Meg

“My first career was in the arts.”

“I worked as an actor, in community cultural development and arts management,” says Meg. 

Today, Meg is Mental Health Drug and Alcohol Service Transformation Project Manager for Western NSW Local Health District. 

“I organise and facilitate workshops and forums with staff, stakeholders, partner organisations, and people with mental illness and their carers. These workshops and forums inform the planning of how we can improve our current services and shape future services,” Meg explains. 

Over the years, increasing research results have suggested the arts can contribute significantly to a person’s sense of wellbeing, and can aid in their recovery. In her role, Meg is able to bring art to health environments, allowing patients to reap these health benefits.

“The skills and experience I brought with me to the Health sector have really been embraced,” Meg says. 

“A highlight for me was being able to develop the Orange Health Service Arts and Health Project, which brings art forms such as music, visual arts, theatre and music to what can be sterile and alienating environments. 

“I enjoy working towards change. I feel privileged to have a role where I can work every day to find better ways of supporting people in need and to work to address stigmas about mental illness.” 

Outside of her work, Meg enjoys spending time with family and friends.

“Living in Orange is terrific. It’s a great place to live,” she says.