Mental Health First Aid® Australia is pleased to announce the appointment of leading mental health advocate Angus (Gus) Clelland as its incoming CEO.
The Chair of Mental Health First Aid Australia Krystian Seibert expressed his enthusiasm for Mr Clelland taking on the role of CEO during an important phase in the organisation’s journey.
“Gus’ extensive experience as a not-for-profit sector leader, and proven record of driving outcomes to support improved mental health in our community, makes him the ideal candidate to lead Mental Health First Aid Australia as we strive to expand our reach and impact.”
“Over 1 million Australians have completed a mental health first aid course, and Gus’ leadership will be instrumental as we work to empower even more people with the skills to support those experiencing a mental health problem.”
A highly trusted mental health leader and advocate, Mr Clelland has extensive experience in the mental health and disability sectors and has held numerous governance and advisory roles. He is currently CEO at On the Line, a national charity providing suicide prevention, mental health and counselling services.
Prior to On the Line, Mr Clelland served as CEO of Mental Health Victoria. During his five-year tenure at Mental Health Victoria, he played a pivotal role in advocating for the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System to deliver better mental health policies for the community.
On his appointment, Mr Clelland stated that he looks forward to working with the team to spread the reach of Mental Health First Aid to every community and workplace in Australia.
“Economic uncertainty, natural disasters, climate change and the overhang of the pandemic are driving high levels of distress across Australia. Mental Health First Aid training can equip everyone to support their loved ones, friends and work colleagues to help them get the support they need,” Mr Clelland said.
In announcing the appointment, Mr Seibert conveyed the Board’s sincere gratitude and appreciation to Mr Clelland’s predecessor as CEO, Shannon Anderson.
“Shannon led the organisation through a period of significant transformation during her time as CEO, and created a strong platform to build upon,” said Mr Seibert.
Mr Clelland will assume his role as CEO of Mental Health First Aid Australia on 16 October 2023. Until then, the organisation will continue to be led by interim CEO, Ebony Whitehouse.
About Mental Health First Aid Australia
Mental Health First Aid® Australia is a global purpose-driven, not-for-profit organisation that develops mental health first aid education and training. Building on the Mental Health First Aid training courses first developed in 2000 by its founders, Betty Kitchener AM and Professor Tony Jorm, the organisation’s purpose is to provide high quality, evidence-based, accessible mental health first aid education for anyone, for everyone. Mental Health First Aid Australia has inspired an international movement that has seen its programs adopted in more than 25 countries, with more than 6 million people now trained worldwide.
