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
Mind Blank exists because 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).
Our story started with Ally Kelly who founded the business as as one of Australia's mental health charities in 2011. The motivation behind Mind Blank stemmed from her first-hand experiencing the pains of a loved one suffering from depression and suicidality.
We believed that no-one should ever suffer in silence. Our team adds value into young people’s lives by including them in a creative process to empower individuals to be proactive about reducing the risk of youth suicide. Using innovative and mindful methods we are committed to generating higher awareness on the importance of good mental health practices, with integrity in the heart of our programs.
Our legacy is to create sustainable community action; we do this by striving to help contribute to and informing a current body of research to support mental health promotion in Australia.
This is a gesture to honour and pay the respect to the families who have lost young people to 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. Get in touch with our team to access 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 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 nine years of service, for which her efforts were recognised in winning the 2017 Mental Health Matters Award for Mental Health Promotion, and in 2019 she was presented with the Mental Health Services Award for Mental Illness Prevention.
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
- 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 place
- 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 March 2011 the Mind Blank Incorporated established.
- On 14th May 2011 Mind Blank hosted our first event.
- In October 2011 the first community partnership took place. It was an alliance with the Shoalhaven Suicide Prevention Awareness Network.
- In 2012 our first research project commenced at the University of Wollongong.
- 2012 Mind Blank receives over $130k seed funding to trial a regional tour. Thanks to the Teen Sprit Foundation and IMB bank.
- 2013 Mind Blank featured at the launch of Youth week at the NSW Parliament House.
- 2013-2015 the first Cultural Creations program launched a program designed to help at-risk migrant students.
- 2014 Mind Blank gets their first ever Victoria event booking.
- 2016 Youth in ACTion help support a Canberra team formation and launch.
- 2017 TeamHEALTH alliance formed allowing our services to tour the Top End of Australia.
- 2017 Grafton alliances commence. In order to take on this geographic area a Brisbane team was formed.
- 2017 Micheal Ward Walks for the cause raising $59,000.00 for the Mind Blank team.
- 2017 Mind Blank School Program wins NSW Mental Health Award.
- 2018 Mental Health Services Award for Mental Health Promotion or Mental Illness Prevention; a collaborative effort working with TeamHEALTH for providing engaging mental health activities to youths across the Top End of Australia.
- 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.
- 2019 Award Qld state funding through cyber-bullying task force https://www.csyw.qld.gov.au/
Ally is available to Freelance as an Arts Manager, Keynote speaker and Consultant for creative projects. To find out more click here.
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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. To see a full list of our scripts and topics available click here.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: We have designed some online tools and materials to bring together some specially-designed interactive workshops which tackle important topics such as exam stress, anxiety awareness, and dealing with change in relation to COVID 19. Programs cater for ages the following age groups: 10 -12, 13-14, & 15-16. Express your interest by filling out this form click here.
Award Winning Mental Health Programs
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 2017 Mind Blanks efforts were recognised in winning the Mental Health Matters Award for Mental Health Promotion, and in 2019 the team was presented with the Mental Health Services Award for Mental Illness Prevention.
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.
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
Program Evaluations
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.
Evaluation/Research Projects
- The MHS conference (2017) Mind Blank: What is Forum Theatre? https://www.themhs.org/resource/mind-blank-what-is-forum-theatre/
- Kelly, A (2017) "Evaluating depression awareness and suicide prevention education programs in the Top End of Australia" Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Master of Arts Postgraduate Degree at Griffith University.
- Kelly, A (2018) What are the benefits and challenges for arts and health program evaluation? Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Master of Arts Postgraduate Degree at Griffith University.
- Searle, K. A. (2019). Breaking down the barriers: Using drama to engage young people in mental health promotion and prevention- A quantitative and qualitative research trial. Master of Science - Research (Psychology), University of Wollongong, Wollongong.
- Mind Blank supported by Courage Partners (2019) Evaluation of Primary School Mental Health Awareness Program Trial. Approved by ACT Department of Education as an internal document.
