Hello there! My name is Dominique, and I am 18 years old. I hope to study psychology in the future, as I am incredibly passionate about the importance of mental wellbeing and, in general, advocating for accessible health services.

I joined the WH&Y commission as I believe we must create significant grassroots change to ensure the most vulnerable of society are serviced within the healthcare system. I also believe that heath research can mitigate the divide by influencing policymakers to redirect resources to underfunded sectors and services. Some of the other causes I have a deep passion for include: youth homelessness, advocacy for survivors of domestic violence, accessible structures for neurodivergent young people and young carers' awareness and support. I have engaged with these causes in other forums, such as the Wellways Youth Advisory Council (young carer advocacy), and in 2021 I lead the nationwide Mental Health Foundation project as a youth ambassador. My personal life experiences inspire me to continue to advocate for these causes, and I hope to contribute in a meaningful and impactful way.

In my spare time, I find solace in meditation, journaling, going on sunset runs, or curling up with a coffee and a good book!

I am so incredibly grateful to be a part of the WH&Y Commission and to collaborate with like-minded individuals who all have something worthwhile to contribute on our journey to creating progress in terms of accessibility to services in the public health sector. I believe it is an extremely important space that facilitates necessary discussions and, collaboratively, we will translate those discussions into action!

During the course of my membership, the most memorable opportunities have been co-authoring the article 'What does the WH&Y Commission have to say about health, wellbeing and research?’, meeting with the Shadow Health Minister to discuss youth health priorities & the ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic on young people, and co-presenting at the NSW Health - Youth Health Summit.