Wellbeing Australia Professional Network

Wellbeing Australia is a not for profit network, bringing together people and organisations committed to developing healthy relationships that lead to individual and community wellbeing – with a particular emphasis on the areas of family, education and the workplace.

Vision, Mission, Purpose and Values

Vision

To support an environment where all Australians are engaged, motivated to learn and develop, and are proactive in managing their own wellbeing.

Mission

Wellbeing Australia is committed to champion the integration of wellbeing principles and practices into Families, Education networks and Workplaces in Australia.

Purpose

Wellbeing Australia has a dedicated purpose of connecting and supporting all in valuing and improving their wellbeing, with a particular focus on:

Positive networks and communication forums for all
Supporting and sharing research and information around proactive strategies
Identifying elements of various life stages impacting individual wellbeing
Assisting organisations in disseminating content, ideas and connections with their staff and communities

Values

Collaboration – we believe that we are stronger together than alone, and will endeavor to build relationships, support networks and collaborations that deliver value
Respect – we treat others with respect and value individual differences and the diversity of cultures, beliefs and views. We seek out and listen to the ideas and opinions of others.
Inclusion – we actively promote the participation of all to the wellbeing debate and we are committed to a culture where differences are embraced
Integrity – we uphold ourselves to the highest principles of integrity and professionalism
Equality – we believe wellbeing is fundamental to people thriving, and believe everyone has the right to equal and fair treatment regardless of their gender, race, age, religious beliefs or sexual orientation

History and Founder

Wellbeing Australia was founded by Dr Sue Roffey, FRSA. Sue is a passionate advocate for authentic wellbeing, especially for children, young people and their teachers. As a psychologist and academic she has published widely on issues related to school and student wellbeing. Sue is now Honorary Professor at the Universities of Exeter and Western Sydney and affiliated to the Wellbeing Institute at Cambridge University and University College, London.

Sue lived in Australia between 2000 and 2017 where she founded the Wellbeing Australia network and developed the Aboriginal Girls Circle. Sue is now back in the UK where she is the Director of Growing Great Schools Worldwide and a member of several Advisory Boards including the Carnegie Centre of Excellence for Mental Health in Schools.

Constitution

Click here for a pdf copy of the Wellbeing Australia Constitution.

Board of Directors

	Donné Newbury Donné has spent over 25 years working as a clinician and at executive levels in the health sector. She is a dynamic business leader and social entrepreneur with over 20 years experience in general management, strategic leadership and marketing. She brings over 10 years experience as a Board Director on not-for-profit Boards, and currently sits on 5 Boards. Donné has a deep clinical understanding of brain physiology and functioning, and the impact of social and psychological stress. She’s a strong supporter of positive psychology and the impact it has on the wellbeing of individuals and communities. Donné is a strategic thinker who is highly motivated to make a positive social impact through her work. She is a graduate and member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
	Debra Mainwaring Debra Mainwaring studied and practised Psychology and Education in both the UK and Singapore before arriving in Brisbane in 2003 and relocating to Sydney in 2014. After teaching across many age ranges from preschool to university Debra returned to practice psychology in the community as a specialist Educational & Developmental Psychologist in 2008 in the UK and 2009 in Brisbane, Ipswich and the Gold Coast. She was recently Education Officer, Student Wellbeing & Pastoral Care for Sydney Catholic Schools. Her private practice named Cared4 by DJM Psychological Services aims to empower and inspire the people who consult her in ways that promote their wellbeing.
	Kathryn Taylor Kathryn has been awarded a Career Management Fellowship and Honorary Fellowship from The Teachers Guild of NSW for her work in education and with educational leaders encompassing consultation, educational programs and student workshops through her company Turning Point Consulting. Her commitment is to support individuals in identifying and developing themselves through motivation and engagement. Kathryn partners with schools and educational institutions, educators, students, parents and aligned associations that creates a platform for positive career evaluation, planning and transition. Presenting with both educational encompassing departments, independent and catholic systems, Kathryn has corporate experience across a range of sectors as well as over 18 years expertise in human resources, talent management and career development. With this expertise, Kathryn provides an insight to link education and expectations of the changing workforce.
	Yasmine Lucien Yasmine is a marketing communications professional, passionate about wellbeing. She has extensive experience in business development, establishing strong partnerships and creating and implementing on-brand content plans across entertainment media, social media, sport, wellbeing, and not for profit industries. A creative and strategic thinker, Yasmine works with SMEs and clients on their marketing strategies and brand development. With most of her marketing career in broadcast media, her most recent work has involved helping not for profits develop and deliver their marketing strategies and online brand presence.
	Justine Gatt Justine is a Senior Research Scientist at Neuroscience Research Australia and the School of Psychology at the University of New South Wales. She leads a team of researchers focusing on understanding the neuroscience and genetics of wellbeing and resilience, and ways it can be promoted with intervention. She has extensive experience in the management and conduct of large-scale human research studies, both longitudinal and experimental designs, and has experience in a wide range of statistical analyses. Justine has an outstanding track record in research publication and her work has been recognised by multiple prestigious awards including the Commonwealth Health Minister’s Award for Excellence in Health and Medical Research in 2014. Justine is very passionate and dedicated to understanding wellbeing and her work aims to transform the landscape of mental health in Australia and beyond.
	Jacqui Van de Velde Jacqui has more than 25 years experience in education, wellbeing and mental health, in both a professional and volunteer capacity. She has worked in, and continues to work across, a variety of educational and cultural contexts, in Australia, New Zealand, the EU, Singapore, and North America. Jacqui is a passionate advocate for parent engagement in education, teaching standards, improved educational outcomes for K-12, professional learning networks and continuing education in the workplace, wellbeing, veteran health, and advocacy. M Ed, B Ec, Dip Ed, Dip Business (Frontline Management), Dip Training and Assessment Systems, Cert IV TAE, Cert IV Parent Family Community Engagement