Chris came to MHPN after holding significant leadership positions within the Victorian Mental Health sector. He was part of the inception of MHPN in 2008, providing strategic leadership to the organisation for more than 15 years. He retired in March 2024.
His leadership and vision enabled him to transform MHPN, which was, in his words, “a great idea” – for mental health practitioners, across disciplines, to work together better – into a highly valued and unique program. A program that continues to evolve providing targeted support for mental health practitioners to work across disciplines more effectively.
Developing and maintaining strong, fruitful relationships was a hallmark of Chris’ leadership. This strength helped MHPN establish partnerships with a range of key stakeholders to enhance the program’s offerings, as well as respond to the changing needs of practitioners to receive successive, repeat rounds of Government funding.
Chris was not one to herald his own achievements, instead preferring to note the accomplishments of others and the wider team. However, those who knew him are likely aware of his fondness for a statistic. Over his tenure at MHPN, more than 60,000 practitioners participated in programs to enhance multidisciplinary practice in Australia. Of this, and MHPN’s proven ability to provide support to the mental health workforce, he was very proud.
Chris was a highly valued and well-respected colleague, mentor and friend to many at MHPN. We mourn his passing and extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all who benefited from his kindness and generosity of spirit.
