Mental Health Coordinating Council

Karen Burns - UnitingCare Mental Health Services: Chairperson
Karen Burns is currently employed as the Director of UnitingCare Mental Health Services and Lifeline Western Sydney. Her qualifications are being a Registered Nurse, Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology), Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology and Master of Psychosocial Coaching. She has worked in the public, private and Non Government Organisation sector for 27 years. Her work has focused on professional counselling, particularly in relation to women's issues, psychosocial rehabilitation and community care issues for people living with and recovering from mental illness/psychiatric disability. She has a particular interest in organisational and professional development for staff within the non government sector.

Leone Crayden - On Track Community Programs: Vice Chair
Leone Crayden currently is the CEO of On Track Community Programs Inc. On Track provides a variety of services to people living with mental illness, disabilities and homeless families. The service operates on the North Coast of NSW. Leone initially commenced her career as a nurse in Sydney and southern NSW. Leone moved to the Tweed area in the early eighties. Leone travelled extensively around the world during 1984 to 1987 and volunteered in various third world countries. On return Leone owned and operated a business importing home wares from the Philippines and Thailand. After completing a Bachelor of Social Science and a Bachelor of Administrative Leadership, Leone went to work in mental health and welfare services in northern NSW. She later went on to complete postgraduate qualifications in Social Science and Community Services (Research). She is in the fourth term as the Chairperson of the Mental Health Coordinating Council. Leone has also been appointed to the North Coast Area Health Advisory Council. Leone is the mother of three and is the primary carer of a person living with a mental illness.  

John Malone MAPS - Aftercare: Secretary
John Malone is Executive Director of Aftercare which has been providing recovery and rehabilitation services since 1907. John has a Master of Organisational Behaviour, is a Registered Psychologist and supervisor of intern psychologists for registration requirements. John has worked in the Mental Health Industry for approximately 25 years; is a research fellow at University of Wollongong and Macquarie University; is associated with the University of Western Sydney and the Australian College of Applied Psychology; and enjoys work in research and training. John's interests include working with overseas delegations from China, Malaysia, Singapore and Japan, particularly on discussions about the responsiveness of society to client identified need.

Sylvia Grant - Neami
Sylvia Grant is currently the Neami NSW State Manager and holds a Bachelor of Social Work (RMIT) and Certificate IV in Work Place Training and Assessment. She has 12 years work experience in the non government mental health sector in NSW and Victoria in direct service delivery, program development, management and training. Sylvia held the position of Chair for the Central Victorian Lifeline Board 2004-2006. Sylvia's interest areas are social inclusion and recovery of people experiencing mental illness. She is committed to providing high quality services that are socially inclusive and recovery focused that support consumers to realise their potential and live full and productive lives.

Judi Higgin - New Horizons Enterprises
Judi Higgin has worked in the sector for 30 years. In 1999 Judi commenced with New Horizons as the manager of an accommodation service for people who had previously lived in a boarding house. Judi was subsequently promoted to the position of New Horizons HR Manager. This role included staff HR, quality assurance, policies and procedures, training and IT. In 2009 Judi was appointed to the new role of General Manager. In this role Judi is responsible for all of New Horizons disability and mental health services. Judi has a Bachelor of Social Science and a Diploma of Business (Front Line Management).

Dr Cathy Kezelman - ASCA (Adults Surviving Child Abuse)
Cathy Kezelman is a medical practitioner with over 20 years experience including as a senior hospital registrar and 15 years in general practice. Cathy is currently the chairperson and full-time volunteer of ASCA, a national organisation which works to advance the wellbeing of adults affected by any form of child abuse and neglect. Cathy has been a driving force in the organisation for close to a decade and is the national media spokesperson, ASCA representative on MHCA and Families Australia. She is an active lobbyist at state and federal government levels. In 2009 Cathy was short-listed for CLW's Leadership Achievement Award for Women and appointed an ambassador for National Families Week. Married with 4 children and 1 foster child, Cathy is a consumer of mental health services.

Sue Sacker - Schizophrenia Fellowship of NSW
Sue Sacker is the Deputy CEO of Schizophrenia Fellowship NSW Inc. She has worked at the Fellowship for the last 9 years in a variety of roles including organisational development and quality implementation. She brought to the Fellowship her experience in local government, on which she served for 12 years, with 4 years as Manly's first popularly elected mayor, and her experience as a community activist having taken a lead role in establishing Pioneer Clubhouse as well as a 20 year background in health. She has studied community management at UTS, so far reaching Diploma level. 

Pam Rutledge - Richmond Fellowship of NSW
Pam Rutledge is the CEO of the Richmond Fellowship of NSW. Pam has extensive experience in senior roles in the human service agencies of the NSW government - Health, Housing, and Ageing, Disability and Home Care - and has led or contributed to a number of major reforms. She has worked in the area of mental health services, as a front-line worker, a manager, and in service planning and policy development. Pam has qualifications in Social Work, Social Administration and Management. Pam is delighted to have the opportunity to lead the Richmond Fellowship and to work with partners in the mental health sector, and in particular peak bodies such as the Mental Health Coordinating Council.