Mind Blank's aim is to reduce the risk of suicide through interactive performances in schools and communities.
We are a unique community led response to a national mental health priority.
We are one of Australia's Mental Health Charities
As one of Austrlia’s mental health charities we use evidence informed primary prevention programs aim to reduce the risk of suicide through interactive workshops targeting schools and the community.
Every 3 hours in Australia, more than one person will take their life by way of suicide (ABS, 2017), of this, 15 more twelve to seventeen year olds make an attempt (Orygen, 2017). We partner with aligned health service providers to educate the public about mental health, decision making and help seeking which are key players in the prevention of suicide.
For more information contact us today. Our team would love to hear from you!
Mental Health Charity in Australia
Mind Blank is a unique community led response to a national mental health priority. We are a mental health charity in Australia that is looking at the issue of mental health through a creative lense. We have hosted over 100 wellness workshops all over Australia including urban, rural, remote and regional areas. Here is our latest Annual Report.
We can work one on one with your town or community to host a tour. Here is a list of some of our programs.
- mental health in primary schools
- mental health in high schools
Our goal is to equip young people, teachers, parents, businesses and community members with skills and knowledge in knowing how to support individuals in times of need. This means that audience members can walk away knowing the value of self-care application, how to promote a speak-up culture and knowledge on the important pathways to seek help to encourage emotional and mental wellness.
Our program will work best when:
Effectiveness Tip 1. The school, workplace or community are proactive about applying a debrief process that supports individuals and reaffirm program intentions.
To support the above action Mind Blank has created tools and resources for parents and teachers. We want to make sure that all parties are informed with knowing what to do in a time of need. For more information click here. Service provider and business affiliates will require tailored materials to integrate with their internal processes. Here is an additional link to great mental health resources for parents and carers.
What is a health promotion charity?
A health promotion charity is designed to create awareness. Our programs aim to:
1. help identity signs and symptoms of mental health.
2. encourage help seeking.
Such outcomes are in line with National Mental Health priorities such as better awareness, prevention and early intervention in relation to suicide prevention. Our work is constantly reviewed as we seek best practice outcomes based of the latest research.
How do our programs work?
- Showcase a story of lived experience with mental ill health.
- Alongside service providers we create theatre-based performances with audience interaction
- 1 hour (45 min of forum discussion and interaction)
- Featuring 4x professional youth actors with audience sizes up to 200
- Performance topics include; Depression, Anxiety or a custom script that can address specific needs of the school community.
Effectiveness Tip 2: Mind Blank has a booking form procedure. Make sure to read the terms of the agreement prior to signing the form.
Effectiveness Tip 3: Our programs work best when all stakeholders are proactive. We highly advice that the welfare team or EAP representative are present on the day of an event.
Effectiveness Tip 4: For larger audiences microphones required as a WP&S precaution for our team.
Affiliated Organisations:
Australian Drug and Alcohol Foundation, Uniting Burnside, Rural Adversity Mental Health Program, National Disability Coordination Officer Program – University of Western Sydney, TeamHEALTH and many more.
Current Program Collaborations:
Canberra PCYC – Canberra’s Life-force Awareness and Suicide Prevention (CLASP) is a collaboration between Mind Blank and Canberra PCYC to raise awareness and to supporting young people to understand the risk factors around mental health and suicide.
Mind Blank also offer’s programs targeting mental health in the workplace. Workshop attendees can walk away knowing the value of self-care application, how to promote a speak-up culture and knowledge on the important pathways to seek help to encourage emotional and mental wellness. Practical application of any of the above skills has potential to increase individual’s chances of early intervention and their health and wellbeing.
The Human Rights Commission has outlined some important information relating to the laws and legislation's in this regarding mental health in the workplace. Here is a link to a practical guide for managers.
The ACNC and Australia’s mental health charities
The ACNC is the Austrialian and Charities Not-for-Profit Commission. It is the governing body for Australia’s mental health charities. Mind Blank is registered as a health promotion charity and it is registered as a company limited by guarantee and DRG recipient.
Contact our team for more information.
The Story Behind Our Primary Prevention Programs
Meet Mind Blank's CEO & Founder Alison Kelly (Ally)
Ally Kelly is the CEO & Founder of Mind Blank Ltd. For years she has been grass roots social advocate and a firm believer in early intervention. She has led the charity through seven years of service, for which her efforts were recognised in winning the 2017 Mental Health Matters Award for Mental Health Promotion.
Ally is an experienced senior manager in the non-profit sector. Previously, her roles outside of Mind Blank included work in the social services supporting marginalised community members and outreach services support to rough sleepers.
In 2018 Ally complete her Masters in Humanitarian studies majoring in research in social justice, inequality and humanitarian affairs. She believes that primary prevention offers the greatest hope for intervention recovery and therefore takes every opportunity to educate the community to recognise the early signs of mental illness, without stigmatising or discriminating.
