In Australia, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have significantly higher mental health needs than other Australians and experience psychological distress at around 3 times the rate of the non-Indigenous population.

To close the gap in inequality and provide the right treatment and support, we need a collaborative solution.
This week’s guest Tom Brideson is a Kamilaroi/Gomeroi man born in Gunnedah, located in north-west NSW. He is the Chief Executive Officer of Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia, a part time Deputy Commissioner at the Mental Health Commission of NSW and co-chairs the National Mental Health Workforce Strategy Taskforce.

Since the early 1990’s Tom has worked in Indigenous mental health and health policy; social and emotional wellbeing; clinical mental health care; suicide prevention; education and mental health leadership.
His current workplace, Proud Spirit, is focused on Indigenous leadership, excellence, and presence across all parts of the Australian mental health system. Their vision is to achieve the highest attainable standard of social and emotional wellbeing, mental health, and suicide prevention outcomes for Indigenous peoples.

Tune in as Tom outlines his experience with Indigenous mental health, and how we can be working collectively to improve mental health and wellbeing outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ across Australia.