Phill talks to Vicki Holland the Senior Peer Support Worker, at Luma’s Wanneroo Active Recovery Team. They discuss the importance of Peer Work in the social and emotional wellbeing sector.

Phill Moncrieff is a proud Yamatji man from Gwoonwardu (Carnarvon, WA) and is CoMHWA's Aboriginal Community Engagement Officer.

CoMHWA acknowledges the Whadjuk people of the Noongar Nation as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land on which this podcast was recorded, and we pay our respects to their Elders past and present. We also extend our respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across Western Australia and Australia, recognising their ongoing connection to land, waters, culture, and community.

If you need crisis assistance, please contact;

Lifeline: 13 11 14

13 YARN: 13 92 76

For enquiries about the show please contact us as Consumers of Mental Health WA: [email protected]

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the speakers and not those of CoMHWA, the guest's employer, the podcast network or sponsors.

Podcast edited by David Willet at Double T Media (https://doubletmedia.com.au/)

In this episode we speak to Professor Pat Dudgeon. Prof Dudgeon is a Bardi woman from the Kimberley. Since 2009 she has been a researcher in the School of Indigenous Studies at the University of Western Australia (UWA). Her research is concerned with community engagement, consultation, and responsiveness, and draws upon multi-disciplinary approaches. Her large, national integrated projects map social phenomena and seek to implement transformative methods and practices focused on Indigenous health and wellbeing. 

CoMHWA: https://comhwa.org.au/

Lifeline: 13 11 14

13 YARN: 13 92 76

Phill Moncrieff is a proud Yamatji man from Gwoonwardu (Carnarvon, WA) and is CoMHWA's Aboriginal Community Engagement Officer.

CoMHWA acknowledges the Whadjuk people of the Noongar Nation as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land on which this podcast was recorded, and we pay our respects to their Elders past and present. We also extend our respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across Western Australia and Australia, recognising their ongoing connection to land, waters, culture, and community.

Podcast edited by David Willet at Double T Media.

In this episode, we’re joined by Toby Millar, A proud Larrakia wadjikan man — wadjikan meaning 'person' in the Gulumoerrgin language — who serves as the Cultural Engagement Manager at Reconciliation WA. Toby works alongside the CEO to help build strong, respectful relationships and make sure the organisation supports a more culturally aware and reconciled Western Australia.

Toby shares his thoughts on where reconciliation is at in 2025, especially after the 2023 Voice referendum. He talks about how important it is to have respect, understanding, and real connections between people—and how this can make a big difference to the mental health and wellbeing of Aboriginal communities.

We also hear about Reconciliation WA’s Rising Program, which starts with building respect, moves into stronger relationships, and creates opportunities for the future. It’s been a big success and recently won a Community Service Excellence Award!

Toby talks about the power of storytelling, art, music and culture in bringing people together and keeping traditions alive. His message is simple but powerful: reconciliation is for everyone. It’s about making sure all people feel seen, heard, and that they belong.

To find out more or get involved, check out Reconciliation WA and have a yarn with the team.

Reconciliation WA

Ph: (08) 6552 6990

E: [email protected]

CoMHWA: https://comhwa.org.au/

Lifeline: 13 11 14

13 YARN: 13 92 76

Phill Moncrieff is a proud Yamatji man from Gwoonwardu (Carnarvon, WA) and is CoMHWA's Aboriginal Community Engagement Officer.

CoMHWA acknowledges the Whadjuk people of the Noongar Nation as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land on which this podcast was recorded, and we pay our respects to their Elders past and present. We also extend our respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across Western Australia and Australia, recognising their ongoing connection to land, waters, culture, and community.

In this episode of Moorditj Minds, we sit down for a heartfelt yarn with Tania Harris, Engagement Manager at the Health Consumers’ Council of WA. Tania shares her journey from Aboriginal Advocate to leading engagement work across the state, spotlighting how health rights, community education, and culturally respectful advocacy can empower both individuals and systems.

We talk about traditional healing, the importance of carers, and how community-led approaches—like peer work and cultural training—are reshaping mental health services. Tania also reflects on the power of connection, the barriers still faced in accessing support, and how a simple yarn over coffee can be the first step toward healing.

This episode is full of wisdom, warmth, and practical insight into what culturally safe mental health care looks like—and how we can all play a role in making it real.

Tune in for stories, strategy, and strength from the heart of WA’s health advocacy scene.

Check out Health Consumers’ Council for more of their work!

Phone: 08 9221 3422

E: [email protected]

CoMHWA: https://comhwa.org.au/

Lifeline: 13 11 14

13 YARN: 13 92 76

Phill Moncrieff is a proud Yamatji man from Gwoonwardu (Carnarvon, WA) and is CoMHWA's Aboriginal Community Engagement Officer.

CoMHWA acknowledges the Whadjuk people of the Noongar Nation as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land on which this podcast was recorded, and we pay our respects to their Elders past and present. We also extend our respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across Western Australia and Australia, recognising their ongoing connection to land, waters, culture, and community.

In this powerful episode of Moorditj Minds, host Phill Moncrieff sits down with Joanne Khan, a proud Noongar yorga and the Indigenous Policy and Research Officer at CoMHWA.

