Background and Career Path
It’s amazing to think I’ve been in this role for nearly five years; it has flown so fast. Prior to joining PACFA I had a career working in advocacy, policy and communications for not-for-profits and membership organisations. I am passionate about these often ‘unseen organisations’ and the thousands of volunteers who contribute to the quality and safety of healthcare for the benefit of the Australian community.
Early Career
I began working in advertising and public relations for Penguin Books and then Spinifex Press. I spent five years in my 20s working as a Publicist with authors including Nawal El Saadawi, Elizabeth Jolley, Kaz Cooke, Unity Dow, Doris Kartinyeri, Kerryn Higgs, Edward de Bono and Geoffrey Robertson QC. It was very busy and lots of fun, with constant travel and events, and taught me a lot about the dual importance of good relationships and efficiency. In 2003 I joined the Alcohol and Drug Foundation working on publications and advocacy. This was where I got my first taste of advocacy working with drug education experts like Geoff Munro, and on early teen health website Somazone. I moved to the Brotherhood of St Laurence (BSL) after the birth of my daughter in 2009 and then to the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP).
Advocacy and Sector Leadership
At BSL and RANZCP I was lucky enough to work with sector leaders to advocate to the Australian Government for investments in dental care for children and the physical health of people with serious mental illness. It was exciting to see proposals turn into action when strategically combined with community support and it convinced me that change was possible. This continued in my role as General Manager, Advocacy & Leadership at the Society of Hospital Pharmacists. Here I led advocacy regarding longstanding medicine shortages in hospitals, as well as opioid misuse and antimicrobial stewardship. Our reports, and the ensuring media coverage, led to the Therapeutic Goods Administration establishing a new Medicines Shortages reporting function enshrined in legislation, and reinforced the role of pharmacists as experts in medicines driving greater employment and recognition. I also oversaw the redevelopment of a network connecting volunteers that now includes more than 500 experts and advocates.
Reflections on PACFA
Australia is incredibly lucky to have such a dedicated mental health workforce, and I am proud that PACFA plays a key role in this. I am often approached by people who tell me they were ‘at the meeting where PACFA began’ and I’m reminded of the enormous effort volunteers made to get the ambitious idea of PACFA off the ground. Twenty-five years later we are going strong. I hope they are proud because it was – and remains - a huge achievement.
Commitment to the Profession
Since I started working full-time at 21 my work has always been important to me. I like the intellectual challenge of solving a tricky problem, and the satisfaction of knowing I am helping people. At PACFA I have thoroughly enjoyed the new challenge of working through a self-regulation framework to ensure quality assurance and building community. Mental health and wellbeing have long been a special interest and I am committed to increasing access to counselling and psychotherapy as well as improving awareness and understanding through the community. I believe that with the support of the Australian Government through the National Standards the best is yet to come for these important professions.
A Day in the Life with Johanna de Wever
7am: Wake up & Coffee
I am not a morning person. I need at least two coffees in the company of the pets whilst I eat apricot jam on toast, read headlines and check emails and social media before the kids come downstairs. I also walk the dog near the creek where I live before leaving home.
8.30am: Weekend Updates
School drop off begins the drive to the PACFA office in Carlton. I always call my mother on my drive on Mondays, and we exchange weekend updates.
10am: Catching Up with Members
Check emails and book travel to Perth for the PACWA end of year celebration. I try to get to each branch at least once annually, it’s great to catch up with members in person.
11am: Operations Meeting with PACFA Management Team
Weekly operations meeting with my PACFA management team: Nghi, Jineen, Sophie and Elliott. I am extremely grateful for their energy and expertise.
11.45am: Call with PACFA President
Quick call to Nigel, PACFA’s President, to discuss preparations for an upcoming Board meeting. We talk or meet at least once a week.
12pm: Accreditation Committee Meeting
Weekly meeting with Nghi, Head of Education, to talk about the latest Accreditation Committee activity. With multiple new training providers coming onboard it is an exciting time, and we’ve just appointed a staff member to join the team.
12.30pm: Meeting with Anita Hobson-Powell, Department of Health, Disability & Ageing
Online meeting with Anita Hobson-Powell, Chief Allied Health Officer, Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, to discuss health workforce data and plans to include self-regulated allied health professions. Lots of enthusiasm from other full AHPA members to ensure data is available to influence health policy decisions.
1.30pm: National Standards Project
Back at my desk, reviewing my article for Medical Observer and managing emails. We also have been in regular contact with the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing on the National Standards project.
2.50pm: Healthcare Complaint Commissioners
Weekly catch up with Sophie, Head of Practice who tells me about her recent conversations with Healthcare Complaint Commissioners.
3.45pm: On the Drive Home
Drive home, talking to a member on the telephone about a policy concern. Realise I missed lunch and eat a banana.
4.30pm: OSHC & Karate!
Pick up my son from Outside School Hours Care and drive to karate.
6pm: Dinner
Get home. Reheat dinner from Sunday dinner (roast lamb and veggies) with a few fresh additions.
6.30pm: College of Counselling Monthly Meeting
Joined the College of Counselling monthly meeting online to discuss Advanced Counselling project.
7pm: International Association of Counselling
Meet with Naoise Kelly from International Association of Counselling for a discussion online about what is happening globally and our role in Oceania.
8pm: The Amazing Race
Watch the Amazing Race on Ten Play with my kids, which we all enjoy. I also help my daughter plan her Amazing Race themed birthday party, then listen to an audiobook with my son.
9.45pm: Debrief & Bedtime
Chat with my partner for a daily debrief. It’s important to stay in touch across both our busy lives and I appreciate the opportunity to reflect with him at the end of the day. Bedtime...
Outside of Work
Outside of work I am a busy mum with 2 kids (16 years and 11 years) with a keen interest in American politics and a love of musicals (most recently Annie, Hadestown, Wicked and Hamilton). I also like to spend time in rural Victoria where I value space, greenery and a glass of Sauvignon Blanc.
Connect with Johanna
Linkedin: Connect with Johanna
Facebook: PACFA