As we celebrate the strength, leadership and enduring contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples during NAIDOC Week, Mind is proud to recognise the Deadly Minds Network and the important role it plays in strengthening connection across our organisation.
Bringing together Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees from Mind and One Door Mental Health, the Deadly Minds Network provides a dedicated space to connect, share experiences, support one another, celebrate successes and know they are part of a broader community of First Nations colleagues. It also plays an important role in ensuring First Nations perspectives help inform organisational decision-making, cultural safety and strengthen our reconciliation journey.
Beyond peer connection, the Deadly Minds Network also provides valuable guidance on key organisational initiatives. Members are consulted on projects such as the development of Mind’s Reconciliation Action Plans (RAPs) and help shape organisational priorities relating to reconciliation and First Nations engagement.
Mind’s Manager – First Nations Partnerships and Reconciliation Action Plan Development, Wayne McEwan, said the network has helped reduce the sense of professional and cultural isolation that can sometimes be experienced by First Nations staff, particularly those working in identified roles.
“For us as a national organisation, Deadly Minds has created something incredibly important for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workforce – connection,” Wayne said.
“Many of our First Nations employees work in identified roles or within mainstream services where they may be the only Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander staff member in their team, program or even region. Deadly Minds provides a culturally safe space where our people can connect, share experiences, support one another and know they are part of a broader community of First Nations colleagues.”
Idris, a member of the Deadly Minds Network who recently joined the Mind team in Geelong (Victoria), said the group has played an important role in helping him settle into his new position.
“I have only been in this role for a few months, and I love that there are so many other First Nations staff that are in this organisation. I love how connected us Mob are within this space, and that we can rely on each other,” Idris said.
Frank, a Deadly Minds Network member based in Tamworth (New South Wales) with One Door, said he appreciates the sense of community and connection that the network has created.
“Having an inclusive space within my role that provides support is an awesome thing to have at hand to help with my job as a Peer Practitioner,” he said.
For Arthur in Cairns (Queensland), being part of the Deadly Minds Network represents “connection, cultural strength, and a shared commitment to improving social and emotional wellbeing outcomes for the communities we serve”.
The Deadly Minds Network is a strong example of Mind’s commitment to walking alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the journey towards reconciliation. By creating opportunities for First Nations employees to influence organisational priorities, the network helps ensure reconciliation is informed by lived experience and cultural knowledge, and embedded in both strategy and everyday practice.
As we mark NAIDOC Week, we acknowledge the leadership, knowledge and lived experience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees across Mind and One Door, and thank all members of the Deadly Minds Network for their ongoing commitment to creating a culturally safe and inclusive workplace where First Nations voices are heard, valued and celebrated.