a State and National level for current and new services, social enterprise and new business ventures. Peter drives the establishment of new major partnerships, the continued growth and extension of our services and our branding, marketing and fundraising. He also served as CEO of the Kids Cancer Project - an independent National charity supporting childhood cancer research.
A 54-year career as a full-time motoring journalist included 16-years as Editor of Wheels magazine, plus 16-years spent living in Italy working as European editor of the UK's weekly Autocar and Wheels, while also writing for America's Car & Driver magazine and Japan's Car Graphic. Peter returned to Australia in 2005, in part to write a book on the development of the all-new VE Holden Commodore. He continued to work as a freelance journalist for Wheels until retirement in 2014. Today, he still writes two to three major features a year. Peter has a son who is supported by Flourish Australia.
Empowering women to own the skin they are in, by boldly loving their unique strengths, is at the core of the Ella Baché brand philosophy. Pippa's great aunt, Madame Ella Baché graduated as a pharmacist in Prague, and despite being denied education as a woman in the 1920's her ethos remained true, with a prerogative to educate young women. Today, Pippa carries on her legacy, as the education and future of women remains at the forefront of her mind.
Sam Lane is a pioneering broadcast journalist and author. Her award-winning work spans print, television, podcast and radio.
Sam's first book, ROAR was launched by Australian luminary Natasha Stott-Despoja, and formally endorsed by Australia's only woman Prime Minister, Julia Gillard.
Sam has delivered keynote presentations on the topic in Australia and abroad, including at the Australian Embassy in Paris.
Sam is a co-host and boundary rider for Channel Seven broadcasts of AFL women's matches, covering every season since the AFLW launched in 2017.
Sam has reported from the Tour de France three times, and Italy's Giro d'Italia. In July 2023 she reported on the landmark first women's Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift.
Top corporates, educational institutes and sporting clubs engage Sam as a keynote speaker, event host, conference moderator and consultant. Clients include QBE, Virgin Australia, Mercedes Benz Australia, National Australia Bank, Sport Australia, the Australian Institute of Sport, the National Gallery of Victoria, the Sydney Swans and Richmond AFL football clubs.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Australians for Mental Health
Stuart led the growth of the Consulting practice at Social Ventures Australia to provide support to not-for-profit organisations, government, and philanthropy in delivering impact across a range of areas including disability services, mental health supports, and educational disadvantage.
Stuart is a member of the Board of Australians for Mental Health, an advocacy organisation that creates connections, amplifies stories, and disrupts systems to achieve meaningful and lasting mental health reform.
Passionate about health, human rights and social justice, Susan brings broad leadership experience, honed over 20 years, to overseeing our frontline services and operational divisions.
Job Titles:
- Commercial Human Resources Director
Theresa's involvement in mental health began more than 10 years ago, as a carer for a family member with mental health issues. This experience has provided her with the passion and energy to advocate for people with a lived experience of a mental health issue, and their families and carers. She understands first hand the importance of supporting people with lived experience to participate in making decisions about their lives. Theresa is a seasoned commercial Human Resources Director with over 20 years experience in the areas of ethics and governance, strategic leadership and workforce planning, and people and culture across the Asia Pacific.
Job Titles:
- General Manager, People and Culture
MAppPsych, BSc(Psych), Registered Psychologist In line with our core values, Tim recognises the contribution that people with lived experience can make to an organisation's mission and is passionate about building an inclusive workforce. A project management specialist and registered psychologist who has worked in front-line Mental Health services, his broad-based experience and training makes him uniquely qualified for his important role in recruitment, performance management, injury management, our wellness program and all-important employee relations. Tim has spoken on the subject of service collaboration and inclusive practice, on the international stage.
Job Titles:
- Co - Chair of the Wharerata Group
Tom is a Kamilaroi/Gomeroi man born in Gunnedah, NSW. He is a current Board Member of Suicide Prevention Australia, a member of the Red Chief Local Aboriginal Land Council, a member and previous board member of Indigenous Allied Health Australia, and an Executive Member and Chair of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Leadership in Mental Health Ltd. Alongside Carole Koha (NZ), Tom is the Co-Chair of the Wharerata Group, an International Indigenous Mental Health Leadership Group part of the International Initiative for Mental Health Leadership (IIMHL). Over the past 30 years Tom has been active in mental health and health policy, social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB), clinical mental health care, suicide prevention, education, and mental health leadership. Most recently Tom was the inaugural Chief Executive Officer of Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia, having been actively involved in the establishment and commencement of the organisation. Since 2018 Tom has been a part-time Deputy Commissioner of the Mental Health Commission of NSW and was previously State-wide Coordinator for the NSW Aboriginal Mental Health Workforce Program, a position he held between 2007 and 2021.