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Management Committee and Responsible People
MIFANT’s Management Committee possesses extensive expertise including lived experience, across mental health, aboriginal health and business management.
Joy Green - Chairperson
As a founding member of MIFANT, Joy was initially motivated by the advocacy for her son, however Joy's impact broadened to encompass all individuals grappling with mental illness and their caregivers.
Joy has had a significant impact in the development of the Northern Territory mental health sector after the closure of mental health institutions in the late 80’s and in recognition of her dedicated efforts, Joy was nominated for the Australian of the Year Award in 2008.
Subsequently, she received the NT Senior of the Year Award, underscoring her significant contributions.
Joy has had a significant impact in the development of the Northern Territory mental health sector after the closure of mental health institutions in the late 80’s and in recognition of her dedicated efforts, Joy was nominated for the Australian of the Year Award in 2008.
Subsequently, she received the NT Senior of the Year Award, underscoring her significant contributions.
Rosalyn Havard - Vice Chairperson
Rosalyn Havard is currently the Northern Territory Carer Representative on the National Mental Health Carer and Consumer Forum. She is also the Deputy Carer Co-chair on the Executive of the National Mental Health Carer and Consumer Forum (NMHCCF).
Based in Alice Springs she has a strong interest in mental health legislation and policy. Roz is also a Carer Representative member of Mental Illness Fellowship Australia’s “Finding North” Co-design Team.
In November 2023 she co-presented at the Mental Health Australia Member’s Policy Forum held at Old Parliament House Canberra. The presentation topic was embedding a Human Rights approach in mental health service delivery.
Roz has been involved with Carers groups since 2006 and was previously a Board member of MIFANT for 5 years. She rejoined the MIFA NT Board as an Ordinary Member in December 2023.
Based in Alice Springs she has a strong interest in mental health legislation and policy. Roz is also a Carer Representative member of Mental Illness Fellowship Australia’s “Finding North” Co-design Team.
In November 2023 she co-presented at the Mental Health Australia Member’s Policy Forum held at Old Parliament House Canberra. The presentation topic was embedding a Human Rights approach in mental health service delivery.
Roz has been involved with Carers groups since 2006 and was previously a Board member of MIFANT for 5 years. She rejoined the MIFA NT Board as an Ordinary Member in December 2023.
Gayan Abeysekara - Treasurer
Gayan holds a Master of Professional Accounting from Charles Darwin University and a Master of Commerce from Charles Sturt University, majoring in Strategic Management, Marketing, and Human Resources. With over 18 years of diverse experience across finance, education, and operations—including project management, IT, facilities management, compliance, master planning, WHS, HR, administration, and contract management—he brings strategic insight through leadership and board involvement. Deeply committed to inclusive service delivery, Gayan’s lived experience across multicultural backgrounds adds a strong values-based perspective aligned with social equity, community needs, and long-term well-being.
Elli Morris - Ordinary Member
Elli grew up in rural South Australia, where mental health services were scarce. Elli has a strong passion for legislation changes for people suffering mental illness, as her brother was incarcerated twice, due to his mental illness and having limited access to appropriate care.
Elli currently works as a union official. She has vast experience in campaigning for flagship fundraising events, human rights, environmental, and industrial relations.
Elli currently works as a union official. She has vast experience in campaigning for flagship fundraising events, human rights, environmental, and industrial relations.
Lorraine Davies - Executive Officer
Lorraine Davies has served as the Executive Officer for the Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia (NT) since 2010. Over the past three decades, she has dedicated her career to the community sector, operating in the Kimberley region of Western Australia and throughout the Northern Territory.
Lorraine has primarily focused on delivering services and support to individuals with disabilities or mental illnesses, along with their families and caregivers. Her diverse roles have spanned executive positions in Disability Services, Family Support, and Mental Health, and she has also been the proprietor of two small businesses.
Lorraine's commitment to the sector is evidenced by her past board memberships.
She has held positions including President and Co-founding member of NT Mental Health Coalition, Co- founding member of Community Mental Health Australia, Executive Group member of the Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia, and Executive Group member of Mental Health Carers Australia. Additionally, Lorraine has contributed her expertise as a member of the NDIS National Working Group and member of the NT Primary Health Network Mental Health and AOD Advisory group, through her extensive involvement, Lorraine remains dedicated to advancing mental health support services, fostering positive change, and advocating for the best possible outcomes for people living with a mental health issue
Lorraine has primarily focused on delivering services and support to individuals with disabilities or mental illnesses, along with their families and caregivers. Her diverse roles have spanned executive positions in Disability Services, Family Support, and Mental Health, and she has also been the proprietor of two small businesses.
