~ ABOUT US ~
Fortitude Illawarra was founded by Melinda in 2020. Melinda relocated back to the Illawarra, after living in the Central West, supporting people with their recovery.
Melinda is passionate about working from a strengths based approach, best practice and supporting people to build their capacity to live their best life and kick goals.
Passion, experience, training and what her clients have taught her, has driven Melinda to design and deliver a high quality service to the people of the Illawarra.
Melinda works closely with her team to ensure they feel well supported and celebrated for the passion they put into supporting our Participants.
This is evident in the strength of Team Fortitude and the service we deliver.
Fortitude Illawarra was founded by Melinda in 2020. Melinda relocated back to the Illawarra, after living in the Central West, supporting people with their recovery.
Melinda is passionate about working from a strengths based approach, best practice and supporting people to build their capacity to live their best life and kick goals.
Passion, experience, training and what her clients have taught her, has driven Melinda to design and deliver a high quality service to the people of the Illawarra.
Melinda works closely with her team to ensure they feel well supported and celebrated for the passion they put into supporting our Participants.
This is evident in the strength of Team Fortitude and the service we deliver.
MEET THE TEAM
MELINDA
Founder/Psychosocial Recovery Coach
I am a very proud mother and grandmother and have one tiny chihuahua. Family is extremely important to me and I love spending time with them.
I enjoy a good night out with friends, as much as a quiet get together at home.
Self-care is important to me and includes my favourite oils, candles, baths, books, walking along the beach and listening to music that makes my soul take notice.
My passion for quality mental health support and suicide prevention, comes from lived experience of losing my brother to suicide. He was my drive to start Fortitude. I have taken this personal experience, grief and learnt experience from my career and training and turned it into my dream of, not only supporting people but also supporting an amazing team to feel inspired to do the same. Nothing makes me prouder than seeing our Participants feel supported and develop trusted relationships with our team, where they feel safe and heard. Walking along side people through their journey, is a privilege that we, here at Fortitude, don’t take for granted. When our Participants kick goals, so do we. Supporting them to live their best life, is what it’s all about. While there is life, there is always hope.
AMANDA
Psychosocial Recovery Coach
and Administration
I am studying Community Services. I have been with Fortitude since it launched and I couldn’t be happier. Not only do we have a supportive team and manager but we also have amazing participants. I feel so lucky to be invited into people’s lives and support them to reach their goals.
In my free time, I spend it with family and friends and walk the beach to keep myself balanced. I enjoy going to concerts and listening to music.
I have lived experience and feel this helps me understand other people’s experiences and to support them to identify their strengths, challenges and goals. I support my participant’s through supported decision making, advocating and building their capacity in regards to strength and resilience.
HEAVEN
Mental Health Support Worker
I am studying a Bachelor of Human Services with the career goal of becoming a counsellor. I have worked within the disability and mental health sector for over four years. I love to travel and have two beautiful children. We love spending time together as a family and exploring new places.
I enjoy socialising with family and friends, whether that may be a fun night out or a quiet get together.
I’m passionate about helping people and making sure they know that they’re not alone in their journey. I do the work that I do, with the hope that I can do my part to reduce the stigma around mental illness. I hope that with sharing personal life experiences, showing empathy and support, that I can empower those who struggle to live their best lives.
DAYNA
Mental Health Support Worker
I enjoy bushwalking and being out in nature, have a strong appreciation for the creative arts and in general, love to experience as much as possible in life. I challenge myself to constantly grow and develop new skills and hobbies. I enjoy attending music concerts, festivals, art shows with friends. I have a dog, cat, turtle and a few fish and enjoy finding new locations I can bring my cavoodle puppy to explore together. Growing up, I played a lot of different sports and enjoy tennis, basketball, bowling, pool and darts in particular.
I am empathetic in nature and have always wanted a career in a healthcare role. Previously working in the aged care and disability space, really illustrated the positive impact a support worker can have in people’s lives, which lead me to this role. I bring a person-centred approach to every client, I look forward to going to work every day and supporting my clients to achieve their personal goals.
MELINDA
Founder/Psychosocial Recovery Coach
I am a very proud mother and grandmother and have one tiny chihuahua. Family is extremely important to me and I love spending time with them.
I enjoy a good night out with friends, as much as a quiet get together at home.
Self-care is important to me and includes my favourite oils, candles, baths, books, walking along the beach and listening to music that makes my soul take notice.
