Suicide Prevention Australia - Continuing improvement in suicide prevention

Chairperson

Dr Michael Dudley

Michael has been the Chairperson of the SPA Board since 2001. Working as a Psychiatrist at Prince of Wales and Sydney Children’s Hospitals, Michael has extensive experience in working with youth, indigenous people, and refugees who at risk of suicide and self harm. Michael is a Conjoint Lecturer in Psychiatry at the University of New South Wales and conducts research into risk and protective factors in youth across metropolitan and regional areas of Australia. Michael is currently a member of both the Australian Suicide Prevention Advisory Committee (ASPAC) and the Advisory Board of Inspire Foundation’s ‘Reach Out!’ Program. Michael is motivated by the possibility of prevention in the tragedy of suicide, and by the collective hope that organisations like SPA provide for pursuing the goal of achieving an inclusive society. Michael’s personal interests include religion and culture, drama, mindfulness and cricket.

Deputy-Chairperson

Caroline Aebersold

Caroline is a well respected leader in the not-for-profit sector having worked in senior roles for over a decade. She has particular expertise in governance and organisational development, working with vulnerable and marginalised communities and suicide prevention. Having studied sociology and psychology, then qualifying as a Psychologist, Caroline worked in a range of areas including direct counselling work, teaching counselling skills and specialist skills to mental health professionals, managing community health services, and working as a management consultant to corporate and government clients on a number of large projects. She has also served on a number of not-for-profit boards.

Caroline is now the CEO of The Song Room, who provide programs to a range of disadvantaged and special-needs communities. Under her leadership, the organisation has had 10-fold growth in 3 years and is now delivering programs nationally, having developed their strategic plan and a diverse funding base as well as specialised programs, an excellent staff team and organisational structure.

Caroline is recognised for her expertise in strategic policy and program development and in working collaboratively towards community outcomes with various Government Departments and Community Organisations. Caroline has an active interest in Psychology and Law. She is currently completing a Masters in Law (Human Rights) at Monash University and has worked on a range of projects in this field through her career, such as work nationally with the Family Court of Australia and the Coroners Courts.

Secretary

Alan Woodward

Alan’s role at SPA is Secretary, which is a Board position focused on the governance of the organisation as well as the usual responsibilities of a non-executive Director. Accordingly, he shall be contributing to the implementation of governance reforms around Board role and responsibilities, strategic decision making and risk management for SPA, as the organisation continues to grow and mature. Alan will bring to the Board experience in governance reform for non-government organisations.

Alan has more than five years experience in suicide prevention program development and service delivery through my work in the national office Lifeline as a senior manager responsible for policy and service development. During this period, Lifeline has extended its suicide prevention services and has undertaken research and development projects to build the evidence base on the role of crisis helplines, follow up support for suicidal persons and post vention services. Prior to commencing work with Lifeline, Alan worked across a wide range of health and community services both in the public sector and as a private consultant.

Alan has a Masters in Policy Studies (UNSW) with majors in social policy and evaluation, a Bachelor of Business (Public Administration) and a Diploma in Arts/Communications. Alan also has experience in the design and conduct of evaluations and program reviews, policy analysis, and experience in human services development, especially in the areas of housing, mental health, children and young people, ageing and rural/regional service delivery. He has a certificate in public participation (International Association of Public Participation) and certificates in PROSCI change management and Managing Successful Programs (MSP).

For five years, Alan has acted as Company Secretary for Lifeline Australia, providing him with extensive experience in the operation of a national board and related committees. He is new to the SPA Board, but Alan has also sat as Vice President on the Board of the Australasian Evaluation Society, and has been a Board member of this professional body for about 10 years.

Deaths by suicide are preventable and there is not sufficient attention, policy focus and funding for the services and support warranted for suicidal persons in Australia. Further, the treatment and attitudes towards suicidal persons are often discriminatory and unfair – there is a human rights issue at stake around suicide prevention. Alan is motivated by these facts, and by simply wanting a more caring approach in Australia towards suicidal persons and those family/friends around them.

