In July we’re excited to celebrate our rich history at a NSW Government House event hosted by our Patron, Her Excellency the Hon Margaret Beazley AC KC Governor of NSW.
We’ve come a long way in the 70 years since our important work was started out by a small group of family members hosting a Psychiatric After Care Club at Callan Park Hospital to help loved ones transition well to community life. It was a ground-breaking first step toward turning desperation to hope for people with mental illness at a time when the subject was taboo.
More was needed to bridge the gap in opportunities and we expanded into the community with a wide range of practical services, from a philosophy of self-help and personal empowerment, with the founding of PRA (Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association). Establishment of Richmond Fellowship of NSW followed, delivering accommodation services, and the two organisations merged in 2012 to form Flourish Australia.
The rebrand reflected our dedication to providing people on their mental health recovery journey with every opportunity to thrive in their life.
It's crucial to honour the relentless dedication and contributions of numerous individuals over the decades. From our visionary founders, Hepzibah and Richard Hauser, and Agnes and Peter Bartok, to the enthusiastic Peer Workforce we have today, the commitment to excellence has been unwavering. The cornerstone of our journey has been the provision of high-quality care and highly personalised support for individuals facing mental health challenges. We have always been there with companionship and encouragement, advocating for their right to lead fulfilling lives within the community.
In an increasingly competitive industry, funding has always been a challenge. With the launch of our Flourish Foundation in 2022 we leveraged the influence of six remarkable Ambassadors to elevate conversations around mental health and identify vital new partnership and funding opportunities for the continuation of our services.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Governor for being our esteemed patron. And thanks to everyone who has contributed to making Flourish Australia what it is today, including those accessing our services, their families and carers, our wonderful staff, funders, partner organisations, donors, and Board members. Your unwavering support and dedication have been instrumental in our journey.
The Flourish Australia Board is also pleased to acknowledge the outstanding contributions of several remarkable individuals by appointing them as Life Members: Paula Hanlon, Janet Meagher AM, Pamela Rutledge AM, Phil Nadin, and John Hall AM posthumously. All have provided meritorious service to Flourish Australia and demonstrated exceptional commitment to the wellbeing of people with lived experience of a mental health issue.
We are saddened by the recent passing of Board member John Hall AM who joined the Board of PRA in 1993, became Chair, helped lead our merger, then became the first Chair of Flourish Australia. We are so grateful for his 31 years of tireless efforts which continued until late 2024 when he became unwell.
Here’s to continuing in that pioneering spirit for generations to come.
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