About MHF

About Mental Health Foundation ACT

Our mission is to deliver quality mental health services in the ACT and surrounding region through innovative accommodation, outreach and support solutions. 

Our Board

Brien Hallett – President

Brien recently retired after four decades working in various fields including education and public affairs, as well senior executive roles in the Commonwealth Public Service, Government House, and the Parliament. He has a particular interest in the role that carers play in supporting family and friends on the road to recovery and believes that our community-based approach is an effective way of assisting people on the journey to better mental health.

Trixie Makay GAICD – Vice President

Trixie is a Partner, Management Consulting with KPMG. She is committed to partnering with organisations to transform ideas into cost effective and innovative business models, driving outcomes for citizens and their communities to maximise benefits for everyone.

Dave Talbot – Treasurer

Dave is a Director with KPMG and has over 15 years experience working primarily in costing, program advisory and financial management. He works with public sector organisations, assisting in the delivery of advisory services.

Janine Robinson – Secretary

Janine’s motivation to join the board came from personal and family circumstances, complemented by management experience in local and federal government and 12 years in the not-for-profit sector. She is committed to partnerships and community development strategies that will enhance MHF services and strengthen our person-centred approach.

Chris Ward – Ex Officio Board Member

Chris has a long history working as a senior executive in community sector, having worked previously for Canteen and St John’s Ambulance. He brings well developed skills in leadership, governance, finance and marketing to our organisation.

The Executive

Chris Ward – Chief Executive Officer

Chris has a long history working as a senior executive in community sector, having worked previously for Canteen and St John’s Ambulance. He brings well developed skills in leadership, governance, finance and marketing to our organisation.

Karen McKernan – Corporate Services Manager

Karen has extensive background in governance, accreditation and board secretariat which she now brings to the role of Corporate Services Manager.

Angie Tadd – Finance Manager

As Finance Manager, Angie bring a passion for “the numbers”. She has an incredible analytical mind that is able to identify issues and opportunities before they arise. Angie is deeply committed to the community sector.

Peter Lennon – Business Development Manager

Peter is a business development professional with over 30 years of experience delivering results through Membership, B2B direct sales and revenue-generating partnerships. He is excited to bring this knowledge and skills to the mental health sector.

Shahrin Ariff – Program Manager Outreach

Shahrin is one of MHF’s longest serving employees – and for good reason too. He was around in the days of the much loved PHaMs program. These days he brings his detailed understanding of the NDIS to manage a dedicated team of Support Workers all with the aim of supporting participants to meet their recovery goals.

Karen McKernan – Acting Support Coordination and Recovery Coach Team Leader

Karen has extensive background in governance, accreditation and board secretariat which she now brings to the role of Corporate Services Manager.

Laura Jane – Program Manager Accommodation

Laura Jane has brought years of experience managing accommodation services for a number of services providers in both the ACT and in Sydney. Laura Jane loves people – she loves her staff and the participants they support. She has a strong trauma informed approach, which helps build a safe place for participants to focus on their recovery journey.

Leanne McDonald

Leanne brings almost 4 decades of experience as a Registered Nurse to MHF. Her clinical knowledge and oversight is critical in allowing MHF to provide quality supports to our participants.

Our Projects

Read about our recent projects, achievements and key events in the our community.

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Our Partners

Our partners provide critical support, input and resources.

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Reconciliation

Read our Reconciliation statement.

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Annual Reports

Read our previous annual reports.

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Quick Escape