As a survivor of past trauma Ally has had first-hand experience with PTSD. Her story and passion for the cause comes from a compassion that was triggered from being a carer for a parent who has been suicidal many times.“Statistics show that due to my history I am at higher risk of suicide and ongoing mental health issues. I refuse to accept this. I am living proof that as individuals we can change this reality.
I created Mind Blank because I believe in my core that no –one needs to suffer in silence! I believe that there are some amazing service providers that exist, and that due to stigma people wait too long before they seek help. Often I hear of stories where people are finally ready for help, however they stumble through the system. Crisis kicks in and an individual is put on a 6week to 6month waiting list, with no training on what to do in the meantime.
If you would like to know more about Mind Blank and what we do not hesitate to contact us. We welcome your ideas and support to continue to make a difference to the future generation of young Australians.”
Awards and Recognition
Mind Blank uses evidence informed primary prevention programs as a suicide prevention approach. To see a full list of awards and program endorsements click here.
Our Mental Wellness Journey and Key Milestones
- 2018 Mind Blank is funded by the Alcohol and Drug Foundation to Chair the formation of the Goulburn Local Drug Action Team.
- 2018 The Canberra Preventative Network Alliance is formed and Mind Blank works with MIEACT, Canberra PCYC to launch a primary school focused collaborative program package.
- 2017 Mind Blank School Program wins Mental Health Award.
- 2017 Micheal Ward Walks for the cause raising $59,000.00 for the Mind Blank team.
- 2017 Grafton alliances commence. In order to take on this geographic area a Brisbane team is formed.
- 2017 TeamHEALTH alliance form expansion of services to the Top End of Australia.
- 2016 Youth in ACTion help support Canberra team formation and launch.
- 2016 Ally presented at the National Suicide Prevention Conference.
- 2015 Ally moves to Qld to complete her post-graduates studies at the Griffith University.
- 2014 Mind Blank gets their first ever Victoria event booking.
- 2013-2015 Cultural Creations program launched to uses theatre to help at-risk migrant students.
- In 2013 the University of Wollongong’s acknowledged CEO Ally Kelly’s achievements by featuring Mind Blank in the Graduation Ceremony video.
- 2013 Mind Blank CEO Ally Kelly was invited to speak at the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards.
- 2013 Mind Blank featured at the launch of Youth week at the NSW Parliament House.
- In 2012 a research project commenced at the University of Wollongong.
- Ally was invited as a guest speaker at Wesley Lifeforce National Networks Information Day in 2012.
- Mind Blank was a guest speaker for the Mental Health Professionals Network and the Australian Psychological Society Illawarra AGM.
- In October 2011 the first ever community partnership to place in alliance with the Shoalhaven Suicide Prevention Awareness Network.
- On 14th May 2011 Mind Blank piloted its first ever public mental wellness event titled “Understanding Depression Fill in the Blanks”.
- In March 2011 the Mind Blank Incorporated established.
- Jan 2011 Ally moved back to Wollongong with determination to start kick start turning her dreams into reality.
- In 2011 Ally was invited to join the Community Consultation Committee for the Grand Pacific Medicare Local as the Mental Health Youth Voice.
- In Dec 2010, Ally graduated from University and visited Brisbane for the summer. Surviving the Brisbane floods allowed for a great platform for starting Mind Blank’s very first business plan.
Ally is available to Freelance as an Arts Manager, Keynote speaker and Consultant for creative projects. To find out more click here.
Award Winning Programs In The Mental Health Sector
Mind Blank programs have been developed to educate mental health, social and emotional well-being in Primary and Secondary schools settings. We have been running our services since 2011. Our creative arts inspired workshops are in line with the education curriculum, and they are award winning programs.
In October 2017 our team are humbled to have received the Mental Health Matters Award for Mental Health Promotion. This award is coordinated by WayAhead Mental Health Association and the NSW Mental Health Commission. The ‘Mental Health Matters’ awards recognises the outstanding work of programs that provide excellent services for mental health.
Prior to this Mind Blank CEO Ally Kelly has received recognition in the community for her work with the Mind Blank charity:
- Finalist - Ten Outstanding Young Persons of the World Junior Business Chamber International - 2014
- Highly Commended - Illawarra Young Business Leader of the Year Illawarra Woman in Business – 2013
- Finalist - Young Business Leader of the Year Illawarra Business Chamber – 2013
- Runner up - Most Outstanding Member Asia Pacific Conference Junior Business Chamber International – 2013
For more information about our programs, enquire within.
What is Evidence Based Practice in Mental Health Promotion?
The Black Dog Institute is leading current best practice through the Lifespan suicide prevention model in Australia. Strategies include outlining nine evidence based practice focuses. There are three focuses that support mental health promotion that are inline with Mind Blank programs.
They are:
Promoting help-seeking, mental health and resilience in schools (1).
