John Harper OAM is a passionate mental health advocate and the founder of Mate Helping Mate, a grassroots initiative dedicated to improving mental wellbeing in rural and remote communities. A retired wheat and sheep farmer from the Riverina, John understands firsthand the wellbeing and health challenges faced by people living regionally in Australia.

Mate Helping Mate encourages, awareness, prevention, and early intervention for mental health issues through peer support via the actioning of Australian mateship and community spirit.

Recognised by Paul Harris Fellowships, a Pride of Australia Medal and awarded in 2024 the Medal of the Order of Australia for his service to community health and wellbeing, John remains deeply committed to his mission. He is proud to be “an ordinary Aussie bloke from the bush” who simply wants to make a positive difference.

John’s expertise is widely respected. He has collaborated with leading mental health organisations Beyond Blue, Black Dog Institute, Lifeline, and Suicide Prevention Australia, and advised State and Federal Governments through various initiatives such as the National Drought Taskforce. His advocacy champions lived experience, the value of grassroots knowledge, community-driven solutions and ensuring that rural and remote voices are heard in national mental health strategies.