From surviving life-threatening brain aneurysms to becoming a leading voice in Aboriginal mental health, justice, and lived experience advocacy, Joanne shares her remarkable journey with us.

Her work spans well beyond CoMHWA: Joanne is a Lived Experience Ambassador for the Australian Human Rights Commission’s IncludeAbility project, a representative on the National Mental Health Consumer & Carer Forum with Lived Experience Australia, and a member of the Doherty Institute’s Community Advisory Board.

She speaks candidly about the structural barriers Aboriginal people face in WA, the tokenism she's often confronted with, and her vision for creating more seats at decision-making tables.

As a founding member of CoMHWA’s Aboriginal Lived Experience Advisory Group (ALEAG), Joanne is fiercely committed to cultural safety, community empowerment, and ensuring that Aboriginal voices are front and centre in mental health reform.

CoMHWA: https://comhwa.org.au/

Lifeline: 13 11 14

13 YARN: 13 92 76

Phill Moncrieff is a proud Yamatji man from Gwoonwardu (Carnarvon, WA) and is CoMHWA's Aboriginal Community Engagement Officer.

CoMHWA acknowledges the Whadjuk Noongar Nation who are the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land on which this podcast was recorded on and we pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

CW: This episode discusses suicide and domestic violence.

In this powerful episode, Jon Blurton, from the Strong Father's program at Indigo Junction, shares his insights on the vital work being done to support mental health in Aboriginal and wider communities. Phill and Jon discuss the importance of culturally reflective support services, the role of connection to Land and Culture in healing, and the value of community collaboration. From tackling mental health issues to empowering individuals through initiatives like the Strong Fathers program, Jon highlights how fostering respect, belonging, and conversation can help break cycles of trauma and build stronger, more connected communities.

CoMHWA: https://comhwa.org.au/

Lifeline: 13 11 14

13 YARN: 13 92 76

Phill Moncrieff is a proud Yamatji man from Gwoonwardu (Carnarvon, WA) and is CoMHWA's Aboriginal Community Engagement Officer.

CoMHWA acknowledges the Whadjuk Noongar Nation who are the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land on which this podcast was recorded on and we pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

In this episode of Moorditj Minds, we sit down with Mark Bateman, the (then) Cultural Connect Manager at Moorditj Koort Aboriginal Corporation. Mark shares insights into the vital work of Moorditj Koort in improving health outcomes for Aboriginal communities in Western Australia. We delve into the intersection of culture and mental health, exploring the unique challenges and strengths of Aboriginal mental health care. Mark highlights the importance of community-led initiatives and culturally safe approaches to support mental and emotional well-being.

CoMHWA: https://comhwa.org.au/

Lifeline: 13 11 14

13 YARN: 13 92 76

Phill Moncrieff is a proud Yamatji man from Gwoonwardu (Carnarvon, WA) and is CoMHWA's Aboriginal Community Engagement Officer.

CoMHWA acknowledges the Whadjuk Noongar Nation who are the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land on which this podcast was recorded on and we pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Elaine Ashurst is a dedicated advocate for mental health, known for her unwavering commitment to challenging stigma and advocating for the Lived Experience community. Having faced her own mental health challenges, Elaine embodies resilience and empowerment by returning to and working within the very environments she received treatment in. Her unique perspective and first-hand experience enable her to connect deeply with consumers on their mental health journeys, fostering an environment of understanding and support. In this episode of Moorditj Minds, we have a yarn with Elaine about how her work continues to inspire and uplift those around her, demonstrating the transformative power of lived experience in mental health care.

Disclaimer: Unfortunately, since recording this episode, Life Launchpad is no longer running at CoMHWA, but we have lots of other programs that are similar to Life Launchpad, and plenty more in development!

CoMHWA: https://comhwa.org.au/

Lifeline: 13 11 14

13 YARN: 13 92 76

[Due to a technical glitch, Moorditj Minds has changed hosting platforms. This episode was originally published on 22 July 2024]

Phill Moncrieff is a proud Yamatji man from Gwoonwardu (Carnarvon, WA) and is CoMHWA's Policy and Research Officer - Aboriginal Mental Health.

CoMHWA acknowledges the Whadjuk Noongar Nation who are the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land on which this podcast was recorded on and we pay our respects to their elders past and present.

Welcome to Moorditj Minds!

In this enlightening first episode of Moorditj Minds, we welcome Dr. Mad Magladry, the Deputy CEO and Advocacy Manager, and Charles Foster, the Policy and Research Officer – Regional and Remote, from Consumers of Mental Health WA. Together, they share their expertise and insights on the unique challenges and opportunities in delivering mental health services to Aboriginal communities in Western Australia. Tune in for an engaging and informative conversation that highlights the vital work being done to support Aboriginal mental health.

SANE: https://www.sane.org/ CoMHWA: https://comhwa.org.au/

[Due to a technical glitch, Moorditj Minds has changed hosting platforms. This episode was originally published on 11 July 2024]

Phill Moncrieff is a proud Yamatji man from Gwoonwardu (Carnarvon, WA) and is CoMHWA's Policy and Research Officer - Aboriginal Mental Health.

CoMHWA acknowledges the Whadjuk Noongar Nation, who are the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land on which this podcast was recorded on and we pay our respects to their elders past and present.