With a mix of clinicians, consumers and people working in the sector, the newly appointed Mental Health Advisory Council will be chaired by Margaret Doherty.
The Council brings together representatives from the Western Australian community to provide high level advice and input to the Mental Health Commission regarding major issues affecting Western Australians with mental health problems, their families, carers and service providers.
Ms Doherty, an experienced advocate for consumers with mental health, alcohol and drug issues, is committed to ensuring that a diversity of lived experience voices are meaningfully included in the design, delivery and evaluation of initiatives which affect them.
She holds undergraduate degrees in arts and commerce and post-graduate qualifications in education and mental health.
The Council works in collaboration with the Alcohol and Other Drug Advisory Board to achieve a co-ordinated focus on mental health, alcohol and other drug issues.
Visit the Mental Health Commission website for more information at https://www.mhc.wa.gov.au
As stated by Mental Health Minister Roger Cook:
"We know consumers, carers and family members are the best people to help us understand what the community needs to address mental health issues, which is why I am so pleased to see Margaret lead the Council.
"The Council plays an important role in advising the McGowan Government on current and emerging issues in mental health, so it can stay connected to what is happening at the ground level.
"I look forward to seeing the new Mental Health Advisory Council take action and contribute to the work being undertaken as we move towards a healthier and stronger Western Australia."
New Mental Health Advisory Council members
| Name | Position |
| Margaret Doherty | Chairperson |
| Rod Astbury (Reappointed) | Member |
| Dr Michael Wright (Reappointed) | Member |
| Dr Amit Banjeree (Reappointed) | Member |
| Richard Oades | Member |
| Lee Steel | Member |
| Andrew Williams | Member |
| Tracey Young | Member |
| Gemma Powell | Member |
| Emily Wilding | Member |
| Stan Chirenda | Member |
| Jessica Nguyen | Member |
