Top L - R | Alana Fechner, Greg Inglis, Zack Jenetsky, Keshet Cohen, Chrissy Ynfante

Bottom L - R | Alyse Inglis, Kennedy Cherrington, Jakiya Whitfeld

IMPROVING MENTAL HEALTH OUTCOMES IN AUSTRALIA 

of mental health problems occur before the age of 25.

42.9%

of Australians aged 16-85 have experienced a mental disorder in their lifetime.

Over 75%

Mental health issues are estimated to cost the Australian economy up to $60bn annually.

$60bn

The Goanna Academy programs were designed to help end the stigma surrounding mental health and improve social capacity to identify, talk about, and manage mental health for all Australians - in particular at risk groups such as Regional Males, Youth, and First Nations communities. Our team is dedicated to making a change one conversation at a time. 

The Goanna Academy (est. 2020) is representative of Greg’s life after football - showing his commitment to giving back to the community and improving the mental health outcomes of Australians. The Academy gives Greg the opportunity to share his personal journey and own battles with mental illness with the ambition to inspire and influence others - especially within his own culture, the Indigenous community.

The Goanna Academy is the first accredited & Indigenous-owned mental health education provider in Australia.  We are Supply Nation Accredited and Headspace Endorsed. 

OUR FOUNDER’S STORY

“My name is Greg Inglis, from the Dunghutti tribe (Kempsey) a former rugby league player. I grew up in Macksville, part of the Nambucca Valley. I have 3 siblings; one older brother, younger sister and a younger brother. Throughout my life, I have faced a few hurdles. Some amazing memories, some not. I've learned how to build character through these challenges, but having the right people like my family and friends around me, helps me get through the tough times. 

Being able to talk about mental health is something I’m passionate about. What I’ve been through will not go away, but talking about my struggles helps. I hope that something I have said, helps you and lets you know that you are not alone. 

The Goanna Academy was created to help change lives for the better and break the cycle of rising cases of poor mental health in sectors of youth, adults and indigenous community. I enjoy passing my Rugby League knowledge of development skills on to the next generation of kids coming through the Academy. I want participants to become ‘champions’ of what the Academy is all about and support others who may be suffering."

- Greg Inglis, Founder & Managing Director 

THE GOANNA ACADEMY BOARD

  • GREG INGLIS

    Dunghutti Man

    Former NRL Player

    QLD & Australian Rugby League Representative

  • JENNA ROBERTS

    Manbarra Woman

    Deputy Commissioner at NSW Mental Health Commission

  • BRENT RICHARDSON

    CEO of ENRICHD Group

    Ex-Google Education Executive