About Us

What We Do

Supporting connection and mutual learning for Victoria's Lived and Living Experience workforces

Who We Are

The Collective is a consortium bringing together an experienced and deeply committed group of lived and living experience organisations united by a shared vision: to ensure lived and living experience is at the heart of Mental Health and AOD system transformation in Victoria.

Together, our partners provide leadership, advocacy and workforces development, working collaboratively to strengthen the lived and living experience workforces and support meaningful system change.

Our Partners

Each partner brings decades of leadership, innovation and advocacy for lived & living experience and has championed its role in reform.

VMIAC

Victorian peak body for consumers of mental health services.

Tandem

Victorian peak body for family, carers and supporters in mental health.

CLEW

Statewide network supporting the Family Carer Lived Experience Workforce.

Harm Reduction Victoria

Peer-led organisation representing people who use drugs, advancing harm reduction through education, advocacy and workforce development.

SHARC

Self Help Addiction Resource Centre, supporting lived and living experience workforce development across Victoria.

How We Work

The Collective recognises that each lived and living experience discipline has its own unique perspective, values and expertise.

Connecting through shared purpose builds solidarity to strengthen our workforces. Working together and sharing our knowledge creates greater opportunities to influence positive change.

Expert Knowledge Group

Our Expert Knowledge Group brings together representatives from each discipline to inform the work of The Collective. The group ensures the interests of all disciplines are considered and included, while identifying opportunities to work together to advocate for positive change across our sectors.

Recognition of LLE

This Collective recognises and values the voices and expertise of people with lived and living experience. Their insights are essential in how we work, make decisions and shape reform.

Holding the solidarity

We recognise that embracing diversity is essential to building true solidarity. By accepting and celebrating our differences, embracing continuous learning, we enrich our community.

Our History

The Collective was established following the closure of the Centre for Mental Health Learning (CMHL), bringing together partner organisations to continue supporting the lived and living experience workforces in Victoria.

Our Team

Meet the talented individuals behind the scenes helping support the operation and growth of The Collective

Anthony Alexander

Business Administration and Partnerships Coordinator

(He/Him)

Turns AOD lived experience into connection, purpose and a reminder that everyone can find belonging.

Carolyn Flett

CLEW Network Coordinator

(She/Her)

A nurturing lived experience leader grounded in authenticity, kindness, learning, connection, integrity and joyful support.

Eila Lyon

Consumer Workforce Development Coordinator

(She/Her)

Champions consumer rights, choice and freedom from coercion while bringing a valued regional Victorian perspective.

Fiona Anderson

AOD Family Carer Coordinator

(She/Her)

Brings lived experience, leadership and compassion to help families understand addiction and feel less alone.

Kelle Reid

Family Carer Workforce Development Coordinator

(She/Her)

Passionate about strengthening Family Carer workforces, especially across regional, rural, infant, child and youth settings.

Kylie Brown

Family Carer Workforce Development Educator

(She/Her)

Builds FCLEW solidarity through authentic relationships, shared purpose, collective care, resistance and transformative lived knowledge.

Meghan Auker

LLEW University Scholarship Coordinator & ASP Lead

(She/Her)

Connects lived experience workers with higher education, career pathways and leadership through purposeful, supportive opportunities.

Robyn Priest

LLE Workforce Manager

(Any)

An internationally experienced leader making lived experience practice authentic, practical, connected, engaging and genuinely enjoyable.

Shay Eliot

PW Digital Learning Specialist

(They/Them)

Designs inclusive learning experiences that honour lived knowledge, strengthen workforces and spark meaningful collaboration together.

Explore The Training Calendar

Browse upcoming Trainings.

Upcoming Trainings