NORMLESS

#27 Mitch McPherson: 2017 Young Australian of the Year

Episode Summary

As the founder of Tasmanian based organisation SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY, Mitch’s journey to raise awareness of suicide prevention and reduce the stigma around mental health began after his younger brother Ty took his own life in 2013. Mitch, the 2017 Tasmanian Young Australian of the Year and National R U OK? Day Ambassador has had a remarkable journey transitioning from an everyday tradie into a well-respected and purpose-driven public speaker. Mitch leads with an extraordinary vision for change, courageously harnessing his lived experience of loss to encourage our community to speak up about their mental health and take action. All through the important message of sparking conversations. Since the loss of his younger brother Ty in 2013, Mitch has dedicated his life to helping, educating and encouraging others to speak up about mental health and prevent suicide. All of this important work is well aligned to Mitch’s own personal values: compassion, authenticity, kindness and perseverance. Mitch has become a “go to” in the Tasmanian community for important discussions and messaging around mental health. From media interviews, his weekly radio segment or assisting those seeking guidance on start-up charities, a fun and vibrant MC of events, podcaster with his new show ‘Get Frank’, Mitch does all he can to positively impact the community. When presenting at schools, workplaces and sporting clubs, Mitch speaks from the heart. The connection he creates with the audiences he presents to is both genuine and empowering. A devoted family man, father and husband, Mitch is just like a mate – he’s a passionate Carlton supporter, lover of sport and avid coffee drinker. He is someone you can relate to. He is real. Simon Rosenbaum is Scientia Associate Professor in the Faculty of Medicine and Health, Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, UNSW Sydney. Simon’s research focuses on physical activity and mental illness with a focus on populations exposed to trauma. Simon has published >250 peer-reviewed publications and co-edited a textbook on exercise and mental illness. He is the President of the Australasian Society for Traumatic Stress Studies and co-chair of the Olympic Refuge Foundation’s Think Tank on sport and displacement settings.

Episode Notes

Mitch, the 2017 Tasmanian Young Australian of the Year and National R U OK? Day Ambassador has had a remarkable journey transitioning from an everyday tradie into a well-respected and purpose-driven public speaker. Mitch leads with an extraordinary vision for change, courageously harnessing his lived experience of loss to encourage our community to speak up about their mental health and take action. All through the important message of sparking conversations.

Since the loss of his younger brother Ty in 2013, Mitch has dedicated his life to helping, educating and encouraging others to speak up about mental health and prevent suicide. All of this important work is well aligned to Mitch’s own personal values: compassion, authenticity, kindness and perseverance.

Mitch has become a “go to” in the Tasmanian community for important discussions and messaging around mental health. From media interviews, his weekly radio segment or assisting those seeking guidance on start-up charities, a fun and vibrant MC of events, podcaster with his new show ‘Get Frank’, Mitch does all he can to positively impact the community. When presenting at schools, workplaces and sporting clubs, Mitch speaks from the heart. The connection he creates with the audiences he presents to is both genuine and empowering. A devoted family man, father and husband, Mitch is just like a mate – he’s a passionate Carlton supporter, lover of sport and avid coffee drinker!

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Mitch's links

Website: www.staychatty.com.au

Get Frank!: www.mitchmcpherson.com.au

Behind the Smile: www.booktopia.com.au

Instagram: @staychatty @mitchmcp @getfrankpodcast

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