Mind Blank have successful engaging young people in developing greater understanding of mental health issues, where to seek help and increasing their ability to manage when dealing with such issues themselves or with family and friends. An evaluation by the University of Wollongong highlighted the value of the Mind Blank program and the way it is delivered to students (and teachers) as highlighted in this quote
“Mind Blank’s approach has the ability to reduce levels of stigma surrounding mental health problems...audience members…increasingly engaged in discussion around the mental health problems of themselves or their peers. Young people have reported to be more comfortable with the fact that they have mental health problems and feel more justified in seeking assistance. One teacher described a Mind Blank show at his school as a ‘life changing’ event for one of his troubled students.”
Engaging the community and providing opportunities to be part of the change (2) and Training the community to recognise and respond to suicidality (3).
Mind Blank workshops take place in Primary-Schools, High-Schools and Academic Intuitions engaging students and teachers. Vital parent and community tools will be distributed post program. These resources reinforce a whole picture of early intervention practice, offering parents and community members the chance to participate with vital knowledge.
Through our partnered program approach Mind Blank teams will facilitate multiple conversations focusing on recognition of risk and early intervention aiming to reduce the detrimental effects of a poor mental health cycle. Topics covered include self-care, conflict resolution, communication and help-seeking strategies and enhancing resilience.
Equipping young people, teachers, parents and community members with skills and knowledge in knowing how to support individuals in times of need and where to seek help has potential to increase our chances of early intervention and ultimately reduce the risk of suicide attempts and suicide deaths.
Pro Tip 1: When working with mental health and suicide prevention on stage or on film, make sure to use the guidelines outlined by Mindframe to abide by a harm prevention approach.
The Evidence - Why Are Early Intervention Programs Important?
Youth mental health in Australia costs $6.29 billion annually in lost productivity (Hosie, Vogl, Carden, Hoddinott & Lim, 2014). National industry leaders such as ReachOut.com. and the Black Dog Institute are now confirming value in awareness raising preventative strategies in schools. Data from a National Headspace study (2016) shows that 52 per cent of young people who have identified as suffering from mental and emotional ill health over the last 12 months are too embarrassed to share their problems with anyone. Mind Blank program evaluations confirm reductions in stigma associated to seeking help. This is an early intervention approach.
Our business values are in line with priorities such as better awareness, prevention and early intervention in relation to suicide prevention. The Australian Government’s Proposed National Strategy for Suicide Prevention supports the use of ‘expert providers’ and ‘evidence based workshops’ aimed to reduce risk factors and increase protective factors to support youths. The National Mental Health Commission and State Based Suicide Prevention Action Plans encourage early action, promotion, prevention and early intervention.
Theatre use in an educational setting can help students open up discussions from their shared experience, as well as assist with change. Research evaluations have revealed that a majority of students experience joy and strong emotions when watching educational theatre, they are receptive to listen attentively and correctly identify the educational message being portrayed (Waters, Monks, Ayres & Thomson, 2012).
Pro Tip 2: When working wit h school programs in Australia the methodology must be flexible and adaptive to relate to young people from all walks of life. Mind Blank workshops are award-winning programs. We have tailored programs designed to empower Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Youths and CALD young people.
Pro Tip 3: Program evaluation is essential in capturing data to ensure that best practice is taking place.
Award Winning Mental Health Programs in Schools
Click here to find our more information about our programs.
Terms of use of our website
Mind Blank Theatre Programs
Mind Blank is recognised Australia wide for mental health awareness and education through delivering innovative programs in schools, communities, and workplaces. We advocate a holistic and balanced approach through strategic partnerships and collaborations. Our programs aim to reduce the risk of suicide in rural and urban Australia.
Using professional actors we can showcases story’s based on lived experience. This means that we can capture realistic life-like portrayals of what is live to struggle with mental and emotional health struggles. Having an MC in the casting mix allows for control of the action. They captivate the audience in trying to problem-solve alternate pathways for the characters. Giving them the power to visually see the scenes play out.
For more information about Mind Blank. Click here.
Identifying Signs Symptoms of Mental and Emotional Health
Our programs are designed to help workshop attendee’s identifying signs symptoms of ill health. We provide an environment where we follow an individuals story, exploring varying times in their life where they have been challenged by their mental and emotional health.
In a fun and safe environment me explore themes such as: depression, anxiety, bullying and suicide prevention.
There is a wealth of information on various mental illnesses online. For examples of some content regarding signs and symptoms of mental ill health click here.
Mental Health Help Seeking
Mind Blank programs explore mental health help seeking as an underlying theme to our workshops. Our programs demonstrate pivotal times when a person may need support, and we discuss what services may be available in a time of need. If you or someone you know may require additional support with your mental and emotional health get help here.
Mind Blank Tailored Programs
More information on our programs can be sourced below:
Program testimonials
Below are some testimonials from school teachers, young people and youth mental health service providers.