My passion for quality mental health support and suicide prevention, comes from lived experience of losing my brother to suicide. He was my drive to start Fortitude. I have taken this personal experience, grief and learnt experience from my career and training and turned it into my dream of, not only supporting people, but also supporting an amazing team to feel inspired to do the same. Nothing makes me prouder than seeing our Participants feel supported and develop trusted relationships with our team, where they feel safe and heard. Walking along side people through their journey, is a privilege that we here at Fortitude, don’t take for granted. When our Participants kick goals, so do we. Supporting them to live their best life, is what it’s all about. While there is life, there is always hope.
AMANDA
Psychosocial Recovery Coach
and Administration
I am studying Community Services. I have been with Fortitude since it launched and I couldn’t be happier. Not only do we have a supportive team and manager but we also have amazing participants. I feel so lucky to be invited into people’s lives and support them to reach their goals.
In my free time, I spend it with family and friends and walk the beach to keep myself balanced. I enjoy going to concerts and listening to music.
I have lived experience and feel this helps me understand other people’s experiences and to support them to identify their strengths, challenges and goals. I support my participant’s through supported decision making, advocating and building their capacity in regards to strength and resilience.
HEAVEN
Mental Health Support Worker
I am studying a Bachelor of Human Services with the career goal of becoming a counsellor. I have worked within the disability and mental health sector for over four years. I love to travel and have two beautiful children. We love spending time together as a family and exploring new places.
I enjoy socialising with family and friends, whether that may be a fun night out or a quiet get together.
I’m passionate about helping people and making sure they know that they’re not alone in their journey. I do the work that I do, with the hope that I can do my part to reduce the stigma around mental illness. I hope that with sharing personal life experiences, showing empathy and support, that I can empower those who struggle to live their best lives.
BECK
Mental Health Support Worker
I am a proud mum of two teens and one fur baby. I have come to Fortitude with experience from the disability sector.
In my free time, I like going on bush and beach walks, bike riding, catching up with friends and family and going on road trips to nowhere in particular, which usually ends up at a lookout/waterfall or catching sunsets by the beachside.
My all time favourite band is the Foo Fighters and I enjoy listening to a variety music from old school rock to modern day country.
I love my job as a Mental Health Support Worker. It is a very rewarding role. I enjoy helping people and seeing them happy when they are supported to do and see the things that they love.
JOANNE
Mental Health Support Worker
I bring life and lived experience to my role within Fortitude. I enjoy anything arts and craft. I love cooking but my ultimate passion is cake decorating. I like to have a good chat about anything. I’m also a great listener. I love all kinds of music and food.
I feel inspired when working with our clients to achieve their goals, whatever that goal may be. I support them in any capacity they require, could be cooking a meal or planning a holiday or a simple cup of tea and a chat. I’m proud to be a part of their journey.
BECK
Mental Health Support Worker
I am a proud mum of two teens and one fur baby. I have come to Fortitude with experience from the disability sector.
In my free time, I like going on bush and beach walks, bike riding, catching up with friends and family and going on road trips to nowhere in particular, which usually ends up at a lookout/waterfall or catching sunsets by the beachside.
My all time favourite band is the Foo Fighters and I enjoy listening to a variety music from old school rock to modern day country.
I love my job as a Mental Health Support Worker. It is a very rewarding role. I enjoy helping people and seeing them happy when they are supported to do and see the things that they love.
CHEREE
Mental Health Support Worker
Hi I’m Cheree. I’m a mum to two girls, married for 15 years and a dog lover. Throughout my life, I have experienced my own mental health challenges, from a young age and into my early adult years. I believe I bring life experience and a lot of empathy to my clients as I understand how small things can feel so big! My career began in fashion and textiles, working as a designer in Australia and internationally for over 12 years. In the past five years, I took a new turn in my life and began a journey in personal development, learning about self help, mental health, behaviours and how mental models can determine our outcomes. As well as working here at Fortitude, I am an Art Therapist and also continuing my studies in a Masters of Counselling. When I’m not working, I enjoy time with family and friends. I love to surf, paint, keep fit and do yoga. I have a huge passion for mental health and supporting people on their life’s journey. I absolutely love what I do!
AMY
Mental Health Support Worker
Having my own lived experience, I understand the tremendous impact mental health can have on our lives. This is what has sparked my passion to work within the mental health space. I knew I wanted to spend my life helping others through their own hurdles.
