Q: What hurdles do you currently see Equally Well facing and will have to face in the future? Is there a particular area you believe needs more focus that Equally Well can develop on?
A: Our health system is designed in a way that separates aspects of health and wellbeing from other body systems and health areas. The separation limits the potential impact of our work, and the work of other sectors. We are stronger together, but more importantly, more effective.
Q: What have you personally learnt and has this knowledge impacted your life and/or the lives of those around you?
A: I have learnt that often we spend a lot of time providing information, resources and encouragement, but if we were to embody what we are promoting and ‘do with’ and ‘not to’, we would all support each other to participate in routines and habits that keep us strong, mentally, physically and spiritually. I have also learnt that it is our systems that need to change. Not people.
Q: As an Equally Well Ambassador, you are an advocate for improving the physical health of those who live with a mental illness, have there been any new developments or research in your area of interest?
A: Increasing opportunities for people to keep active and embedding physical health supports in CMO setting promotes physical activity.
Wirtu, G., Lamble, R., Gagnon, L., Farrell, J., Ho, D., Gott, L., Ryall, J., Orr, M., Rosenbaum, S. & Lederman, O. (2026). Embedding physical activity in community mental healthcare: lessons from the Community in Motion programme. British Journal of Sports Medicine Published Online First: 24 February 2026. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2025-111466
Currently undertaking a project titled: Waluwin Ngurambang, Waluwin Bagir-ngun, Waluwin Mayiny: Wiradyuri Women Restoring Country, Restoring Health, funded by NHMRC alongside strong Wiradyuri women and Elders. Examining the influence of Wiradyuri women’s health on the health of Wiradyuri Country.
And the current work of Dr Chontel Gibson and the team at Neura : https://neura.edu.au/news-media/researcher-news/research-to-embed-strengths-based-approaches-for-older-aboriginal-wellbeing
Q: What do you see is your role for Equally Well as one of our ambassadors?
A: Promoting the role of cultural occupations with a particular focus on the influence of culture and Country on the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
