Belinda Foley
Manager, First Nations Team
Independent Mental Health Advocacy (IMHA)
Belinda Foley is a proud Arrernte woman and Manager of the First Nations Team at Independent Mental Health Advocacy (IMHA). She brings deep cultural knowledge and leadership to her role, guiding statewide initiatives that promote culturally safe, rights-based advocacy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people navigating Victoria’s mental health system. With a strong background in community engagement and systemic reform, Belinda works alongside ACCOs, consumers, and government partners to strengthen supported decision-making and ensure First Nations voices are central in shaping mental health care and policy.
SESSIONS
Day 2
1:50
Panel: Transforming custody: Centering Aboriginal mental health
Hear about the mental health challenges faced by Aboriginal people in police, remand, and custodial settings, and explore solutions that support rehabilitation, healing, and harm prevention.
Discuss community-led strategies and policy reforms that prioritise care over arrest, protect human rights, and empower communities.
Belinda Foley, Manager, First Nations Team, Independent Mental Health Advocacy (IMHA)
Tianah McBride, Mental Health and Wellbeing Officer, Aboriginal Legal Service of Western Australia
Tanya Wells, Social and Emotional Wellbeing Officer, Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service
Claude Robinson, Manager, The Rainbow Lodge Program
Ivan Clarke, Founding Director, Wiimpatja
Sarah Corrigan, Chair and NSW Director, National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women’s Alliance (NATSIWA)