About
Michael Elwan, originally from Alexandria, Egypt, and now residing in Perth, Western Australia, is a devoted mental health advocate driven by profound personal experiences. At 14, Michael became the primary caregiver for his father, an Air Force General, who faced immense post-war challenges and was rendered blind by a stroke. Following his father's death when Michael was 16, he became the sole caregiver for his mother, supporting her through severe mental health struggles. Tragically, after more than a decade of caregiving, she took her own life. These experiences have forged Michael’s unwavering commitment to mental health advocacy.
Michael holds a Bachelor of Business (Accounting), an MBA with Distinction, a Graduate Certificate in Mental Health, a Diploma in Psychology, and two MicroMasters degrees in Business Leadership and Organisational Psychology. Currently, he is pursuing a PhD focused on the role of lived experience in shaping mental health policy and services.
Professionally, Michael has demonstrated exceptional expertise across child protection, mental health, contracts management, and strategic development. His ability to enhance service delivery models and foster inclusive practices is well-regarded in the industry.
An active participant in the mental health community, Michael frequently presents as a keynote speaker at events, and has received several awards and scholarships, including:
* Full scholarship for the Auspire Multicultural Leadership Program.
* Full scholarship for the Emerging Leaders in Governance Program (ELGP) in 2023.
* University of New England Award in 2020.
Michael is also actively involved in various volunteering and membership roles, such as:
* Mentor for The Kaleidoscope Mentoring Program (KMP) since June 2020.
* Member of The Refugee Council of Australia since June 2020.
* Member of The United Nations Association (WA) since May 2020.
* Member of The Australian & New Zealand Mental Health Association since March 2021.
* WA State Committee Member of Suicide Prevention Australia since March 2024.
Michael is uniquely positioned to help organisations transform policies, enhance cultural inclusiveness, and improve workplace mental health strategies. He excels at driving practical and impactful changes, fostering more effective, empathetic, and inclusive work environments. Michael's extensive expertise in strategic planning, distinguished academic achievements, rich cultural diversity, and profound lived experience make him an invaluable resource.
Articles by Michael
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Supporting the Supporters: Enhancing the Well-Being of Peer Support Workers in Mental Health Care
Supporting the Supporters: Enhancing the Well-Being of Peer Support Workers in Mental Health Care
By Michael Elwan
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Understanding Benzodiazepine Risks: Insights from the Tournier Study on Suicide and Mental Health Care
Understanding Benzodiazepine Risks: Insights from the Tournier Study on Suicide and Mental Health Care
By Michael Elwan
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The integration of peer-led and peer-run services in mental health care
The integration of peer-led and peer-run services in mental health care
By Michael Elwan
Contributions
Activity
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What are the systemic barriers that prevent equitable access to mental health care, and how can we overcome them? I have witnessed firsthand the…
What are the systemic barriers that prevent equitable access to mental health care, and how can we overcome them? I have witnessed firsthand the…
Posted by Michael Elwan
Experience
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The Engaging Young Leaders on Aged Care and Community Boards Program develops young leaders (under 40 years) and creates opportunities for them to succeed on Boards of Governance in the aged care and community sector.
Since 2013, the signature Emerging Leaders Governance Program (ELGP) accepts 20 young leaders onto its competitive program each year. Intensive leadership training, structured events, and learning and development opportunities sponsored by Community Partners (partnering…The Engaging Young Leaders on Aged Care and Community Boards Program develops young leaders (under 40 years) and creates opportunities for them to succeed on Boards of Governance in the aged care and community sector.
Since 2013, the signature Emerging Leaders Governance Program (ELGP) accepts 20 young leaders onto its competitive program each year. Intensive leadership training, structured events, and learning and development opportunities sponsored by Community Partners (partnering organisations) and an Alumni Network, equip Program graduates with the knowledge, experience, networks and support to accept their first Board position or Board Traineeship.
The Program is an initiative of Southcare Inc and supported by over 41 community, aged care, private and government organisations (Community Partners). Southcare manages the Emerging Leaders Governance Program, events and all financial and administration business associated with the Program.
Honors & Awards
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New England Award
University of New England
Languages
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French
Full professional proficiency
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Arabic
Native or bilingual proficiency
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English
Native or bilingual proficiency
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Tagalog
Elementary proficiency
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Coptic
Professional working proficiency
Organizations
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The Australian & New Zealand Mental Health Association
Member
- Present -
The Refugee Council of Australia
Member
- Present -
United Nations Association (WA)
Member
- Present
Recommendations received
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