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Opening Hours
Mon - Fri 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Board and Responsible People
MIFANT’s Management Committee possesses extensive expertise including lived experience, across mental health, aboriginal health and business management.
Vanessa Harris - Chairperson
Vanessa holds a Bachelor of Health Science and is currently employed as the Manager of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health at the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.
Vanessa was previously the Manager for Biyamarr ma at Menzies School of Health Research and held CEO positions at both NT Mental Health Coalition and FORWAARD.
Vanessa’s experience also includes an extensive career in Aboriginal Health and the Aboriginal Community Control sector as well as the Commonwealth Government.
Vanessa is a local First Nations Territorian with familial ties to the Stolen Generations through her grandmother.
Vanessa was previously the Manager for Biyamarr ma at Menzies School of Health Research and held CEO positions at both NT Mental Health Coalition and FORWAARD.
Vanessa’s experience also includes an extensive career in Aboriginal Health and the Aboriginal Community Control sector as well as the Commonwealth Government.
Vanessa is a local First Nations Territorian with familial ties to the Stolen Generations through her grandmother.
Luciana Baronio - Vice Chairperson
Luciana has a Bachelor of Business from Darwin University and an MBA from Canberra University, together with professional experience in Computer Technology, and Education and Training.
Beyond her academic and professional achievements, Luciana’s lived experience as a carer brings a deep understanding of supporting someone with a mental health issue on their recovery journey.
Luciana's status as a locally born Territorian also provides an understanding of local values, and community dynamics .
Beyond her academic and professional achievements, Luciana’s lived experience as a carer brings a deep understanding of supporting someone with a mental health issue on their recovery journey.
Luciana's status as a locally born Territorian also provides an understanding of local values, and community dynamics .
Joy Green - Secretary
As a founding member of MIFANT, Joy was initially motivated by the advocacy for her son, however Joy's impact broadened to encompass all individuals grappling with mental illness and their caregivers.
Joy has had a significant impact in the development of the Northern Territory mental health sector after the closure of mental health institutions in the late 80’s and in recognition of her dedicated efforts, Joy was nominated for the Australian of the Year Award in 2008.
Subsequently, she received the NT Senior of the Year Award, underscoring her significant contributions.
Joy has had a significant impact in the development of the Northern Territory mental health sector after the closure of mental health institutions in the late 80’s and in recognition of her dedicated efforts, Joy was nominated for the Australian of the Year Award in 2008.
Subsequently, she received the NT Senior of the Year Award, underscoring her significant contributions.
Laura Margaret Milne - Treasurer
Laura holds the position of Operations Manager at Hibiscus Shopping Town, where a commitment to fostering community engagement is integral.
Having witnessed the direct effects of mental health within the community, Laura has taken a proactive step by volunteering to serve on the MIFANT Management Committee in order to support programs that enhance community wellbeing.
In this role, she contributes her wealth of knowledge and compassion to support the impactful work of MIFANT.
Having witnessed the direct effects of mental health within the community, Laura has taken a proactive step by volunteering to serve on the MIFANT Management Committee in order to support programs that enhance community wellbeing.
In this role, she contributes her wealth of knowledge and compassion to support the impactful work of MIFANT.
Rosalyn Havard - Ordinary Member
Residing in Alice Springs, Roz Havard is a dedicated advocate with a commitment to ensuring high-quality service delivery.
Her profound interest lies in mental health policy and legislation, reflecting her dedication to advocating for robust frameworks in the field.
As a carer of a person with a mental illness, Roz has utilised her skills on a number of national working groups and boards and is currently the Deputy Carer Co-Chair of the National Mental Health Carer and Consumer Forum.
In her professional journey Roz was the Advocate (Southern Region) for the Foster Carers Association NT, and she has also previously facilitated diverse family and carer mental health education programs.
Her profound interest lies in mental health policy and legislation, reflecting her dedication to advocating for robust frameworks in the field.
As a carer of a person with a mental illness, Roz has utilised her skills on a number of national working groups and boards and is currently the Deputy Carer Co-Chair of the National Mental Health Carer and Consumer Forum.
