With experience as a counsellor, youth worker, author, and mental health advocate spanning two decades, Connie has lived experience of losing a loved one to suicide. She is a passionate advocate for veterans, families, and carers, serving on mental health committees and collaborating on projects with RMIT and Safer Care Victoria. She also published a children’s book, ‘Once Upon a Feeling,’ in 2019. Her contributions to mental health and veteran services earned her the title of finalist in the 2019 Australian Mental Health Prize and Order of Australia Medal.