Panel Discussion
Shining the Spotlight on Mental Health
Discussion presented by Black Swan State Theatre Company and Youth Focus
Black Swan State Theatre Company and Youth Focus invite you join us for a conversation about youth mental health.
Blue by Thomas Weatherall is a tender play that explores a young man's reckoning with life, loss, and his mental wellbeing as he journeys into early adulthood. This powerful story is putting youth mental health front and centre on the stage. We are hosting a free community event to create a safe and thought-provoking space for young people, families, and the broader community to engage with mental health experts, artists and advocates and continue the conversation beyond the stage.
DATE: Saturday 31 May
VENUE: Studio Underground, State Theatre Centre of WA
TIME: 3:30pm – 4:30pm
COST: Free
Please join us after the discussion for refreshments in the foyer.
This event will take place immediately after the matinee performance of Blue on Saturday 31 May. You do not have to attend this performance to join us for the community discussion.
This event has been made possible with the support of Hawaiian, in collaboration with Youth Focus.
WITH PANELLISTS
Ian Wilkes
Director of Blue
Ian (Moopa) Wilkes is a Noongar man with connection to the Wadjuk and Ballardong people. He is a theatre-maker, director, performer, writer, dancer, and a graduate of Aboriginal Theatre at WAAPA. Ian is a recipient of the Perth NAIDOC award for Artist of the Year. In 2021, he was co-director and lead performer in Galup and Galup VR for Perth Festival and in 2023 he co-directed the festivals opening event – Djoondal. He has directed several plays including York for Black Swan, Yirra Yaakin’s Boodjar Kaatijin, Hobo and Songbird for The Blue Room Theatre. He also directed the 2023 Dare to Dream program for Jute Theatre in Cairns and Face to Face for Clancesty in Brisbane. Ian recently co-lead Perth Festival’s Kaarla Bidi and directed Yirra Yaakin’s premiere of Operation Boomerang.
Derry Simpson
Chief Executive Officer, Youth Focus
As CEO of Youth Focus, Derry is dedicated to improving wellbeing outcomes for young people across the State, and to championing the mental health needs of young people in WA.
Derry is driven by the belief that a young person’s mental health shouldn’t get in the way of them being who they want to be. By working with sector partners, stakeholders, and communities, Derry leads Youth Focus to deliver a safe, high quality mental health service for young Western Australians - wherever they need it most, at no cost.
An exceptional facilitator, coach and leader, Derry brings to her role many years of executive experience and expertise, including at The Kids Institute Australia and as Managing Director of award-winning advertising agency 303MullenLowe.
Jo Harper
Service Manager, Youth Focus
With over two decades of dedicated service in the not-for-profit sector, Jo is a respected leader in the mental health field. Deeply committed to youth mental health, Jo has consistently championed the voices of young people, ensuring their needs and perspectives are at the forefront of mental health initiatives. Her unwavering advocacy has played a pivotal role in shaping programs that prioritise accessibility, inclusivity, and empowerment for young people navigating mental health challenges.
Emily Sullivan
Youth Advocate
Emily is a passionate and dedicated advocate, working in consultancy and systemic advocacy roles across youth, disability and mental health sectors. She is employed by Children and Young People with Disability Australia (CYDA), and the Youth Affairs Council of Western Australia (YACWA) working in co-design and consultation, policy and youth engagement. Emily is proud of her work in championing youth voices, and creating opportunities for people with disability to drive systemic change through meaningful policy and programs. Her lived experience navigating the mental health system has motivated her commitment to working and volunteering in community-led advocacy and grassroots projects. Emily is also a member of Youth Focus’ Youth Reference Group.
Daniel Toher
Service Excellence Manager, Youth Focus
Daniel is the Youth Focus Service Excellence Manager. He leads Youth Focus' efforts to improve young people's experience of mental health services, with a focus on improving systems, empowering teams, and driving meaningful change. With years of experience in the justice system, and youth mental health, Daniel is driven to deliver impactful solutions, build strong teams, and foster collaboration. He is also deeply committed to self-determination and empowering people to overcome challenges in their own way.