- Mind Blank supported by Courage Partners (2020) Evaluation of Secondary School Mental Health Awareness Program Grafton. (Pending completion Feb 2020).
New Projects:
Current conversations are taking place with Canberra University and Griffith University to support studying the following research questions:
- Is the Mind Blank mythology an appropriate modality to consider when educating young people on mental health topics?
- What are the long term benefits and challenges of Mind Blank’s health promotion activities in communities in the Top End of Australia?
If you would like to contact our team we can share some of our research and program evaluations findings with you, get in touch today.
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Mind Blank Team and Board Bios
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Amy Crawford
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Amy Crawford
Amy Crawford is a Canberra based actor and consultant, passionate about using improvised theatre to connect people. In 2016 Amy co-founded Lightbulb Improv which uses theatre skills to help people create, connect and communicate at work or in everyday life. Amy is an experienced performer bringing laughter to Canberra every month with Lightbulb Improv and at local and international festivals.
Amy has a deep understanding of the range of social policy impacts with over fifteen years experience as a manager in the Australian Public Service. She has developed national policies within the immigration, education, social policy and communications portfolios and worked on policies for Indigenous Australians. She brings this knowledge to her consultancy and facilitation business in Canberra.
Amy has a Bachelor of Laws (honours) and a Bachelor of Arts (Communication and Language, Media Studies) from the University of Queensland. She also holds a Drama and Performance Licentiate Diploma (Teacher) from the Australian Music Examinations Board.
Amy Ehsman
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Amy Ehsman
Amy Ehsman is a freelance actor and performer based in the ACT. Recently performed in Improvisation shows by ImproACT, Lightbulb and regularly performs with Troubador.
Jacqueline King
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Jacqueline King
Role: Director
Jacqueline is an experienced Board Director and former CEO. She holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA), a range of vocational qualifications, and is currently completing her last two units for her Bachelor of Laws (Honours) with QUT. Jacqueline has undertaken a range of volunteer work throughout her life from being a foster carer to training with the International Labor Organisation in South East Asia. Jacqueline is passionate about reducing the risk of suicide and dealing with mental health issues having lost her son Dillon in 2015 and is particularly interested in the innovative ways Mind Blank is able to engage with young people about mental health.
Janine Phillips
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Janine Phillips
Role: Director
Janine is an experienced senior leader with an extensive background in human resources management and people strategies and a track record partnering senior leaders to deliver on people strategies and transformation agendas. Her key strengths include partnering leaders with culture change, organisational development and change management initiatives.
Janine is a graduate Australian Institute Company Directors (GAICD), a certified member of the Australian Institute Human Resources (CAHRI) and holds a Masters in Leadership and Post Graduate qualifications in Human Resources Management, Commerce and Organisational Change. Janine practices yoga and has recently completed yoga teacher training course.
Janine’s interest in Mind Blank has come about from her lived experience of the devastating impacts of youth suicide when her son Tom unexpectantly died at age 20.
“As you can imagine, the suicide of my son Tom has profoundly impacted and changed our lives forever. Looking back, I don’t know why it didn’t cross my mind that one of my children could be at risk. If I thought about it all, I would have said that Tom had everything to live for, he was about to commence his dream career, he was fit, talented, loved by many, the world at his feet. He did not have a history with mental ill health. Our tragedy has taken me down a path to better understand the complexity and insidious nature of mental illness and to do what I can to contribute to the saving of young lives.
The Mind Blank model which targets early prevention for youths resonates with me as a proactive solution and I am pleased to join its board of Directors and work with Ally and the team”. ~ Janine.
Sarah Ripper
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Sarah Ripper
Sarah has worked within the arts, community, entertainment, well-being and business sectors in Australia and internationally. She has managed children's performing arts programs in Melbourne with over 100 children and 15 staff. She’s worked in developmental contexts from the United Nations to the largest citizen journalism project in Asia, India Unheard. She was the founder of Happy from the Inside, a Melbourne based organisation providing creative arts & wellbeing programs for asylum seeker and refugee children. She is a qualified primary school teacher who is passionate about arts as a tool for change. She has experience in performing, writing, speaking & creative entrepreneurship.
