Who We Are
WFMH Board Candidates for Election
2025-2027
Vasan Srinivasan
Country: Australia
Region: Oceania
Nominator: Subra Ramachandran
Candidate 1000 word statement
I, Vasan Srinivasan, am the first person of Indian origin to be appointed as a member of the Australian Multicultural Council. I have held several notable positions, including serving as the former President of the Federation of Indian Associations of Victoria (FIAV) from 2009 to 2014, and as a former member of the Victorian Government Ministerial Advisory Ethnic Business Council from 2011 to 2014. I have also served as the Chair of the Confederation of Indian Australian Associations Inc. (CIAA) and was honored with the Meritorious Service Award for excellence in multicultural affairs by the Victorian Government. Additionally, I was a former member of the Victorian Government International Education Board.
My journey is a testament to resilience and dedication. I was born in India and migrated to Australia from Singapore in 1987, driven by an economic downturn that severely impacted the manufacturing sector. Despite my extensive experience in the industry, I faced significant challenges in finding suitable employment in my new country. Being told that I was overqualified or not suitable for various roles was disheartening. This period of unemployment had a profound impact on my mental health, leading me to seek solace and purpose through volunteering.
I began my journey with the Mental Health Foundation Australia (MHFA) as a volunteer, a role that brought me personal fulfillment and a sense of community. Joining MHFA marked a turning point in my life, as it enabled me to connect with others facing similar challenges. My initial volunteer work, which included assisting with fundraising and designing materials, laid the foundation for a deeper involvement with the organization.
In 2016, my dedication and active involvement led to my appointment to the board of the Mental Health Foundation Australia. My contributions were soon recognized when I was elected Vice-Chair, and in 2019, I became Chairperson. During my time in these roles, I spearheaded several significant initiatives, including the establishment of Victorian Mental Health Month and the Mental Health Wellbeing Walk. By June 2022, my commitment was acknowledged with my appointment as CEO, a role that highlighted my dedication and leadership.
My multicultural background has had a profound impact on my leadership style and my approach to mental health advocacy. Since moving to Australia, I have been actively engaged with both the Indian community and the broader Australian society. My involvement with Rotary International, the establishment of a Hindu temple, and my role in the Federation of Indian Associations in Australia have been pivotal in shaping my
perspective. I am proud to say that my multicultural experiences have enriched my
approach to mental health advocacy, enabling me to bridge cultural gaps and address mental health issues from a diverse viewpoint.
My appointment as a member of the Australian Multicultural Council significantly expanded my influence, enabling me to advocate for mental health awareness on a national level. I was honored to be recognized by the Indian government as an Attaché for the 2006 Commonwealth Games, which allowed me to extend my leadership beyond the Indian community. Serving on the Australian Multicultural Council has been crucial in helping me leverage my connections with political leaders and community groups to promote mental health awareness and reduce stigma among multicultural Australians.
As I look to the future, I envision the World Federation for Mental Health emerging as a beacon of hope and understanding, solidifying its status as a premier organization dedicated to championing mental health awareness. Its efforts will particularly resonate within multicultural communities around the globe, fostering connection, empathy, and support for all.
The future of mental health advocacy is poised for a remarkable transformation, marked by a global movement toward greater understanding and prioritization of mental health. I envision a world where the stigma surrounding mental health fades away, allowing everyone to access the support they need effortlessly.
I would be honored to join the World Federation for Mental Health as a Board Director representing Australia. If accepted, I commit to playing a pivotal role in driving this essential change by harnessing the power of technology and cutting-edge research to create innovative and inclusive solutions that empower individuals on their mental health journeys. Together, we can build a society that values and supports mental well-being for everyone.
I am passionate about working with the World Federation for Mental Health to provide relevant and effective support to people globally. By maintaining partnerships with community leaders and mental health organizations worldwide, our initiatives will be guided by the latest research and cultural considerations. I am committed to fostering a society that values mental health as a crucial component of overall well-being.
Candidate additional statement if provided
I am eager to be considered for the WFMH Executive roles or Board Lead, driven by my deep passion for delivering meaningful support to multicultural communities across the globe. By forging partnerships with community leaders and mental health organizations, I can ensure that our initiatives will be enriched by cutting-edge research and profound cultural insights.
My commitment lies in cultivating a society that not only recognizes but also celebrates mental health as an essential cornerstone of overall well-being.