AJ’s story: Two decades of teaching skills that can save lives

When AJ first became a Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Instructor in 2008, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities were already leading important conversations about social and emotional wellbeing, and building culturally safer support within community.

AJ saw a chance to contribute to that work – training as an MHFA Instructor to strengthen mental health literacy and create safer, more confident conversations around mental health and suicide prevention.

“I realised that through MHFA, I could provide this information to mob in a culturally responsive, trauma-informed way,” says AJ.

Building confidence through MHFA

Since then, AJ has delivered nearly 950 courses to over 10,000 people across Australia. That impact saw him receive the 2026 National Outstanding Contribution Award from Suicide Prevention Australia. AJ’s reach has helped participants build confidence to recognise signs of mental health problems, start supportive conversations, and respond safely in crisis.

For AJ, being an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander MHFA Instructor is about far more than delivering training. It’s about helping people feel safe enough to engage with difficult conversations and understand mental health in ways that feel relevant and meaningful to them and their communities.

“As an Instructor, I help interpret the mental health concepts in culturally appropriate terms to ensure participants engage with, participate in, and understand course materials,” AJ explains. “And to not be scared to have a mental health first aid conversation with family, mob or community.”

Learning, listening and showing up

Over nearly two decades of facilitation, AJ has travelled across metro, rural and remote communities, often returning to communities where he’s welcomed back with open arms. Along the way, he has also mentored other MHFA Instructors to strengthen their own facilitation skills.

Despite the challenges that come with the work, AJ says what continues to motivate him is seeing people grow in confidence and understanding.

“People don’t know what people don’t know,” AJ explains. “My job is to help them learn skills and knowledge to have a safe and confident yarn with people.”

The ‘light bulb’ moment

AJ has witnessed the ‘light bulb’ moment during training over and over again. Participants begin to realise they do not need to have all the answers to support someone, and their shift in confidence often happens when people learn how to ask directly about suicide.

“There is often a huge fear for participants,” AJ reflects. “I always try to get them to see that there is no fear in the question being asked.”

What impact looks like for AJ

For AJ, the impact of MHFA is both deeply personal and collective. While he has received numerous awards recognising his contribution to mental health and wellbeing, he sees the true impact elsewhere.

“The real winner is the platform that I believe in,” AJ shares. “That the message of MHFA is being told, and I am making an impact on lives of the participants, and that they can help their friends, family and communities.”

At its heart, AJ believes MHFA is simple, human and powerful.

“It’s about having a conversation, and yet it’s a conversation that can save a life.”