Mitch McPherson

As the founder of Tasmanian based organisation SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY, Mitch’s journey to raise awareness of suicide prevention and reduce the stigma around mental health began after his younger brother Ty took his own life in 2013. Mitch, the 2017 Tasmanian Young Australian of the Year and National R U OK? Day Ambassador channelled his grief into the successful suicide prevention charity SPEAK UP! Stay ChaTY and has spoken at over 700 events nationwide and has the endorsement of key community groups, businesses, and sporting identities.

Mitch leads with strength and determination, harnessing his own loss to encourage communities to speak up about their mental health and take action. Since the loss of his younger brother Ty in 2013, Mitch has dedicated his life to helping, educating, and encouraging others to speak about mental illness and prevent suicide. All of this important work is well aligned to Mitch’s own personal values: compassion, authenticity, kindness and perseverance. Mitch has become a go to in the Tasmanian community for important discussions and messaging around mental health. From media interviews, his weekly radio segment or assisting those seeking guidance on start-up charities, Mitch does all he can to foster a beneficial effect on the community.

When presenting at schools, workplaces and sporting clubs, Mitch speaks from the heart. He creates a genuine connection with his audiences and cultivates an atmosphere of sincerity and trust. A devoted family man, father and husband, passionate Carlton supporter and an avid coffee drinker, Mitch is a friend to all. Mitch has been partnered with Relationships Australia to promote and spread the message of SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY. Alongside his passionate team, Mitch has implemented programs in schools and sporting clubs across the state and is devoted to educating Tasmanians on mental illness and its tribulations.