Lyndie Freestone

Lyndie Freestone has worked in both public health and volunteer roles for the last 30 years. She has helped to establish and develop programs across Victoria that promote positive mental health outcomes in children and young people. In particular, those in high-risk and vulnerable groups.

In public health, Lyndie piloted the first outreach mental health services for high risk and homeless youth. She helped develop the first dedicated adolescent mental health service for the Barwon Southwestern Region. Lyndie has also provided counselling to young people suffering from chronic illness.

More recently, she piloted what has become the Barwon Health North Child and Family service. This service provides multidisciplinary assessment and support for children ages 0-6 years old.

Lyndie's volunteer work has included:

• the development of programs with Susan Barton's Lighthouse Foundation. They provide long-term therapeutic accommodation and support to high risk and homeless youth.
• work with Ross Clancy at Rainbow Riders. This is a therapeutic equine and farm program for young people.
• providing leadership and support to Surf Life Saving. Both in her local community at Ocean Grove and on a State wide level with Life Saving Victoria.

These services have an ongoing and major impact on children, young people and families across Victoria. Lyndie is an unsung hero in many communities.

Lyndie has shown the strength of female leadership. She proactively created a range of opportunities for young women.

Lyndie has empowered young women to believe that they can reach their true potential. She is a compelling example for younger women aspiring to become community leaders.