On Tuesday 15 April 2025, Nathan Barton, Psychologist and Community Independent for Moore, hosted a panel discussion on mental health prevention at Edith Cowan University in Joondalup. The event harnessed insights from people with Lived Experience and explored the long-term policy commitments needed for systemic change.

The expert panel comprised: 

• Hayley Harris, mental health advocate and Lived Experience Lead with The Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia
• Dr Mad Magladry, Deputy CEO and Advocacy Manager at Consumers of Mental Health WA
• Professor Ian Hickie AO, Co-Director of Health and Policy at the University of Sydney's Brain and Mind Centre (online)
• Nathan Barton, psychologist, former Army Reserves Captain, Director Kinship Psychology Services.

Preventing mental ill-health is not limited to the medical domain. The panel identified housing, employment, education and community connection as critical factors for mental health. 

They also highlighted that mental health is a community responsibility. While the community may quickly gather around a person with a physical illness, too often a person suffering mental ill-health, and their loved ones, are left to carry the burden alone. 

Panelists shared personal and professional insights, highlighting the importance of early intervention, cultural safety and the federal government’s responsibility to shape policy and invest in the evidence-based services that have proven to be effective.

Nathan spoke to the importance of community, sharing how important social connection had been for the veterans and families he had worked with as a psychologist. As a Community Independent, Nathan is committed to genuinely representing the people of Moore and advocating for greater investment in mental health prevention.