Thanks to all residents and supporters for attending. It was a very informative event which portrayed different perspectives on managing mental health as presented by our guest speakers.
Our guest speakers:
• Dr Hugh Leslie, CBD Doctors Melbourne: Dr Leslie is a University of Melbourne graduate with a specialist qualification in General Practice who enjoys dealing with the whole person in his practice and has a keen interest in working with people to improve lifespan and more importantly, healthspan. Dr Leslie believes that a combination of exercise, nutrition, sleep, and good mental health as well as medication and supplements can prevent or delay diseases of ageing.
• Nick Nicolaidis, Keiser Collins Street, Centre Leader & Physiotherapist: Nick is a University of Melbourne Graduate who has completed a Doctor of Physiotherapy and a Bachelor of Exercise Science. He believes strongly in treating the person beyond the acute injury, considering all factors that may be contributing to their presentation. Nick is passionate about improving the long-term health outcomes of his clients through the prescription of physical activity and has seen firsthand the impact of appropriate exercise interventions on his patients’ health and lifespan.
• Tristan Chooi, Reimagine Psychology Melbourne: Tristan uses a strengths and empathy-based approaches where he aims to guide his clients toward cultivating healthier strategies to live fulfilling and balanced lives. He prefers a conversational style in therapy, fostering a warm atmosphere where both therapist and client work together towards their goals. Tristan believes we can do our best work by together building trust and community connection rather than a particular psychological intervention.
• Ruairi Cleary, Health & Wellbeing, City of Melbourne: Ruairi is a University of Melbourne graduate with a Master of Public Health and is currently finishing a Master of Social Work. Ruairi has worked in mental health promotion and policy roles in local government for several years and complements this experience with welfare and counselling roles in local community sporting clubs. Ruairi understands the importance of strategies that address community members’ unmet social, emotional, and material needs, and believes improving the mental health outcomes of the community requires a combination of mental wellbeing promotion initiatives and strategies to prevent mental ill-health. His current role at the City of Melbourne considers how local government can best use its resources and influence to drive this work.