Our Board
Board executive
Pat McLeod
President
Pat’s interest and specialisation is in psychosocial rehabilitation, especially vocational rehabilitation. Pat has completed a Masters of Applied Science by Research looking at the issue of managing mental illness at work and worked in vocational rehabilitation from 1989. This role frequently involved collaboration with employers, medical personnel and community agencies in order to assist individuals to achieve their goals.
“I am keen to offer my extensive experience in the Commonwealth sector – and more particularly my passion for enabling people who experience mental illness to participate in society in the way they would choose. I believe that organisations such as MIFSA are a critical player in the mental health field.”
David Meldrum
Vice President
"I have experience on a number of Boards, both at a state and national level, which I hope gives me the skills and understanding of good governance that can assist MIFSA. I also have good networks in the health and community services sectors. My current position is Executive Officer of the Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia."
"My work history includes extensive experience in both the government and non-government sector in the management of health and community services. Previous roles have included the Chief Executive Officer of South Australian Mental Health Services. I serve on the Boards of Foodbank (SA), and the Adelaide North Eastern Division of General Practice. I have been on the MIFSA Board for seven years, and have a good understanding of its programs, finances and human resources."
"My experience and my profound admiration for MIFSA and its people helps me to contribute useful advice on matters of policy, governance and the overall development of MIFSA."
Mark Haddad
Treasurer
Mark is Senior Adviser for Perpetual Trustees, a publically listed company. His role is to work closely with Not-For-Profit organisations and individual clients, aiming to develop highly effective investment strategies and structures that help achieve their financial goals. Mark also works closely with Aboriginal Native Title groups, travelling regularly to remote communities.
Also a Chartered Accountant, Mark has worked for one of the world’s largest accounting practices as well one of Australia’s Big 4 banks. He has two degrees in Applied Finance and Commerce Accounting, a Diploma in Financial Planning and is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia (ICAA).
“Having been surrounded by family and friends who have been affected by mental illness, I understand the limitations that exist within our society. Any form of illness is a tough journey in anyone’s life. It is one of MIFSA’s organisational goals to guide and assist the individual and their family on this journey and provide the right support. I am an advocate of creating awareness for people living with mental illness in the workplace and I am passionate and committed to breaking down the stigma associated with mental health within the community. I am proud and honoured to be a part of MIFSA.”
Jane Anderson
"As a lawyer and Deputy President of the Guardianship Board I regularly meet and have the privilege of making decisions about people whose lives are impacted by mental illness. I am committed to ensuring that people with a mental illness and their carers who experience the legal and justice system are afforded dignity and respect."
"My legal skills and knowledge of the law and its relevance to the issues surrounding mental illness is a resource for the MIFSA Board. My compassion, understanding and genuine interest in this important area will mean that I am a passionate and committed member of MIFSA. I hope to further my interest and experience in the area of mental health advocacy, support and fundraising."
"My experience at the Guardianship Board and my experience as a lawyer has provided me with a good understanding of the needs of people with mental illness and their carers, and the challenges faced by then, both immediate and future. I welcome, and indeed, am honoured by an appointment to the MIFSA Board."
Eddy Lynch
"Mental Health is my passion to which I have given my whole working life (psychiatric nurse for more than 40 years) and I also volunteer time to the needs of others. I have served on the MIFSA Board for the past six years and would like to continue contributing in MIFSA’s governance, aiming always for best practice."
"I previously served as President of the Mood Disorders (SA) Association Board for fourteen years and three years as Vice President. I was a foundation member of Family Therapy (SA) Association and the Mental Health Alliance. I am keen to continue my commitment to support the Board of Management in their work in guiding MIFSA as a leading NGO. I bring a rich history and I have a passion for people who have or had mental disorder."
Dr Jörg Strobel
Dr Jörg Strobel is currently Deputy Clinical Director Country Health SA Mental Health Services. Born in Germany he trained as a psychiatrist and psychotherapist, and worked as a forensic psychiatrist before migrating to Australia in 1996. His decision to specialise in psychiatry was based on a commitment to social justice and inclusion which also informs his interests outside of work.
"I have a strong belief in the human capacity to overcome adversity and these internal resources can be fostered and nurtured in a strengths based approach to assessment and intervention in clinical care aimed at maintaining or restoring the highest possible level of participation as a citizen in all its domains for those afflicted with mental illness. I am also interested in the use of emerging technologies that assist individuals to be more knowledgeable and in control of their own health and wellbeing related behaviours."
Michelle Williams
"I am an experienced management generalist with 21 years in the Banking and Finance sector. My experience spans across numerous disciplines including operational management, quality and risk control, personnel and budget management at a senior management level. I currently work for Shared Services SA a division of the Department of Treasury and Finance. My current role involves managing change programs through a shared service delivery business model."
"I presently sit on the National Volunteer Advisory Group for the Starlight Children’s Foundation and have recently been appointed to the Women in Treasury Advisory Group. I am a long-term volunteer for the Starlight Children’s’ Foundation and the Hutt St Centre."
"I am passionate about influencing community attitudes through education and understanding. I wish to fully utilise my extensive experience, knowledge and skills in the private and public sector to support MIFSA’s vision and growth strategy."
"I seek to make a tangible difference in the area of mental health and I bring significant expertise in finance, business development, relationship building, leadership and strategic management."
Victoria Morton
Hello, my name is Victoria and I have been a member of the MIFSA board since February 2009. I have a varied and challenging past both personally and professionally which has often coincided with the many challenges that come with living with bipolar disorder.
Despite many set backs and a very late diagnosis I have achieved many things in my life. I have two degrees, a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts (London) and have had a variety of jobs including, acting, drama teacher and other roles in theatre. After a particularly bad period in 2003 I began my recovery by volunteering in the community through the Australian Red Cross. I have remain working with communities ever since working with young people, people living with mental illness, people living with HIV, the homeless and other disadvantaged members of our community. I currently work as a Lifestyle Advisor supporting people who are disadvantaged make lifestyle changes that will help prevent them from getting a chronic disease such as diabetes or heart disease. The majority of the people I see have a mental illness and this is often a barrier to them living a healthy life.
I am extremely passionate about advocating for people living with mental illness. I, unlike many others, have been fortunate to have the support of family and friends on my journey. I hope to continue my support of MIFSA and continue to learn and support the board and be a part of this invaluable service.