Alan's personal interests include travel, writing, camping and spending time with his family.

Treasurer

Wesley Smith

Wesley joined the SPA Board in January 2010 as treasurer of the organisation. He currently works as a business unit accountant at Macquarie Bank managing the accounting function of one of its many businesses.

Wesley holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) degree from UWS and is a Chartered Accountant with 5 years experience in business services and over 6 years experience in the banking industry.

Wesley is motivated to use his accounting qualifications and work experience to assist community focused organisations succeed in reaching their goals.

His personal interests are travelling, photography and sports, particularly soccer.

Board Member

Jenny Allen

Jenny has a strong background in marketing, fundraising and management of not for profit industry. She brings with her a wealth of experience in the advocacy and promotion of mental health, speaking at every opportunity at corporate functions, presenting at National Rotary Youth Exchange Conference in 2004; WACSSO (WA Council of State School Organisations) in 2007 and at the Fundraising Institute of Australia conference in 2006.

Jenny has been the Chief Executive Officer of Youth Focus Inc. since 2000 and was appointed to the Youth Focus Board in 2007. Youth Focus is a Western Australian, non-profit, community based organisation, with a staff strength of 32 employees and budget of $3.2M. It provides prevention and early intervention services to support young people 12 – 18 years of age who are showing early signs associated with suicide, depression and self harm.

She has always been passionate in helping the not so fortunate. Before Youth Focus, she worked with charities and socially responsible organizations to fund women’s refuges and support the young people and children suffering the effects of domestic violence; children in 3rd world countries who responded so well to love and support; young people living in isolation in the Northern Territory; and now young people battling with mental health issues.

Jenny was the recipient of 2009 Local Chambers Business Person of the Year at the Bartercard Commerce & Industry Awards in recognition of her strong dedication to preventing youth suicide in Western Australia. In 2008 Jenny was awarded the Ernst & Young “WA Social Entrepreneur of the Year Award for her contribution as an entrepreneur in the social sector in Western Australia.

Jenny loves the outdoors. She keeps fit by swimming and walking and enjoys a social game of golf when time permits.

Board Member

Martin Harris

Martin Harris has played an active role in the SPA Board since 2001. Martin is currently a Lecturer in Rural Health at the University of Tasmania. In addition to his qualifications in Arts and Education, Martin holds a masters degree in counselling and is a member of the Australian Board of Certified Counsellors. Martin recently submitted his Ph.D. where his research topic was ‘The characteristics and processes of thriving in geographically dislocating transitions’. Martin is affiliated with a range of mental health committees and was the Tasmanian representative for the National Community and Expert Forum on Suicide Prevention. While focussed on the role of education and training in suicide prevention, Martin is also passionate about the interests of refugee communities. Martin’s personal interests include art, music and sport.

Board Member

Atari Metcalf

Atari Metcalf joined the SPA board in 2010 and is currently the Evaluation Manager at Inspire Foundation, the organisation behind online youth mental health initiatives Reach Out and ActNow. In extension of his role at Inspire and prior to joining the SPA board, Atari also assisted SPA as the lead researcher and author for the position statement 'Suicide and Self-harm amongst Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Communities'.

Atari brings over seven years experience in mental health promotion program delivery and research that has offered him the privilege of working directly with young people from diverse communities and life experiences across Australia at both a grassroots and population based level. He has a Bachelor of Science in Health Promotion from Curtin University of Technology in Perth, Western Australia, and is particularly passionate about meaningful youth and consumer participation, the social determinants of health, and leveraging technology in innovative ways to prevent suicide and promote mental health and wellbeing.

Outside of work, Atari spends his time exploring Sydney, experimenting with his favourite lomo camera, Holga, and drinking good soy chai.

Board Member

Jo Riley

Jo joined the SPA Board in 2009 after contributing to the organisation as both a volunteer and staff member over the previous two years. Currently a full-time Psychology student at the University of Sydney, Jo is undertaking research on the use of the internet to positively influence youth mental health. Jo volunteers as a Lifeline Telephone Counsellor. With qualifications in Commerce and Food Technology and senior management experience in the FMCG industry, Jo brings knowledge in strategic planning, management reporting, process mapping, and information management to the SPA Board.