In her professional journey Roz was the Advocate (Southern Region) for the Foster Carers Association NT, and she has also previously facilitated diverse family and carer mental health education programs.
Lorraine Davies - Executive Officer
Lorraine Davies has served as the Executive Officer for the Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia (NT) since 2010. Over the past three decades, she has dedicated her career to the community sector, operating in the Kimberley region of Western Australia and throughout the Northern Territory.
Lorraine has primarily focused on delivering services and support to individuals with disabilities or mental illnesses, along with their families and caregivers. Her diverse roles have spanned executive positions in Disability Services, Family Support, and Mental Health, and she has also been the proprietor of two small businesses.
Lorraine's commitment to the sector is evidenced by her past board memberships.
She has held positions including President and Co-founding member of NT Mental Health Coalition, Co- founding member of Community Mental Health Australia, Executive Group member of the Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia, and Executive Group member of Mental Health Carers Australia. Additionally, Lorraine has contributed her expertise as a member of the NDIS National Working Group and member of the NT Primary Health Network Mental Health and AOD Advisory group, through her extensive involvement, Lorraine remains dedicated to advancing mental health support services, fostering positive change, and advocating for the best possible outcomes for people living with a mental health issue
Lorraine has primarily focused on delivering services and support to individuals with disabilities or mental illnesses, along with their families and caregivers. Her diverse roles have spanned executive positions in Disability Services, Family Support, and Mental Health, and she has also been the proprietor of two small businesses.
Lorraine's commitment to the sector is evidenced by her past board memberships.
She has held positions including President and Co-founding member of NT Mental Health Coalition, Co- founding member of Community Mental Health Australia, Executive Group member of the Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia, and Executive Group member of Mental Health Carers Australia. Additionally, Lorraine has contributed her expertise as a member of the NDIS National Working Group and member of the NT Primary Health Network Mental Health and AOD Advisory group, through her extensive involvement, Lorraine remains dedicated to advancing mental health support services, fostering positive change, and advocating for the best possible outcomes for people living with a mental health issue
Samantha Mclntosh - Operations Manager
Samantha McIntosh our Operations Manager, brings over 15 years of management expertise, with a dedicated focus on community service management for the past 5 years.
Sam started her journey in suicide prevention project management, demonstrating exceptional leadership and strategic thinking.
Transitioning into program management for suicide postvention, Sam refined her skills in crisis intervention and support systems.
Taking her journey a step further, Sam founded a mental health and NDIS support organization. Originally from Victoria, Sam fell in love with the Northern Territory during a holiday and made it her home.
Her diverse background and commitment to making a difference make her a valuable asset to the organisation and community.
Sam started her journey in suicide prevention project management, demonstrating exceptional leadership and strategic thinking.
Transitioning into program management for suicide postvention, Sam refined her skills in crisis intervention and support systems.
Taking her journey a step further, Sam founded a mental health and NDIS support organization. Originally from Victoria, Sam fell in love with the Northern Territory during a holiday and made it her home.
Her diverse background and commitment to making a difference make her a valuable asset to the organisation and community.
Kelly Hinnen - Administration & NDIS Manager
Kelly Hinnen, our Administration & NDIS Manager, brings with her 25 years of experience as a Personal Assistant in law firms. She ensures compliance with NDIS guidelines, policies, and procedures to uphold the scheme's quality and integrity. Kelly maintains accurate records of participant interactions, service agreements, and financial transactions. She stays updated on NDIS and mental health developments through training sessions, workshops, and webinars.
Kelly’s person-centred approach and clear communication ensure participants receive tailored support for their well-being. She is committed to helping individuals with mental health challenges achieve their goals and lead fulfilling lives. Her dedication and compassion drive her to create a supportive environment where participants can thrive.
Kelly’s person-centred approach and clear communication ensure participants receive tailored support for their well-being. She is committed to helping individuals with mental health challenges achieve their goals and lead fulfilling lives. Her dedication and compassion drive her to create a supportive environment where participants can thrive.
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