The launch activities include a live webinar panel discussion. Initially, panellists will be asked to present on key issues they believe to be pertinent to the context of mental health and suicide prevention; each panellist will present their perspective for five minutes. A thirty-five-minute discussion will follow, facilitated by Amelia Trinick, LHA Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Manager.

Panellist Bio’s

Wlliam Trewlynn
CEO BLaQ Aboriginal Corporation
William is a proud Aboriginal man with traditional ties to the Nucoorilma people of Tingha and Dunghutti people of Woolbrook NSW. As a Queer Aboriginal man, William has experienced firsthand the hardships community face. He has seen brothers and sisters struggle with their journey of ‘coming out’ and navigating the associated complexities of family, belonging and identity. There is room for growth when it comes to understanding and supporting one other. As a founding Director and the appointed CEO, William believes BlaQ is a game-changer. He knows how amazing the community is and he wants us to celebrate that more! William see’s BlaQ championing the voice of community at the same time as advocating on real issues impacting the day to day lives of First Nations LGBTQ+ people in Australia.

Joe Ball
CEO Switchboard Victoria
Joe Ball is the ever passionate and committed CEO of Switchboard Victoria. Switchboard Victoria is a leading LGBTIQA+ community organisation based in Melbourne that provides peer-driven support services to LGBTIQA+ people, their families and their communities. Joe believes in grass roots solutions to systemic issues and draws upon LGBTIQA+ history and the wisdom of LGBTIQA+ elders to guide their work. Joe spent their youth and teenage years volunteering as an Australian Surf Lifesaver, these days they incorporate a range of sporting activities into their life for both health and happiness. Joe identifies as trans non-binary and uses the pronouns they/them.

Dr Leanne Beagley
CEO Mental Health Australia
Leanne Beagley has been the Chief Executive Officer at Mental Health Australia since April 2020. Her background includes clinical qualifications in Occupational Therapy and Family Therapy, as well as a Masters of Business Leadership and a PhD in Psychology in organisational culture and performance. Prior, to working at Mental Health Australia Leanne worked for Western Victoria Primary Health Network as the Chief Executive Officer for three years. With 15 years’ experience in direct mental health care in clinical settings in Melbourne, Leanne is also a former Director of Mental Health and Drugs at the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services, a role she held for five years.

Dr Adam Bourne
Deputy Director of the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society at La Trobe University
Dr Adam Bourne is Associate Professor of Public Health and Deputy Director of the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society at La Trobe University where he leads a large program of research relating to LGBTIQ health and wellbeing. He has a particular focus on research into mental health and suicidality, alcohol and other drug use and family violence. Adam is a member of the Victorian Whole of Government LGBTIQ Taskforce and Co-Chairs its LGBTIQ Health and Human Services Committee.