--- title: Lived experiences open conversations description: Christmas Creek is reshaping its workplace with Mental Health Lived Experience Talks, fostering understanding and support for mental health challenges. Meet the team members leading the charge towards a more open and supportive work culture. image: https://news.monadelphous.com.au/hubfs/On%20The%20Wire%20Feb%20blog2-1.jpg --- [![Monadelphous](https://news.monadelphous.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Monadelphous%20Logo%20Horizontal%20Red%20and%20Black%20(CMYK).jpg?width=300&height=38&name=Monadelphous%20Logo%20Horizontal%20Red%20and%20Black%20(CMYK).jpg "Monadelphous")](https://news.monadelphous.com.au/) - News - [Around the Sites](https://news.monadelphous.com.au/around-the-sites) - [In the Loop](https://news.monadelphous.com.au/in-the-loop) - [On the Hook](https://news.monadelphous.com.au/on-the-hook) - [On the Wire](https://news.monadelphous.com.au/on-the-wire) - [Ramp Up](https://news.monadelphous.com.au/ramp-up) - [The Fix](https://news.monadelphous.com.au/the-fix) - [The Pipeline](https://news.monadelphous.com.au/the-pipeline) - [Jobs with us](https://news.monadelphous.com.au/jobs-with-us) - [Benefits](https://news.monadelphous.com.au/benefits) - [Contact us](https://news.monadelphous.com.au/contact-us) [![Monadelphous](https://news.monadelphous.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Monadelphous%20Logo%20Horizontal%20Red%20and%20Black%20(CMYK).jpg?width=300&height=38&name=Monadelphous%20Logo%20Horizontal%20Red%20and%20Black%20(CMYK).jpg "Monadelphous")](https://news.monadelphous.com.au/) [![Monadelphous](https://news.monadelphous.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Monadelphous%20Logo%20Horizontal%20Red%20and%20Black%20(CMYK).jpg?width=300&height=38&name=Monadelphous%20Logo%20Horizontal%20Red%20and%20Black%20(CMYK).jpg "Monadelphous")](https://news.monadelphous.com.au/) - News - [Around the Sites](https://news.monadelphous.com.au/around-the-sites) - [In the Loop](https://news.monadelphous.com.au/in-the-loop) - [On the Hook](https://news.monadelphous.com.au/on-the-hook) - [On the Wire](https://news.monadelphous.com.au/on-the-wire) - [Ramp Up](https://news.monadelphous.com.au/ramp-up) - [The Fix](https://news.monadelphous.com.au/the-fix) - [The Pipeline](https://news.monadelphous.com.au/the-pipeline) - [Jobs with us](https://news.monadelphous.com.au/jobs-with-us) - [Benefits](https://news.monadelphous.com.au/benefits) - [Contact us](https://news.monadelphous.com.au/contact-us) [![Monadelphous](https://news.monadelphous.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Monadelphous%20Logo%20Horizontal%20Red%20and%20Black%20(CMYK).jpg?width=300&height=38&name=Monadelphous%20Logo%20Horizontal%20Red%20and%20Black%20(CMYK).jpg "Monadelphous")](https://news.monadelphous.com.au/) - News - [Around the Sites](https://news.monadelphous.com.au/around-the-sites) - [In the Loop](https://news.monadelphous.com.au/in-the-loop) - [On the Hook](https://news.monadelphous.com.au/on-the-hook) - [On the Wire](https://news.monadelphous.com.au/on-the-wire) - [Ramp Up](https://news.monadelphous.com.au/ramp-up) - [The Fix](https://news.monadelphous.com.au/the-fix) - [The Pipeline](https://news.monadelphous.com.au/the-pipeline) - [Jobs with us](https://news.monadelphous.com.au/jobs-with-us) - [Benefits](https://news.monadelphous.com.au/benefits) - [Contact us](https://news.monadelphous.com.au/contact-us) # Lived experiences open conversations [Sustainability](https://news.monadelphous.com.au/around-the-sites/tag/sustainability) [HSE](https://news.monadelphous.com.au/around-the-sites/tag/hse) 11 Apr 2024 1 Minute Read At Christmas Creek, a new initiative known as the *Mental Health Lived Experience Talks* is reshaping our workplace. These talks involve meaningful conversations where team members share personal experiences related to mental health, creating a space for understanding and connection.  The recent talks have been led by our own team members who stepped away from their roles to share personal stories—detailing past struggles and ongoing battles, showcasing resilience and strength.   Acknowledgment is owed to Paige Griffiths, Project Manager - Christmas Creek, whose unwavering support made these talks possible. Paige's commitment goes beyond her role, creating an environment where mental health discussions are encouraged.  “These talks are more than just conversations. Creating a space for open dialogue about mental health has always been a priority at Christmas Creek,” Paige explained.  “We want every team member to feel supported, and these discussions are a crucial part of that journey.”   HSE Superintendent Steve Birkner expressed it takes immense courage to break down barriers and create an environment of openness.  “It is important to understand that mental illness is not a personal weakness, it is part of everyday life. It is still very much underground, and our goal is to raise its profile so that it’s accepted as part of our lives and nothing to be ashamed of,” Steve said.  “Thank you to Brett Reynolds, Matt Brescacin, and Jason Aston, for their incredible courage in stepping up and sharing their personal stories during the Mental Health Lived Experience Talks.”  “Opening up about one's journey with mental health is no small feat, and their willingness to stand in front of their team to create a platform for understanding is commendable.”  Expanding on this initiative, Christmas Creek introduced its first well-being supporters who have undergone training in mental health first aid. With these new skills, our well-being supporters are equipped with the tools to assist colleagues facing mental health challenges, contributing to a workplace that prioritises the well-being of every team member. This is a concrete step forward in promoting a supportive and open work culture.  ![On The Wire Feb blog](https://22708561.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/22708561/hubfs/On%20The%20Wire%20Feb%20blog.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=On%20The%20Wire%20Feb%20blog.jpg) Wellbeing Supporters (L-R) - Greg Maxwell, Matt Brescacin, Brett Reynolds, Steve Birkner, Flavius Sabau, Richard Hughes, Luke Healy, Jason Aston.  ![On The Wire Feb blog2](https://22708561.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/22708561/hubfs/On%20The%20Wire%20Feb%20blog2.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=On%20The%20Wire%20Feb%20blog2.jpg) Christmas Creek – Mental Health Lived Experience Talk  ![On The Wire Feb blog3](https://22708561.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/22708561/hubfs/On%20The%20Wire%20Feb%20blog3.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=On%20The%20Wire%20Feb%20blog3.jpg) ![On The Wire Feb blog9](https://22708561.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/22708561/hubfs/On%20The%20Wire%20Feb%20blog9.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=On%20The%20Wire%20Feb%20blog9.jpg) Christmas Creek – Mental Health Lived Experience Talk    ## Leave a comment Previous Post Finishing strong, starting stronger Next Post ‘Jack’ of all trades  ## Recommended For You [![](https://news.monadelphous.com.au/hubfs/Hubspot%20Website%20template-4.jpg)](https://news.monadelphous.com.au/around-the-sites/monos-win-areea-mental-health-wellbeing-award) [People](https://news.monadelphous.com.au/around-the-sites/tag/people) 1 Min Read ### [Monos' win AREEA Mental Health & Wellbeing Award](https://news.monadelphous.com.au/around-the-sites/monos-win-areea-mental-health-wellbeing-award) We’re proud to announce that Monadelphous has been awarded the 2025 AREEA Mental Health & Wellbeing Award ... 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