Graeme Rhodes
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Graeme Rhodes
Since studying acting in the late 1980's Graeme has
worked on numerous stage, screen and radio projects. His
studies in Clown and Commedia dell'arte led him to also
work throughout Asia, Europe and the Middle East as a
street performer. A commitment to social change propelled
him into Milkcrate Theatre (theatre for people who have
experienced homelessness) in 2001 as one of its founding
members and since then he has performed in and helped
devise countless Forum theatre shows. He believes
Forum theatre to be a powerful tool for driving positive
change in individuals, groups, and society as a whole.
Graeme is an accomplished teacher and workshop
facilitator and has run classes and workshops in stage and
screen acting, improvisation, clown, mask, radio theatre
and puppetry.
Lawrence Toye
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Lawrence Toye
"Originally from the UK where he trained and worked as a professional actor during his early adult life, Lawrence made the move to Australia 3 years ago in search of new creative opportunities and adventures.
Finding inspiration from communities in many parts of the country, Lawrence sought to join and create performance projects which carried though-provoking messages or advocated for a social cause. This intention has led him to perform in shows and create immersive experiences for a number of not-for-profit and charitable organisations from rural Tasmania to central Sydney .
Dividing his time between work in immersive and forum theatre, disability support work and adventure travel trip leading, Lawrence joins the Mind Blank team to gain further experience of delivering effective and impacting experiences to raise awareness and encourage real change in individuals and communities alike."
Yael Kario
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Yael Kario
Yael moved from Israel to Sydney about 5 years. She has extensive training and over 15 years of experience in Drama, movement and theatre-based therapy. Her formal education includes B.A. in education followed by therapy and dyadic (Mother/Child) treatment studies. She worked with both private and governmental foundations, helping varied populations such as children with emotional needs, mentally ill, youth at risk and others, ranging from young (Year K) children to adolescents.
In her other career, Yael has more than 25 years of international experience in acting and directing. She has been practicing various forms of theatre, mainly “Playback theatre”, performing to a wide range of audiences in NSW and overseas.
Stephen Hirst
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Stephen Hirst
"Stephen has been performing professionally for over twenty years in theatre and film.
He has extensive training in improvisation and physical theatre.
Based in Brisbane, Stephen can be seen treading the boards in musicals, plays and a variety of newly developed works.
He is also the face of constipation relief in Australia for the brand, Coloxyl.
Stephen has always been passionate about mental health and wellbeing and he is thrilled to join the Mind Blank team to promote safe practice methods, through the arts."
Mark Marriott
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Mark Marriott
Role: Director
"Mark has 10 years C Level experience in Consumer Products where he has grown businesses and saved them, working with some of the world’s leading companies and brands such as Disney, Magnum, Monopoly, Bailey’s and many more.
Originally from the UK, he lived and worked in London for 15 years before moving to Australia in 2011 to launch the Australian operation for Winning Moves Games - and to launch a Sydney version of the Monopoly board game. He then ran a confectionery company, Kinnerton Australia for 7 years before his last role running a cleaning products and franchising business. He is currently setting up a business consultancy practice, The Business Doctor, to help businesses under duress.
Mark understands the importance of mental health through his own experience. He has previously served as a Non-Executive Director on the Sydney based Top Blokes Foundation advising on the commercial viability of projects."
Adrian Waters
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Adrian Waters
Role: Director
Adrian is internationally recognized as an expert in Business Strategy, M&A and Exec Leadership from his 15+ years working for some of the largest corporations in the world. His extensive experience covers strategy, leadership, M&A and Workplace Wellness. Having suffered mental and physical health decline due to pushing himself and burning out, Adrian decided to become a qualified coach and personal trainer so he could learn the skills to fix himself and to help others do the same. He now dedicates a large part of his time to help social change and awareness in the area of mental health and well being, drawing on both his personal and professional experiences to be the best authentic leader he can
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.
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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.
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