Lucy Brogden AM is a well-known advocate for better mental health in Australia. After a mental health crisis in her family, she became determined to be part of a change and decided to study psychology.  

She worked in the banking industry for 15 years before pursuing her passion for mental health advocacy and obtaining a diploma, postgraduate diploma and master degree in organisational psychology from Macquarie. Lucy’s advocacy work is extensive and includes serving as Chair and Commissioner Advisory Board member for the National Mental Health Commission for more than eight years. Currently, Ms Brogden is the Director at Australian Unity, where she continues to advocate for better mental health support in the workplace.  

Ms Brogden was invited to deliver the Occasional Address at a graduation ceremony on 9 May, where she shared her experience of studying psychology and highlighted the importance of awareness and advocacy for social change. She drew inspiration from political activists Maybanke Anderson and William Wilberforce when she encouraged graduates to share their knowledge with others so that they can pursue new opportunities. 

“Dare to be dispensable. To share our information, our knowledge with others so that we can pursue new opportunities. Daring to be dispensable gives us the capacity to continue on our journey – to persist towards our goal.” 

Find out more about Lucy Brogden AM from her recent Leading Lights video interview on The Lighthouse.