Transforming Mental Health Support for Young People

From a young age, I was drawn to understanding mental health and seeking ways to make a positive impact on the lives of those affected. At 19, I was appalled by the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental illness, a concern that remains prevalent today.

My professional journey began in 1980 as a clinician in mental health settings in  the UK, initially working with adults and later with adolescents in Australia from 1981. In 1994, I became acutely aware of the invisibility of children in families where a parent has a mental illness. Their voices were seldom heard, and accessing support was challenging.

Relocating to Melbourne in 1995, I took on the first dedicated research role focused on this issue. This marked the beginning of a lifelong commitment to advocating for these children. I developed CHAMPS, the first peer support program for kids, and spent a decade at Eastern Health’s Mental Health Program, working closely with families. For 14 years, I led the inaugural statewide FaPMI (Families where a Parent has a Mental Illness) program at the Bouverie Centre.

In 2009, I co-founded Satellite Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting young people and families impacted by mental health challenges. Initially, I served in a voluntary capacity while maintaining my full-time role. In 2021, I transitioned to the role of CEO of satellite Foundation. 

Throughout my career, I’ve been passionate about amplifying the voices of young carers and committed to advocating for systemic change. This dedication was recognised in 2025 when I was honored with the Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for my significant service to community mental health and youth.

Can you tell us a bit more about what the organisation is all about?

Satellite Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to providing safe, creative, and inclusive spaces where children and young people can connect, share experiences, and realise they are not alone in navigating the challenges of living with a family member who has mental health challenges. Through our programs, we aim to empower young people to discover their strengths and express themselves creatively, fostering resilience and a sense of belonging.

Take us through a typical day of work for you.

I usually begin my day around 6 am, as I find mornings to be a time of clarity and focus. Most of my workdays are spent in the office, where I prioritise connecting with my team. Building and nurturing relationships is core to our mission at Satellite Foundation, and I believe our people are the driving force behind our impact.

My mornings are dedicated to managing communications such as responding to emails, attending to my Teams messages, and following up on meetings with potential stakeholders or partners. I also prepare for upcoming discussions and meetings, ensuring I’m aligned and informed.

Throughout the day, I engage in various meetings, both internal and external, to strategise, collaborate, and drive our initiatives forward. I make a conscious effort to have lunch with colleagues, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.

My workdays are typically long, often concluding between 6 and 7 pm, but the fulfillment of our collective work makes it all worthwhile.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve encountered in your career, and how did you overcome it?

The biggest challenge in my career has been securing sustainable funding in the context of ongoing stigma and discrimination. Mental health initiatives often rely on short-term grants and sponsorships, making long-term planning difficult. This uncertainty hampers our ability to consistently deliver essential services to children, young people, and families impacted by mental health issues.

The competitive landscape for funding further complicates matters, as it creates a constant pressure to innovate and diversify our funding streams. However, despite our best efforts, it’s disheartening to see that, in the end, the very individuals we aim to support are the ones who often miss out.

This reality fuels my determination to advocate for more reliable and equitable funding solutions, ensuring that those in need receive the support they deserve.

If you could go back in time, what piece of advice would you give yourself as you first embarked on your career?

Listen. Listen again. And keep listening.

In the early stages of my career, I was eager to make an impact and often focused on sharing my ideas. However, I soon realised that true understanding and meaningful change come from deeply listening to others, whether it’s the lived experiences of families, the insights of colleagues, or the perspectives of young people. Active listening fosters empathy, builds trust, and uncovers the nuances of challenges that might otherwise be overlooked. By embracing this approach, I learned to respond more thoughtfully and lead with greater compassion.

How do you unwind after work?

After work, I engage in a few cherished rituals to unwind:

• Cooking: Preparing meals, especially dishes like risotto, serves as a form of meditative practice. 

• Cycling: Riding my bike home offers both physical exercise and mental clarity. 

• Bathing: Taking a warm bath, even in summer, provides comfort and relaxation.

• Reading: Ending the day with a good book in bed allows me to unwind and prepare for restful sleep.

What was the last thing you watched, read or listened to?

Listening: A Different Kind of Power by Jacinda Ardern. 

Watching: Ocean directed by Sir David Attenborough. 

Reading: Tell Me Why by Archie Roach.