My passion for mental health has also led me to studying psychology. I am in the process of obtaining my Bachelors Degree. I hope to be able to arm people with the tools, strategies and methods, that will help them build their resilience and regulate their emotions, to safely work through their own difficult times.
My outlook on life is to keep looking forward and always stay positive. Nothing heals better than laughter and the support of others.
We all deserve to be happy and live our best lives, I believe that with hope and support, we can!
LISA
Mental Health Support Worker
I am a friendly, happy, and outgoing person who is passionate about all aspects of health management, training and community support, particularly mental health. I have over 30 years’ experience working in the Allied health sector and supporting clients with varied needs.
I am also a wife and mother of two adult children. My goal as a mother was to teach my children to not just live in this world but to also contribute to making a positive difference to this world and the people in it. I believe this is achieved with compassion and integrity.
My role as a support worker is no different. I approach my role with compassion and integrity. My goal is to make a difference, even if it’s just a small difference, to someone else’s life. I love making people feel good about themselves and support them to live their own lives to their full potential.
My favourite things to do are spending time with family and friends, gardening, swimming, long beach walks and cooking.
DAYNA
Mental Health Support Worker
I enjoy bushwalking and being out in nature, have a strong appreciation for the creative arts and in general, love to experience as much as possible in life. I challenge myself to constantly grow and develop new skills and hobbies. I enjoy attending music concerts, festivals, art shows with friends. I have a dog, cat, turtle and a few fish and enjoy finding new locations I can bring my cavoodle puppy to explore together. Growing up, I played a lot of different sports and enjoy tennis, basketball, bowling, pool and darts in particular.
I am empathetic in nature and have always wanted a career in a healthcare role. Previously working in the aged care and disability space, really illustrated the positive impact a support worker can have in people’s lives, which lead me to this role. I bring a person-centred approach to every client, I look forward to going to work every day and supporting my clients to achieve their personal goals.
CHEREE
Mental Health Support Worker
Hi I’m Cheree. I’m a mum to two girls, married for 15 years and a dog lover. Throughout my life, I have experienced my own mental health challenges, from a young age and into my early adult years. I believe I bring life experience and a lot of empathy to my clients as I understand how small things can feel so big! My career began in fashion and textiles, working as a designer in Australia and internationally for over 12 years. In the past five years, I took a new turn in my life and began a journey in personal development, learning about self help, mental health, behaviours and how mental models can determine our outcomes. As well as working here at Fortitude, I am an Art Therapist and also continuing my studies in a Masters of Counselling. When I’m not working, I enjoy time with family and friends. I love to surf, paint, keep fit and do yoga. I have a huge passion for mental health and supporting people on their life’s journey. I absolutely love what I do!
AMY
Mental Health Support Worker
Having my own lived experience, I understand the tremendous impact mental health can have on our lives. This is what has sparked my passion to work within the mental health space. I knew I wanted to spend my life helping others through their own hurdles.
My passion for mental health has also led me to studying psychology. I am in the process of obtaining my Bachelors Degree. I hope to be able to arm people with the tools, strategies and methods, that will help them build their resilience and regulate their emotions, to safely work through their own difficult times.
My outlook on life is to keep looking forward and always stay positive. Nothing heals better than laughter and the support of others.
We all deserve to be happy and live our best lives, I believe that with hope and support, we can!
HOPE
Mental Health Support Worker
I am a mother and a wife but more than that, I am a mental health warrior. My passion to work in mental health stems from my own lived experience and remembering the feeling of the low points that makes me want to help people who feel like they’ve lost their shine.
In my spare time, I enjoy eating really good food and indulging in our local area’s treasures. I love to make people feel better and help support them to become the best versions of themselves. My remedy to any bad day, is a walk on the beach or dancing around the house to music.
I always aim to provide resources and tools to participants that help them gain back their power through their own recovery.
ASH
Mental Health Support Worker
After working in the travel industry for the best part of a decade, I felt a strong calling to change up my career and do something different. Something where I felt that I could use the skills I had acquired through my own recovery journey and give back to our community. I also felt my skills as a qualified meditation teacher could benefit others.
I believe taking care of oneself first is necessary in order to do the work that we do. I spend time looking after my mind and body with regular exercise & meditation. Although my routine has changed lately as I have welcomed my first son into the world and I am soaking up the cuddles. I like travelling, going to the beach, dancing and listening to music.
I dislikes crumbs or sand in the bed and gherkins on cheeseburgers (I takes them off and puts fries on instead).