"I was introduced to Mind Blank via a performance at Wollongong University. They performed to a student group of about 300 high school students. You could hear a pin drop- they had everyone’s attention, (including my own) in the palm of their hands." Teacher
Testimonial Number 1
"Raising the awareness of positive life decisions when faced with mental health issues. This has been achieved by not lecturing but allowing students to make these powerful decisions themselves through interactive theatre arming them with the skills and knowledge to know when to seek help". Teacher
Testimonial Number 2
"I thank you for inspiring to face the demons of my past… I consider myself to be a survivor of the battlefield of depression and victor, I look back on things passed and realize I have changed for the better and have come so far and syllable have a long way to go…. Thank you… I’m truly truly grateful to have witnessed Mind Blank at our school" Young Person
Testimonial Number 3
“The actors were excellent in interacting with the students we have at our school. The show was the best I’ve seen in my 3 years at school… The topics covered were age appropriate and addressed the social skills we need in our area. Well done to everyone!! The students talked about the actors long after they had left. Their presence made a big impact on our students.” Teacher
Testimonial Number 4
“When asked if the end message of the program was clear: “I asked some of my students what they got out of the performance and this is exactly what they said- there’s always someone to help- you just have to ask. You have to communicate if you want people to know how you feel and to help you.” Teacher
Testimonial Number 5
“The students were very engaged in the session… they were keen to think up solutions to the scenario’s and the drama applied to their responses… so it was sending a message to the students that they had the solutions to the problems they presented.” Teacher
Testimonial Number 6
“It was good to have us interact with it as well because I think interaction is a better way to take in information, because you’re giving information that you think is correct and getting it confirmed back at you sort of thing.” Student
Testimonial Number 7
“The things we’ve learnt about before, like when we’d been spoken to about mental health problems, they kind of said, this is what will happen, like, you know, you won’t be able to concentrate blah, blah, blah. But it was, I don’t know, I guess we had a different feeling about it after seeing people act it out and how it would actually affect like, people our age, how it would affect their life, just like, even in the smallest details. Yeah.” Student
Testimonial Number 8
“Theatre use in an educational setting can help students open up discussions from their shared experience, as well as assist with change. Research evaluations have revealed that students experience joy and strong emotions when watching educational theatre, they are receptive to listen attentively and correctly identify the educational message being portrayed” (Waters, Monks, Ayres & Thomson, 2012).
Why Mental Health Promotion? Why use theatre?
“Qualitative research suggests that Mind Blank’s approach has the ability to reduce levels of stigma surrounding mental health problems. There are many reports of young people being increasingly engaged in discussion around the mental health problems of themselves or their peers." Kerry Searle Registered Psychologist
Master of Science (Research) Candidate through the University of Wollongong
“It was great! Some of our most challenging year 12 students stopped me in the playground and thanked me for bringing Mind Bank to the school, we all learned so much." Teacher
Testimonial Number 9
"Young people are reported to be more comfortable with the fact that they have mental health problems and feel more justified in seeking assistance. One teacher described a Mind Blank show at his school as a ‘life changing’ event for one of his troubled students.” Kerry Searle Registered Psychologist
Master of Science (Research) Candidate through the University of Wollongong
"It truly was the highlight of the action packed day. In my 13 years as a PDHPE teacher, I have never seen mental health be brought the forefront with such enjoyment, fun and interaction." Teacher
Testimonial Number 10
"As a psychologist with over 15 years’ experience working with vulnerable youth populations, it is my opinion that the Mind Blank theatre forum topics have the potential to open up informed discussions around youth mental health issues in a way that is meaningful, engaging and real for the young people involved, and these are vital ingredients for working effectively with young people." Service Provider
Testimonial Number 11
"As a psychologist with over 15 years’ experience working with vulnerable youth populations, it is my opinion that the Mind Blank theatre forum topics have the potential to open up informed discussions around youth mental health issues in a way that is meaningful, engaging and real for the young people involved, and these are vital ingredients for working effectively with young people." Service Provider
Testimonial Number 12
Parents and Teachers Info
Mind Blank Program Evaluations Encourage Program Quality
Mind Blank’s aim is to reduce the risk of suicide through interactive performances in schools and communities. When we evaluate our programs we aim to help young people identify signs and symptoms of mental ill health and increase their knowledge on where to seek help in a time of need. Equipping young people, teachers, parents and community members with skills and knowledge in knowing how to support individuals in times of need and where to seek help has potential to increase our chances of early intervention and ultimately reduce the risk of suicide attempts and suicide deaths.
For more information about Mind Blank. Click here.
Program Evaluation and Suicide Prevention
There is a lot of stigma when it comes to suicide prevention and mental health education. Australian run Orygen foundation, worked in the UK and conducted a comprehensive research review examining 99 studies from clinical educational, workplace and community settings. They focused on looking at interventions that aimed to reduce harm and suicidal ideation in young people. The outcomes of the program evaluation study showed that integrated approaches were the most promising models for further change. Lead researcher Dr Jo Robinson comments “At a time when we’re seeing suicide rates around the world growing, this study shows us that we should feel hopeful that interventions specifically designed to reduce suicide risk in young people do work and can impact on suicide ideation and self-harm.” The study highlights the importance of evidence based interventions and partnership to combat the growing epidemic.
More information on suicide prevention best practice.
