By Matthew Sims
A love for her son and a passion for mental health has fuelled Yarraville resident Anne-Maree Newbold’s passion for her work.
She was among the list of Australians who received a Medal of the Order of Australia [OAM] as part of the Queen’s Birthday honours on Monday, June 13.
Ms Newbold cared for her son Lewis for 20 years until his death in 2013 and was vice-president of the Association for Children with a Disability [ACD] in Victoria from 2000 to 2006 and president from 2006 to 2009, as well as president of the Australian Association for Families of Children with a Disability from 2007 to 2008.
“I am passionate about disability issues and advocated for people to have flexible, quality services and innovative options,” she said.
“I have supported other families struggling with the demands of caring for a disabled child ensuring they gain fair access to the National Disability Insurance Scheme.”
Ms Newbold has also been involved in mental health and graduated in family therapy training at The Bouverie Centre in 1990.
“I have 35 years’ experience as a mental health social worker in Melbourne and have been a past president and executive member of the Victorian Association of Mental Health Social Workers,” she said.
“Through my involvement in this group, I have contributed to numerous initiatives to advance the influence, competence and status of mental health social workers.”
Since 2002, Ms Newbold has been the chief social worker at the North West Area Mental Health Service.
“I am an ally and supporter of the carer consultants and carer peer support workers in the service and ensure that their perspectives influence policy and practice,” she said.
“I have also had a long-standing interest in making mental health services more trauma informed and responsive to the needs of people who have experienced sexual assault.”
Ms Newbold has also been a north western mental health academic educator, the membership secretary of ABC Friends Victoria and a co-founder of ABC Friends Western Melbourne.
