EDUCATE. INSPIRE. EMPOWER.
The Team
Who We Are
ALENA FARRUGIA
DIRECTOR
Renowned for her profound expertise and a refreshingly genuine approach to conveying intricate concepts, Alena employs a blended learning style that is both engaging and enjoyable.
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“The essence lies in customizing each program to resonate with the participants' unique styles and needs...It is a true delight to challenge the stale conventions of professional development we’ve come to expect. Who set that precedent? There’s no reason why professional learning can’t feel vibrant and inviting, all while offering us meaningful opportunities for growth.”
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In her esteemed role as the National Consultant Trainer for Standard, Youth, and Teen Programs at Mental Health First Aid Australia, Alena leads the training that empowers educators to champion MHFA courses. Her wealth of experience is truly unparalleled!
Alena has emerged as a respected advocate in the realm of mental health education, particularly in youth mental health. With over a decade of experience as an educator, she draws upon her diverse experience in Education, the Arts, and Language. Her journey has taken her across the globe and back, spanning various professional and community spheres, including mainstream and special needs educational institutions, as well as the pediatric ward of a prominent Sydney hospital.
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Aligning her mission with that of BLLC, Alena takes pride in offering relevant and impactful learning experiences tailored for each participant. She crafts industry-specific, down-to-earth training events that individuals genuinely wish to engage in.
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A simple philosophy​
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Mental health training programs need not be dull or uncomfortable. It is both empowering and uplifting to know that you are acquiring skills that will enable you to foster an environment of understanding, ultimatelysaving lives.​
PETA DAMPNEY
HEAD OF ONLINE LEARNING
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Peta provides training across Australia, overseeing our Queensland facilitation and is our Head of Online Learning.
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She is an experienced and skilled facilitator who creates a fun, engaging and interactive learning environment who regularly has been a regular guest presenter on ABC Radio and is an active media spokesperson for a variety of mental health, suicide prevention and the role of lived experience expertise in research, planning and implementation of projects and services.
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Peta regularly presents at national mental health and suicide prevention conferences and has contributed to the development of suicide prevention projects and initiatives with The Black Dog Institute and Everymind. Peta is currently working on a project with the Queensland Mental Health Commission to encourage individuals to engage with mental health and alcohol and other drug services. In addition to her roles as an Instructor and as an Advisor with MHFA Australia, Peta also assists Roses in the Ocean (a Brisbane-based national suicide prevention lived experience organisation) by supporting participants in their preparation to attend courses throughout Australia. Peta regularly presents at national mental health and suicide prevention conferences and has contributed to the development of suicide prevention projects and initiatives with The Black Dog Institute and Everymind. Peta is currently working on a project with the Queensland Mental Health Commission to encourage individuals to engage with mental health and alcohol and other drug services. In addition to her roles as an Instructor and as an Advisor with MHFA Australia, Peta also assists Roses in the Ocean (a Brisbane-based national suicide prevention lived experience organisation) by supporting participants in their preparation to attend courses throughout Australia.
As a former high school teacher, Peta's energy and positivity are second to none, her good humour, down to earth nature and unrivalled skill base is a genuine example of the BLLC approach to successful learning and modern Professional development.
GREG PANKHURST
CLINICAL CONSULTANT
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Greg provides clinical consultation training and bespoke psychological services at BLLC.
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A qualified Clinical Psychologist with 25 years of experience, working in mental health education and treatment, Greg's teaching and support are informed and refined.
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Greg has extensive experience working in crisis counselling, workplace consulting, couple and family therapy as well as supporting clients through private psychology practice. And has provided mental health education to firefighters, police, corporate sector, government and community sector employees.
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An inclusive, friendly and humorous trainer, Greg's presentations are informed by his broad experience in clinical psychology and his extensive adult education background.
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