Mind Blanks Evaluation Framework and Evidence Based Practice Guidelines
1. Current survey evaluation practices run on three levels of feedback surveys (access below). These surveys are designed to encourage aspects of self-improvement, measuring attitudes and intentions for help seeking behaviours. An annual audit of survey questions takes place. If and when the resources are available collaborations will also run participant’s surveys and/or focus groups implemented on a pre-post and 6-month follow up basis.
2. When it comes to program evaluations our team is guided by good governance and evidence based practice guidelines. In application, this is an ongoing effort to keep up to date with industry leaders, government officials and an ever-changing market space.
3. We aim to continue to align with partnerships and collaborators to promote innovation and efficacy in program methodology and evaluation in the arts and health space.
4. The Mind Blank team aspires to contribute to and inform a current body of research analysing the benefits of art and health programs in Australia by sharing program outcomes.
5. When engaging in partnerships it is important to define ongoing evaluation intentions upfront to aim for longitudinal data collection (if and when appropriate).
The above framework is influenced by the National Arts and Health Framework as well as the interviews conducted in a research study (Kelly, 2018). It is intended as a strategic guide only and will require active review.
Program Evaluation Data
What do we aim to measure when we evaluate our programs?
- reduction of mental health stigma
- increased knowledge of signs and symptoms
- change in attitude or desire to seek help if needed
- increased knowledge help seeking
This data is collected through a mix method approach. If you would like to access some of our 2018 program outcomes, click here to access Mind Blank’s 2018 Impact Report. For more samples of program evaluation outcomes: Click here. Program testimonies: Click here.
For more information about our work. Get in touch today.
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Mind Blank Team and Board Bios
Linda Q Chen
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Linda Q Chen
Linda is a Canberra-based performer currently studying towards a Bachelor of Arts/Commerce at the Australian National University, majoring in English (Drama/Creative Writing focus) and Finance. She has appeared in a smattering of local projects across various mediums, including in ‘August: Osage County’ (2014) with Free Rain Theatre, ‘In Loco Parentis’ (2013) at The Street Theatre, and most recently the short film ‘Sojourn to South Lake’ (due for 2016 release). She also works as an actor/storyteller for AussieWriters’ monthly ‘Tales After Dark: Storytelling for Grown-Ups’ events and dabbles in various forms of writing ranging from memoir to poetry and more recently, works intended for stage and screen.
Sam Moynihan
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Sam Moynihan
Sam Moynihan is a Canberra based actor and theatre director with a particular interest in creating works with and for young people. He has worked with a variety of local companies including his own and is currently studying a Masters of Fine Arts (Cultural Leadership) at the National Institute of Dramatic Arts. He runs a blog detailing his experiences living with MS and appears at various events to support young people with chronic illnesses. Sam is a firm believer in the power of art to transform and inspire; values that align themselves well with forum theatre. He is always expanding his interests in this area and hopes to further his passion for creating social dialogues and assisting young people to navigate life.
Toby Davis
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Toby Davis
Toby Davis is a young performer based in Brisbane, who graduated in 2009 from the University of Wollongong’s Creative Arts Degree majoring in Performance. Passionate about acting and performance from a young age, he has continually been involved in workshops and community projects. He has studied the Suzuki Method of actor training, and has always had a passion for physical theatre. Combining his enjoyment of performance and community projects has led to his work with Mind Blank, which he is hoping to help grow and develop over the coming years. Three years of active impact with the team and he is still passionate about the working in our team.
Matt Stewart
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Matt Stewart
Matt Stewart spent over 20 years as a professional theatre practitioner and was the General Manager of Darlinghurst Theatre Company which he co-founded in 1992. He was also a founding member and regular performer of Milk Crate Theatre for the homeless, where he fulfilled the role of facilitator/joker. While with Milk Crate, he successfully adapted the forum style of theatre for Access Week 2004 and for youth at risk in Campbelltown area. It is this forum style that Matt applies to Mind Blank, aligning his experience and skill with the vision of the organisation
Jon Rex Williams
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Jon Rex Williams
Jon has been performing improvised shows for adults and children for almost 20 years. He's starred in multiple shows at the Sydney & Melbourne Comedy Festivals as well as performing in theatres across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Singapore, Atlanta, Los Angeles and Las Vegas. Over the years, he has appeared on the ABC (Gruen Transfer, Hungry Beast, The Chaser’s CNNNN), Network Ten (Good News Week, MicroNation & Water Rats) and the Comedy Channel (Stand Up Australia) as well as in numerous commercials.
He has a Bachelor of Teaching (Secondary School, Drama) and is currently the education manager for Impro Australia and director of the Theatresports Schools Challenge which involves students from over 100 high schools across Sydney, Wollongong & the Central Coast.
In the corporate realm, Jon has performed and run workshops for Woolworths, Qantas, Coca Cola, ING, AMP, Boral, Telstra, Australia Post, the Department of Fair Trading and more, as well as role plays for the Department of Defence and Westmead hospital.