I build strong trusted relationships with Participants and colleagues. I hold boundaries and space, which has proven to be highly welcomed by Participants. I do this by listening to Participants, discovering their interests and tailoring my approach to each individual.
SHANTEL
Mental Health Support Worker
I am a partner, a daughter, a sister, an aunt, a great-aunt, a friend, and a mother to my two spoilt cats. I have a degree in Social-Science and I’m also currently studying a course in Trauma Informed Care.
I have travelled extensively around Australia and overseas, before the days of Facebook and mobile phones, when life was simple and free.
Presently I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, home-decorating, cooking, nature walks and pursuing my spirituality. I also enjoy listening to sixties and seventy’s music on my record player.
I have a lived experience of losing my eldest brother to suicide.
I am also continuing to support my younger brother through his journey with mental illness.
Having developed empathy, patience, resilience, gratitude, understanding, and a calm non-judgmental attitude, these experiences have ultimately shaped my life and led me to this field of work.
I enjoy working as a Mental Health Support Worker and feel personally rewarded if I can brighten up someone else’s day and put a smile on their face. I like helping people, finding out what interest’s them, and supporting them to engage in those activities.
I enjoy being a listening ear, encouraging, motivating, and just walking alongside them in their day to day lives.
TRISH
Mental Health Support Worker
I am a very down to earth person who enjoys cloud watching, bushwalking, beautiful views, learning about history and astronomy. I enjoy creating craft, playing drums and deep conversations. I am very passionate about animals and nature and volunteer for wildlife rescue in my spare time.
Having had my own personal struggles during my lifetime, I have found that being a compassionate and caring person to others, as well as myself is very important for your mental health.
Mental health awareness, mindfulness and self-care, are now an integral part of my life. I love that I can share what I have learned through life experience and creating balance in my life, to support others.
The time my clients and I spend together is very important to me. It’s so wonderful to develop a connection and to see the support enhancing my clients lives. Helping them to achieve their goals is so rewarding.
HOPE
Mental Health Support Worker
I am a mother and a wife but more than that, I am a mental health warrior. My passion to work in mental health stems from my own lived experience and remembering the feeling of the low points that makes me want to help people who feel like they’ve lost their shine.
In my spare time, I enjoy eating really good food and indulging in our local area’s treasures. I love to make people feel better and help support them to become the best versions of themselves. My remedy to any bad day, is a walk on the beach or dancing around the house to music.
I always aim to provide resources and tools to participants that help them gain back their power through their own recovery.
ASH
Mental Health Support Worker
After working in the travel industry for the best part of a decade, I felt a strong calling to change up my career and do something different. Something where I felt that I could use the skills I had acquired through my own recovery journey and give back to our community. I also felt my skills as a qualified meditation teacher could benefit others.
I believe taking care of oneself first is necessary in order to do the work that we do. I spend time looking after my mind and body with regular exercise & meditation. Although my routine has changed lately as I have welcomed my first son into the world and I am soaking up the cuddles. I like travelling, going to the beach, dancing and listening to music.
I dislikes crumbs or sand in the bed and gherkins on cheeseburgers (I takes them off and puts fries on instead).
I build strong trusted relationships with Participants and colleagues. I hold boundaries and space, which has proven to be highly welcomed by Participants. I do this by listening to Participants, discovering their interests and tailoring my approach to each individual.
SHANTEL
Mental Health Support Worker
I am a partner, a daughter, a sister, an aunt, a great-aunt, a friend, and a mother to my two spoilt cats. I have a degree in Social-Science and I’m also currently studying a course in Trauma Informed Care.
I have travelled extensively around Australia and overseas, before the days of Facebook and mobile phones, when life was simple and free.
Presently I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, home-decorating, cooking, nature walks and pursuing my spirituality. I also enjoy listening to sixties and seventy’s music on my record player.
I have a lived experience of losing my eldest brother to suicide.
I am also continuing to support my younger brother through his journey with mental illness.
Having developed empathy, patience, resilience, gratitude, understanding, and a calm non-judgmental attitude, these experiences have ultimately shaped my life and led me to this field of work.
I enjoy working as a Mental Health Support Worker and feel personally rewarded if I can brighten up someone else’s day and put a smile on their face. I like helping people, finding out what interest’s them, and supporting them to engage in those activities.
I enjoy being a listening ear, encouraging, motivating, and just walking alongside them in their day to day lives.