Drawing on her personal experiences with suicide, particularly the suicide of her father, Jo is driven to improve access to services and information for those affected by suicide and to ensure that all people are treated with compassion, respect, dignity and care.

Jo’s personal interests include travel, comparative religion and photography.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Ryan McGlaughlin

Since joining SPA in 2004, Ryan has focused on the continuous improvement and strategic development of the organisation. Leading the small SPA staff team, Ryan plays a pivotal role in all the organisations activities, working to foster relationships with stakeholders, developing communications, managing events and projects, and implementing administration and management systems. Drawing on his extensive experience with a range of NGOs, including Planet Ark, Oxfam Community Aid Abroad, People Living with HIVAIDS (NSW), Ryan has gained a sound understanding of the importance of collaboration, advocacy, and effective communication when working to improve our communities. While serving in the Royal Australian Navy, Ryan developed strong leadership, teamwork, and project management skills. Ryan has been a volunteer Board member of numerous NGO’s including the AIDS Council of New South Wales and the Bobby Goldsmith Foundation. Ryan is motivated by our collective responsibility to contribute to our society and a notion of ‘community connectedness’; whatever that means for each individual. Ryan’s personal interests include travel, politics, philosophy and fitness.

NATIONAL EVENTS MANAGER

Tony Phillips

Tony joined the SPA Staff team in August of 2006 after completing an Advanced Diploma in Business (Marketing), majoring in Sports and Event Management. As SPA’s National Events Manager, Tony is responsible for the overall development and execution SPA events including conferences, workshops and forums. In addition, Tony oversees the SPA website and works on a variety of projects across the organisation. Tony’s current focus is arranging World Suicide Prevention Day activities (LIFE Awards and Community Forum) and the 4th Asia Pacific Regional Conference of the International Association of Suicide Prevention. By bringing people together to discuss suicide, Tony hopes that we can strengthen our communities and reduce the incidence and impact of suicide in Australia. Tony’s personal interests include music, travel and sport.

RESEARCH / POLICY DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR

Sara Maxwell

Sara moved from Ireland to Australia in 2008 with a Bachelors Degree in Social Science and has since completed a Masters in Social Development at UNSW. Sara joined SPA in January 2010 as Research and Policy Development Coordinator with responsibility for researching and responding to current and emerging issues in suicide prevention in Australia and internationally.

With a background in mental health and disability service provision and refugee research, Sara hopes that effective policies across all areas of society can contribute to a reduction in personal suffering and suicide.

Sara enjoys the Australian weather, travel and hockey.

ADMINISTRATION AND MARKETING COORDINATOR

Brendan Gomes

Brendan joined the SPA staff in April of 2010 after having completed a bachelor of Commerce (Marketing and Management) from the University of Wollongong in 2008. In his role as Marketing Assistant, Brendan is responsible for the ongoing development of SPA membership, sponsors and contacts whilst expanding SPA’s exposure to the wider community. Brendan also works to assist fellow staff with the development of such projects as the 4th Asia Pacific Regional Conference of the International Association of Suicide Prevention. Brendan hopes to raise awareness of organisations who can help those in need. Brendan’s interests include movies, sports and fitness, music and the stock market.

Financial Controller

Geoff Moss

Geoff joined the SPA staff in June of 2010 after a long career in Financial Services, IT&T, Management Consulting and Fatherhood. During this time he managed to fit in Honorary Treasurer, Company Secretary and Fundraising and Development roles for Associations and Community organizations members of his family were involved with. Geoff is keen to bring his knowledge and experience in financial control, systems and technology, governance and risk management into the NFP sector. He has a B Com (Accounting/Information Systems), CPA and Diploma in Governance and Risk Management. His personal interests include mental and physical health, positive psychology, sports, music and parenthood.