Rhys Staley
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Rhys Staley
Director of Sponsorships and Marketing - Rhys Staley MBA BSc(BiolSc)
Rhys is assisting Mind Blank build their partnership proposals and their marketing strategy to maximise donations and non-grant funding for Mind Blank.
Rhys is a passionate professional, innovator, leader and manager with an impressive record in strategic planning, marketing, sales and operations.
A background in medical research and pharmaceutical sales across a range of therapeutic areas, has led to a collaborative work ethic to deliver on key, first to market projects. Rhys currently leads Healthshare’s Practitioner Solutions team, proactively initiating change and implementation of strategy with the goal of driving productivity and innovation.
Rhys has valuable experience in ongoing product development, marketing and management and is passionate about disruption in the health and technology sphere.
Connor Tarrant
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Connor Tarrant
Connor has recently moved from regional NSW to QLD to pursue his
dreams of becoming an actor and model. He is very passionate about the youth
of today and very passionate about making a change around mental health
especially since having gone through it myself. During his time in his
hometown of Grafton he was was the chair of the Clarence Youth Action group (CYA).
CYA is made up of a diverse group of people aged between 12-25 who meet each fortnight to help council to make decisions that related to young people, work on community projects, organise events and consult with local young people about issues that matter to them.
Julie McAllan
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Julie McAllan
Julie McAllan was born in country South-East Queensland. She is an award singer/songwriter and released her second album, “Bring Me Home” in 2005. It went on to be released in Japan, Germany, U.S.A. and the United Kingdom. Julie was an early childhood teacher, and used her own music for early childhood numeracy and literacy.
From 2008 until November 2015, Julie was the Producer of Yamba’s Playtime, an Australian preschool children’s television program. She continued to keep up her songwriting skills by writing educational songs for the show as well as jingles. She was also the primary scriptwriter for the show as well as script editor. The tv show has been broadcast Australia wide on the Nine Network, Nine’s GO channel and currently on NITV (National Indigenous Television) until 2019. It's also broadcast in the U.S.A. on FNX (First Nations Experience) in ϯϬ states until 2020.
Julie has also produced a spin off series called Grandpa Honeyant Storytime which is broadcast on the ABC in Australia. From early 2011 until end of 2015, Julie also produced a healthy living traveling musical called Yamba’s Roadshow which toured to remote areas of Australia. Up until October 2015, the performance was seen by over 13,500 children in nearly 80 remote communities/towns throughout Australia.
Julie is also an actor and was the character suit wearer and voice of Yamba the Honeyant from 2007-2015. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Visual Arts as well as a Graduate Diploma in Primary Education.
Eloise Murray
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Eloise Murray
Eloise Murray is an experimental creative artist who actively works with art as a tool to understand and transform.
Her fascination with integrating mental health and the arts continues to deepen. She is developing a special interest in using the framework of the body to support a creative healing process.
Eloise explores a variety of somatic-based techniques including music, dance, flow arts, authentic movement, systemic constellations and forum theatre.
Also a student of holistic counselling, Eloise values non-violent communication, emotional wellbeing and broadening the spectrum of learning for youth in schools and community.
Eloise has lived with depression and anxiety and has experienced the suicide of a loved one.
Maggie Leung
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Maggie Leung
Role Director legal
Maggie Leung BCom LLB
Maggie has been a director of Mind Blank since September 2017.
Maggie utilises her legal expertise to help Mind Blank maintain and improve its corporate governance and manage its compliance risks.
Maggie is an experienced senior lawyer with extensive in-house corporate experience, and prior to that, she practised corporate and commercial law at a large law firm in Sydney.
As a mother, Maggie is keenly aware of the pressures which young people face and the impact social media has on their self esteem. Maggie strongly believes that Mind Blank’s programs will help to foster open and honest conversations among young people and their peers and their carers about mental health and help build their resilience.
Sonya Kim
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Sonya Kim
Role Director Fundraising
Sonya Kim LLM LLB BCom (Hons)
Sonya Kim has been a director of Mind Blank since October 2017
Sonya assists the Mind Blank team with its regulatory requirements in relation to Fundraising. Sonya shares Mind Blank's passion for empowering young people and communities to respond to their mental health needs, through the medium of creative arts.
Sonya is an experienced government lawyer and public servant. Previously, she volunteered with Lifeline in Canberra, Primary Ethics in Sydney and the Arbitration Council Foundation in Cambodia. Sonya believes that Mind Blank's work fosters understanding of and compassion for people with mental illness in young people and communities in Australia.
Jasmin Craufurd-Hill
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Jasmin Craufurd-Hill
Role Treasurer
Jasmin Craufurd-Hill MIR MBA GDM BSc(Physics) AFIML
Jasmin has been a director with Mind Blank since March 2017. Jasmin is applying a strategic and analytical approach to Mind Blank’s Digital capabilities and operations, to ensure maximum engagement whilst improving our SEO and reach. She is also serving as Mind Blank’s Assistant Treasurer.