TRISH
Mental Health Support Worker
I am a very down to earth person who enjoys cloud watching, bushwalking, beautiful views, learning about history and astronomy. I enjoy creating craft, playing drums and deep conversations. I am very passionate about animals and nature and volunteer for wildlife rescue in my spare time.
Having had my own personal struggles during my lifetime, I have found that being a compassionate and caring person to others, as well as myself is very important for your mental health.
Mental health awareness, mindfulness and self-care, are now an integral part of my life. I love that I can share what I have learned through life experience and creating balance in my life, to support others.
The time my clients and I spend together is very important to me. It’s so wonderful to develop a connection and to see the support enhancing my clients lives. Helping them to achieve their goals is so rewarding.
VICKI
Mental Health Support Worker
While being a mum is the most important thing to me, I feel like I’ve put myself last for a very long time, by not pursuing a career that has purpose. Having the opportunity to work with Fortitude, has given me a reason to want to go to work every day and I love it. I always find myself laughing and making a difference to our Participants. This gives me reason to be proud of what I do. I believe that our support means so much to many people within our community.
In my spare time, I love nothing more than hanging out with my 2 children which are my absolute world, seeing them happy makes me happy. We are huge animal lovers so a lot of our time is taken up on our household full of pets and kids sports.
I also love making time for myself to enjoy a night out with the girls and a day at the races.
ROBYNNE
Mental Health Support Worker
I have recently finished my Diploma in Community Services. Whilst studying my Diploma, the subject I enjoyed the most was mental health.
I love helping and supporting people and realise that with support patience, kindness and empathy we can empower everyone to live their best life.
I am a mum of two kids and we enjoy spending time outdoors, walking, going to the beach and swimming.
We also like to get away in our caravan and go camping to experience new places and things.
JO
Mental Health Support Worker
I enjoy spending time with my partner and two fur babies and taking in the beauty of the stunning region we live in here in the Illawarra. I have a deep appreciation and gratitude for the natural beauty we are surrounded by and take time out each day to acknowledge and honour this.
Whether I’m enjoying time at the beach or in the bush, walking the rugged coastline, photographing it or painting it, I feel very connected to my natural environment and feel incredibly lucky to live in such a beautiful place. I also have a love for creative arts, travel, gardening, design, culture, music, dancing and cooking. I find these interests and activities nurture my creativity, self-expression, spirit, open-mindedness and are grounding.
I am passionate about working in the mental health space, being a voice and ally, advocating for members of our community that experience isolation, stigma and loneliness because of their mental health. This passion along with lived experience of family members experiencing mental health challenges has drawn me to the role of support worker with Fortitude. I believe I bring a combined lived experience and working experience with over twenty years in the community sector. A big believer in the human spirit and resilience, I could not be more thrilled to be part of the amazing team at Fortitude, supporting people with mental health challenges to be listened to and self-determine their best lives with respect and integrity.
ROBYNNE
Mental Health Support Worker
I have recently finished my Diploma in Community Services. Whilst studying my Diploma, the subject I enjoyed the most was mental health.
I love helping and supporting people and realise that with support patience, kindness and empathy we can empower everyone to live their best life.
I am a mum of two kids and we enjoy spending time outdoors, walking, going to the beach and swimming.
We also like to get away in our caravan and go camping to experience new places and things.
VICKI
Mental Health Support Worker
While being a mum is the most important thing to me, I feel like I’ve put myself last for a very long time, by not pursuing a career that has purpose. Having the opportunity to work with Fortitude, has given me a reason to want to go to work every day and I love it. I always find myself laughing and making a difference to our Participants. This gives me reason to be proud of what I do. I believe that our support means so much to many people within our community.
In my spare time, I love nothing more than hanging out with my 2 children which are my absolute world, seeing them happy makes me happy. We are huge animal lovers so a lot of our time is taken up on our household full of pets and kids sports.
I also love making time for myself to enjoy a night out with the girls and a day at the races.
JASMINE
Mental Health Support Worker
I’m easy going. I enjoy going out and trying new things. It could be from a new cafe to exploring new places. I’m a mum and spending time with my family is important to me.
Some of my favourite things are reading a good book, playing piano and going for long walks, whilst blaring music or listening to a podcast.
My drive for being a mental health worker, stems from my own experiences and just how important it is to have that support in one’s life and the impact it can make. I’m caring by nature and always aim to do the best that I can each day. I hope to be that pillar of support that can help those achieve their goals.