On November 28, 2024, Mental Health Carers NSW (MHCN, formerly ARAFMI) celebrated the organisation’s 50th Anniversary with a special awards ceremony at Parliament House, Sydney. Guests enjoyed a three-course meal, drinks, and lucky door prizes in a day filled with celebration, hope, and recognition.
The event was MC’ed by Julie McCrossin, former ABC and Channel 10 radio broadcaster and journalist. Special guest speakers included Jenny Learmont, MHCN’s President, who shared MHCN’s focus for the future, and Kerry Hawkins, Chair of Mental Health Carers Australia and formerly the National Mental Health Commissioner, who spoke of the significance of the establishment of the national peak bodies for mental health carers and people with lived experience of mental health conditions, the first of its kind in the world. We also spoke with Rhonda Wilson from Central Coast ARAFMI and Coralie Reeve from Hunter ARAFMI about the fantastic work they have been doing in their regions with carers and people with a lived experience.
Lifetime Memberships were presented to individuals who have shown their commitment and dedication supporting MHCN’s work over the many years. Jonathan Harms, MHCN’s CEO handed out Lifetime Memberships to Jenny Learmont AM, Anne Stedman, Douglas Holmes OAM, Rhonda Wilson, Kelly Parrish, Robert Wellman and Philip de Haan.
Carer Recognition in Advocacy Awards were awarded to carers who have been advocating tirelessly for many years for mental health reform both nationally and in NSW. The Hon. Rose Jackson MLC Minister for Mental Health handed out Carer Recognition in Advocacy Awards to Eileen McDonald, Satu Beverley, Peter Heggie, Lyn Anderson, Kerin O’Halloran, and Helen Pokorny.
MHCN would like to sincerely thank everyone who attended the event to celebrate the incredible contributions of all those involved with ARAFMI and MHCN over the past 50 years. MHCN’s founder, Margaret Lukes, would be very proud of her legacy indeed!
14th January, 2025