Jasmin Craufurd-Hill is a lecturer and consultant who has held both senior and project management roles within the government, not-for- profit and emergency services sectors. She has previously served as an Executive and Board Member of Women in Nuclear (WiN) Global and currently serves as a Director of Mind Blank, the Institute for Regional Security and WiN Australia.
Ali Clinch
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Ali Clinch
Ali is an award winning actor & director specialising in the effectiveness of theatre as a tool for education, engagement and social change. Ali’s theatre experience includes: actor, director, musician, scriptwriter, choreographer, lighting designer & stage manager. Ali is the Artistic Director for ‘Acting With Ali’ a drama, dance and music school operating out of Queanbeyan. She is also an Associate Artist with Rebus Theatre working on several projects that use theatre to insight social change. Ali is delighted to be part of the MINDBLANK team.
Lou Maconachie
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Lou Maconachie
Lou is an accomplished improvisational actor whose performance credits include winner of the Canberra International Improv Challenge (2015), finalist in the National Theatresports Championships (2016) and has performed with some of the top names in improvisation, including a duo with internationally acclaimed improviser David Razowsky. Lou teaches improvisation to beginner and advanced students and has directed and performed in a range of unscripted shows, from comedy games to full length improvised plays and musicals.
Lou combines her improvisation skills with over 15 years experience in change management, corporate communications, talent management, training and coaching. Lou has worked across the private, public and non-profit sectors for companies of all shapes and sizes. Her clients include Westpac, Origin Energy and Lifeline as well as various Government Departments.
Lou holds a Bachelor in Communication and Media, Prince 2 Certification and Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.
Dimitrios Papalexis
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Dimitrios Papalexis
Dimitrios is an actor, writer and seasoned performer with a background in community development and counselling. Dimitrios has acting, dancing and clowning experience from Greece, Brazil and Australia. He was part of a multidisciplinary team of artists in Brazil developing a play and theatrical interventions about bullying. He has also formed a youth collective there including actors, clowns, poets and musicians that performed in various community spaces.
Dimitrios has experience in writing and screen writing. He was one of the protagonists of the play All My Sons with Hellenic Theatre in Sydney. Dimitrios has been an active member of Out of the Box Playback Theatre for 3 years including theatre performances and tours. He has also other performance experience and skills such as MCing, magic, dancing and story-telling
Dimitrios is passionate about using arts and theatre for mental health, disability and community development. He believes in the power of art, story-telling and theatre as a holistic strength-based approach to work on challenging complex social issues such as that of suicide, mental health, social isolation and other.
Ioulia Stepanova
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Ioulia Stepanova
Ioulia Stepanova is a Belgian clinical psychologist, drama therapist, performer and improviser with Ukrainian roots. She is passionate about raw human creativity and is addicted to travel and personal growth. She believes strongly that using our imagination and play to create new narratives can help us heal, grow and sprinkle every day with a little magic.
Bernd Schramm
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Bernd Schramm
Chairman- Bernd Schramm
Bernd has been the treasurer of Mind Blank since June 2016 - March 2019 and a Director of Mind Blank Since March 2015. Bernd assist the Mind Blank organisation navigate through fiscal policy and practices that create transparent probity throughout our accounting and audit functions.
Bernd is currently Senior Project Manager at Commonwealth Bank of Australia.
Bernd is a former founder and Treasurer of Western Sydney Suicide Prevention and Support Network: Raising public awareness of services to assist suicide prevention providing a voice for those affected by suicide supporting bereaved families.
Janine Schramm
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Janine Schramm
Role: Mind Blank Performance Coordinator
Janine Schramm
Janine has been a Director and the Secretary of Mind Blank since March 2015 - March 2019. Janine drives compliance and regulatory process within the Mind Blank business.
Janine is active in the operations of the business casting performers, compiling evaluations and disseminating information to Board and team.
Janine lost her son to suicide in 2008 and since then has voluntarily worked tirelessly in the mental health sector. Janine was a founding member of the Western Sydney Suicide Prevention and Support Network based in Penrith, where she held the position of secretary for a number of years.
Janine has help establish two Suicide Bereavement support in Penrith and Richmond.
Lara Lightfoot
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Lara Lightfoot
Role: Creative Team
Lara is a Sydney based actor and performance maker. She is a founding member of Little Spoon Theatre Co. and with them has performed in "Where's My Money", "Tiger Country", and "Stitching", and last year produced the sell out season of "Danny and The Deep Blue Sea".
Over the last ten years she has performed with New Theatre, The Street Theatre, ABitOnTheSide, Stage Debris, and has devised and developed work with Lace Balloon, Earthcrosser Company, Elbow Theatre, Stage Juice, and paperweight productions. She has studied various techniques in Sydney, New York, and Glasgow. She's involved with Ninefold, an ensemble who train together in the Suzuki Method, and will be performing Antigone with them in 2016. Last year she was involved in several independent short films, and appeared in an episode of the new hit web series "Starting from... now!".
Lara works as a professional roleplayer with several organisations, is studying her Masters of Applied Linguistics, and has just taken up netball after an 18 year hiatus. Lara has been part of the MindBlank Creatives since early 2014.
