Media Releases

Check this page for recent MIFA press releases aimed at keeping news media informed about issues affecting people with mental illness and their families and carers.

November 1, 2009

MIFA welcomes David Meldrum as new CEO

After seven years at the helm, Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia chairperson Margaret Springgay has announced that she will be stepping down from the role on November  10, 2009.

The new MIFA chairperson will be Mr David Meldrum, who comes to MIFA with a wealth of experience in MIFA affairs, having been President of the Mental Illness Fellowship of South Australia and Treasurer for MIFA itself.

David also brings considerable experience from the health and mental health sectors to the role. His previous roles have included CEO of ARCS Care Alliance, CEO of the South Australian Mental Health Service, as well as CEO positions in several agencies including SA Dental Services, Metropolitan Domiciliary Care and the South Australian Community Housing Authority.

David’s particular passion is for reducing the amount of time people with a mental illness need to stay in hospital environments for. From 2003 to 2006, as CEO of the Advanced Community Care Association, he implemented what has become Australia's largest hospital avoidance program, 'Metro Home Link'.

He is also currently engaged in a Queensland-based Australian Research Council project aimed at improved communication between hospital emergency departments, GPs and other community care providers.

Mental Illness Fellowship Australia would like to welcome David to the role but also to recognise the achievements of Margaret Springgay. During her time with MIFA, Margaret has been instrumental to the growth of MIFA as an organisation and has been behind some of MIFA’s greatest achievements including facilitating the national roll out of the Well Ways program, the development of the upcoming new MIFA website and representing the views of MIFA members in countless submissions to the government reviews.

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For media interest: contact Gareth Wills, Hootville Communications on (03) 9017 5411 or gareth@hootville.com