Robert is a social worker with extensive experience in hospital and community settings, administration, teaching and research. A foremost social work authority, Robert is well-known throughout the country as a pioneer and leader in the mental health field, having worked in mental health and academic settings since 1972. His appointments include the Queensland Health Chair of Mental Health at the University of Queensland, a joint appointment with Queensland Health; and life member of Arfami. Robert’s areas of interest are in research and teaching, with a focus on mental illness and social work practice. Robert recently retired from his position as the Professor of Social Work at the Australian Catholic University. One of his long-standing, primary interests has been the welfare of family caregivers in coping with long-term mental illness. Robert’s research highlights the importance of hope in the experience of mental illness and process of recovery.

Simon enjoys working with people and organisations who are passionate about their vision, and making a difference in the community. With over 15 years’ experience in the not-for-profit and primary health care sectors, over 15 years in membership organisations, and 10 years as a part of executive leadership teams, Simon has a demonstrated experience of change management and transition from strength to strength. As Company Secretary of Partners 4 Health Limited and Open Minds Australia Limited, Simon worked closely with the CEO, Board, board sub-committees, clinician and client advisory groups to ensure strategic, operational and compliance issues were addressed in a timely and effective way. Leading a small project team to review all internal policies and procedures, and working closely with internal stakeholders and subject matter experts to achieve accreditation to NDIS Practice Standards and the Human Services Quality Framework. With overall responsibility for risk management in Company Secretary and consulting roles, Simon led the development and implementation of integrated enterprise-wide, risk management systems aligned to Australian Standards ISO 31000 Risk Management. Working with the Board subcommittee and the Occupational Health and Safety Officer, he led the development of WHS indicators and a strategic report, and presented these at each Board meeting. Simon’s expertise in Commonwealth, State, and subcontractor relationships and personal negotiation style has achieved mutually beneficial outcomes with funders, vendors and suppliers. Simon possesses a genuine interest in people and an enthusiasm for his work. His strong personal belief system underpins everything he does and helps him to achieve a high level of integrity, reliability and responsibility. Simon has been described as a servant leader who is dedicated to activities that align with his values. He enjoy challenges, aims for excellence, embraces innovation and strives to see organisations achieve best possible outcomes.