About Arafmi
Supporting Queensland’s mental health carers for more than 50 years.
We support families, friends and kin of people experiencing mental ill-health and advocate for carers to be recognised, heard and included in the mental health system.
Why We Exist
Mental health carers play an important role in supporting people experiencing mental ill-health. Every day they provide emotional support, practical care, advocacy and stability, often while navigating complex service systems themselves.
Despite this, carers are often overlooked and may experience significant emotional, financial and social challenges.
Arafmi exists to support, connect and recognise carers, and to advocate for a mental health system that better reflects their role in recovery, safety and wellbeing.
Our Story
Arafmi began in Brisbane in the mid-1970s when a social worker recognised that families supporting people experiencing mental ill-health also needed support. A small discussion group was formed so carers could connect, share experiences and support one another.
What began as a grassroots initiative has grown into Queensland’s peak body for mental health carers. While much has changed over time, our purpose remains the same: to support carers and improve outcomes for the people and communities they care for.
What We Do
Arafmi provides support services for mental health carers, including:
- Carer Support Line
- Individual and peer support
- Education and workshops
- Respite accommodation
- Information and service navigation
We also advocate for improvements to mental health policy, services and systems based on carers’ experiences.
Learn more about our Support Services →
Learn more about our Policy and Advocacy →
Our People
Arafmi is led by a Board of Directors, Senior Leadership Team, staff and volunteers who bring together diverse professional expertise and a shared commitment to supporting mental health carers across Queensland.
Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors provides strategic oversight, governance and organisational direction.
Melanie Mayne-Wilson
Chair
Melanie Mayne-Wilson
Chair
Oddur Thomas Augustsson
Director
Oddur Thomas Augustsson
Director
Muralee Siva
Director
Muralee Siva
Director
Rebecca Medway
Director
Rebecca Medway
Director
Nancy Spencer
Director
Nancy Spencer
Director
Professor Robert Bland AM
Director
Professor Robert Bland AM
Director
Company Secretary
To be announced
Company Secretary
To be announced
Senior Leadership Team
Our Senior Leadership Team leads the delivery of Arafmi’s services, operations and strategic priorities.
Irene Clelland
Chief Executive Officer
Irene Clelland
Chief Executive Officer
Puji Astuti
General Manager of Corporate Services
Puji Astuti
General Manager of Corporate Services
Emma Griffiths
Senior Advisor – Policy and Advocacy
Emma Griffiths
Senior Advisor – Policy and Advocacy
Jonathan Butler-White
People, Culture & Quality Manager
Jonathan Butler-White
People, Culture & Quality Manager
Alex Tyson
General Manager Carer Support and Advocacy
Alex Tyson
General Manager Carer Support and Advocacy
Life Members
Professor Robert Bland, Ms Barbara Greig, Mr Cliff Leong, Ms Jean Humphrey, Ms Barbara Harvey.
In Memoriam
Ms Ailsa Whitehead, Ms Claire Lees, Mr John Skelton, Mr Rhodes Hart, Ms Pat Jones.
Quality and Accreditation
Arafmi is a non-government, community-based organisation and registered charity committed to delivering safe, high-quality services.
We maintain formal accreditation under the Australian Health Service Safety and Quality Accreditation (AHSSQA) Scheme. Our systems, governance and operational frameworks are independently assessed by HDAA Australia Pty Ltd, and we comply with the National Safety and Quality Mental Health Standards for Community Managed Organisations (NSQMHCMO).
Funding and Partnerships
Arafmi’s Carer Support Services are funded by Queensland Health and provided free of charge. Queensland Health also supports Arafmi as the Peak Body for mental health carers. Arafmi also proudly delivers programs for and in partnership with Wellways Carer Gateway.
We thank our funding partners, organisations, members and donors for supporting our work in the community.
Reports and Publications
Our Annual Reports and Strategic Plan provide information about our work, impact and future direction.
Careers
There are currently no jobs advertised at this time.
Want to Get Involved?
Become a member, volunteer or donate.