Lorraine's commitment to the sector is evidenced by her past board memberships.
She has held positions including President and Co-founding member of NT Mental Health Coalition, Co- founding member of Community Mental Health Australia, Executive Group member of the Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia, and Executive Group member of Mental Health Carers Australia. Additionally, Lorraine has contributed her expertise as a member of the NDIS National Working Group and member of the NT Primary Health Network Mental Health and AOD Advisory group, through her extensive involvement, Lorraine remains dedicated to advancing mental health support services, fostering positive change, and advocating for the best possible outcomes for people living with a mental health issue
Kon Vatskalis - Development Manager
Kon has called the Northern Territory home for over 30 years.
He began his career with NT Health as a Manager of Public Health for the Top End, and as a Clinic Manager at an Indigenous Medical Service. During that time he also served in the RAAF Reserves as an Environmental Health Officer from 1994 to 2001.
In 2001, Kon was elected to the NT Legislative Assembly as the Member for Casuarina. He went on to serve as a Minister across several portfolios, including Minister for Health and Minister for Children and Families, until his retirement in 2014.
After his retirement in 2014, he joined the Leukaemia Foundation as a Regional Manager before being elected Lord Mayor of Darwin in 2017, a role he held until August 2025.
Kon joined MIFANT in January 2026 as Development Manager. He is looking forward to promoting the organisation and building strong relationships with local organisations and both the NT and Federal governments.
He began his career with NT Health as a Manager of Public Health for the Top End, and as a Clinic Manager at an Indigenous Medical Service. During that time he also served in the RAAF Reserves as an Environmental Health Officer from 1994 to 2001.
In 2001, Kon was elected to the NT Legislative Assembly as the Member for Casuarina. He went on to serve as a Minister across several portfolios, including Minister for Health and Minister for Children and Families, until his retirement in 2014.
After his retirement in 2014, he joined the Leukaemia Foundation as a Regional Manager before being elected Lord Mayor of Darwin in 2017, a role he held until August 2025.
Kon joined MIFANT in January 2026 as Development Manager. He is looking forward to promoting the organisation and building strong relationships with local organisations and both the NT and Federal governments.
Jessica Simmons - Programs Manager
Jessica has worked across youth services, community development, NDIS-related supports, mental wellness initiatives, and food security programs with multiple not-for-profit and charity organisations.
A strong advocate for young people, Jessica is committed to ensuring youth voices are heard in decisions that affect them. She has strengthened referral pathways, coordinated programs and partnerships, supported NDIS navigation, and built cross-agency collaborations across the sector.
Jessica is passionate about bringing services, local council, and government partners together to create collective impact, strengthen access pathways, and deliver inclusive, community-led initiatives that support individuals and families.
She believes: "When we bring the right people to the table, centre community voice — especially the voices of young people and families facing mental illness — and design services around the goals and strengths of each individual, we create stronger systems and better outcomes. Mental health recovery is strengthened through structured, community-based support that fosters safety, connection, independence, and meaningful participation, so people can build purpose and lead their own recovery journey."
A strong advocate for young people, Jessica is committed to ensuring youth voices are heard in decisions that affect them. She has strengthened referral pathways, coordinated programs and partnerships, supported NDIS navigation, and built cross-agency collaborations across the sector.
Jessica is passionate about bringing services, local council, and government partners together to create collective impact, strengthen access pathways, and deliver inclusive, community-led initiatives that support individuals and families.
She believes: "When we bring the right people to the table, centre community voice — especially the voices of young people and families facing mental illness — and design services around the goals and strengths of each individual, we create stronger systems and better outcomes. Mental health recovery is strengthened through structured, community-based support that fosters safety, connection, independence, and meaningful participation, so people can build purpose and lead their own recovery journey."
Kelly Hinnen - Administration & NDIS Manager
Kelly Hinnen, our Administration & NDIS Manager, brings with her 25 years of experience as a Personal Assistant in law firms. She ensures compliance with NDIS guidelines, policies, and procedures to uphold the scheme's quality and integrity. Kelly maintains accurate records of participant interactions, service agreements, and financial transactions. She stays updated on NDIS and mental health developments through training sessions, workshops, and webinars.
Kelly’s person-centred approach and clear communication ensure participants receive tailored support for their well-being. She is committed to helping individuals with mental health challenges achieve their goals and lead fulfilling lives. Her dedication and compassion drive her to create a supportive environment where participants can thrive.
Kelly’s person-centred approach and clear communication ensure participants receive tailored support for their well-being. She is committed to helping individuals with mental health challenges achieve their goals and lead fulfilling lives. Her dedication and compassion drive her to create a supportive environment where participants can thrive.
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