Neisha Murphy
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Neisha Murphy
Role: Creative Team
Neisha is a young and vibrant physical theatre and circus entertainer whose performance style blends a unique mix of physical performance and character hilarity. She enjoys the genuineness of performance and endeavours to make her work entertaining, fun and completely unforgettable! She is as comfortable high in sky hanging people from her neck as she is balancing on one foot and juggling knives! Neisha’s other physical skills include juggling a range of objects, spanish web, slack rope, MCing, comedy and she performs dare devil stunts like the neck hang of destruction and playing her ukulele upside down in a tank full of water!
Neisha graduated from Charles Sturt University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications (Theatre and Media) in Australia and holds a Diploma of Circus Arts from the Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology in New Zealand. She has worked for many companies and festivals such as The Hoopla Festival in Darling Harbour in Sydney, The Flying Kiwi Circus, Circus Aotearoa and the Kidsfest Festival in New Zealand, Merrigong Theatre Company, Circus Monoxide, Viva la gong festival, Half-High Circus and Circus Wow in Wollongong, Arts Projects Australia in Adelaide, The West Australian Ballet, The Tasmanian Circus Festival, Free Associations production of The Nutcracker, and The Circus Proms series with New Zealand’s Christchurch Symphony Orchestra. She was featured in the New Zealand Geographic magazine, on an episode of New Zealand’s hippest show Pacific Beat Street and performed for over 30,000 people in Christchurch’s annual Santa Parade.
Charlotte 'Charlie' Truscott
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Charlotte 'Charlie' Truscott
Role: Creative Team
Charlotte Truscott, or more better known as ‘Charlie’, is one of the most adaptable children’s circus professionals on the scene. From touring, creating work and running her own school she is continuously creating ways to give the circus experience to just about anyone she can. For over 15 years Charlie’s worked with children and adults of all abilities and skill level.
In 2009 she ran away from university and joined Circus Monoxide, and it was here her circus life really began. Here she worked as a circus performer, rigger, assistant to the artistic director, stage manager, outreach coordinator and head circus trainer.
Charlie graduated from Dell Arte International School of Physical Theatre California in 2014. Here she studied under the world renowned clown and master trainer Ronlin Foreman. Specialising in clowning, commedia, voice, ensemble performance, acrobatics and mask making. Dell Arte is unlike any other institution, it focuses on ‘being’ rather then ‘teaching’ techniques.
Charlie has performed for other companies such as; Sydney Children’s Festival, Sydney Fringe, Park Life, Sydney Festival, Australian Maritime Museum, Sydney Easter Show, Viva la Gong, Merringong Theatre Co, to name a few.
When she isn’t busy touring, Charlie is the Director of ‘Burgh Circus’ in Helensburgh NSW. She has created her own circus school where she teaches classes and creates performance opportunities for students and creates shows to cast other professional circus artists.
Luke Holmes
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Luke Holmes
Luke comes from a theatre and performance background, with a BPerf from AADA and years of experience in independent thetare both on and offstage. As an actor he has appeared in roles with Rocksurfers, Sydney Chamber Opera and Left Bauer Productions to name a few, as well as being a part of numerous indie and original works.
In 2013 he founded Brave New Word theatre company, where he acts as Artistic Director. The company is dedicated to the development and production of original Australian plays, and has staged five works so far, with Luke acting as writer, producer and director for various productions over that time.
Working with Mind Blank offers a unique experience for Luke, allowing him to develop his theatre skills for a younger audience, while practicing and playing with the 'forum theatre' style of performance in a subject as important as mental health.
Want To Make A Booking?
Key information you need to know prior to booking a Mind Blank Performance
- Mind Blank is Sydney, Brisbane, Melbounre and Canberra (ACT) based, therefore performances booked outside of the Sydney, Brisbane, Melbounre and Canberra CBD, rural areas or interstate, travel costs are to be expected
- Performance costs: Package deals available if booking more than one performance on the same day.
- Our performances are 1hr in duration
- Max audience size 200
Please note: during all performances we recommend that microphones are provided to the cast. A venue with a speaker is sufficient to plug microphones into, this can in turn increase the quality of our product delivery.
Donate
Mind Blank is health promotion charity, ABN 18 168 485 176, working along side service providers and local health districts. We are registered as being a Deductible Gift Recipient by the Australian Charities Not-for-Profit Commission.
Fundraising Privacy Collection Statement
There are many ways you can help Mind Blank. Some ideas include in-kind support offers, monthly sponsorship packages, organising a fundraiser or even one off donations. We welcome your ideas and support to continue our growth to impact mental health outcomes for young people.
Any donation above $2.00 can be used as a tax deduction.
Privacy Policy
Contact Us to Find Out More About Our Programs
For general enquires
contact us on 0468912399
To enquire or make a direct booking for a Mind Blank performance click here.
Please Note:
- Mind Blank is a health promotion charity and we are not a Mental Health service provider. If you need immediate help or information on existing services please click here.
- Current volunteer positions are advertised here.
