The Mind Connections Foundation was established in August 2020 with the purpose of improving mental health and wellbeing of the Hills community through awareness programs and research.
Through good governance, connecting with the community and recognising the complex issues of mental health we seek to strive and support minds of every kind.
Our core objectives are
We seek to minimise misinformation about mental health in the hills. We seek to engage with the community and increase awareness that will challenge those stereotypes.
We seek to increase the connection and collaboration of health professionals, those affected with mental health and the wider community and business in order to better connect the right understanding and mindset.
We seek to target young people in the Hills District to innovate and engage them in new approaches and solutions
The Foundation’s activities are supported by the generous contributions of our donors and benefactors. Mind Connections Specialist Health Services supports some of the operational costs including an annual mental health award to medical student at WSU, administrative support, and office facilities.
The Board
A dedicated mentor and community leader, Dr Howpage chairs two charities – the Mind Connections Foundation and the Women’s Shed – Hills Shire – supporting vulnerable communities. She founded an annual suicide prevention award for second-year medical students at Western Sydney University; since 2016, over 700 students have participated, integrating mental health awareness into the curriculum.
In senior clinical, academic and administrative roles, Dr Howpage exemplifies excellence. Her contributions earned Western Sydney University’s Woman of the West (2019) and multiple Hills Shire Citizen of the Year finalist nominations (2020, 2022, and 2024). She continues to lead with integrity, purpose, and service.
Daya, who is passionate about social conscience, is a founding director of the Mind Connections Foundation. Since 2011 he has been instrumental in sustainable, community-based prevention programs, Pawsitive Steps Mind, Doggy and Spirit festival in the Hills Shire. In his spare time, he loves baking, beekeeping and spending time with the family.
Theresa joined the Madison Marcus Group of Companies in 2002 and was appointed Director in 2009. Certified in 2010 as an Accredited Specialist in Personal Injury by the Law Society of NSW, Theresa spent a significant part of her legal career in insurance litigation for the first decade. As a result, Theresa developed a skill set across several areas of law. Today, Theresa leads practice teams specialising in Family Law, Estates Planning & Probate, Wills & Will Disputes and Compensation Law.
Theresa is a passionate campaigner around the areas of mental health, female leadership and community. Her service and contribution towards her community are unparalleled, with an ongoing commitment to various associations, charity and fundraisers. Theresa was named a finalist in the 2014 Women Lawyer of the Year Awards by the Women Lawyers Association and more recently recognised as a finalist in the category of Executive of the Year in the 2019 Women Lawyers Weekly Awards.
With experience in the legal industry for over two decades, frequent dealings with highstress situations are part of the job. The mental health of stakeholders has always been at the forefront. Through Theresa’s experience and exposure, Theresa has developed tools to assist and support both clients and lawyers in navigating and handling stress. Yet, Theresa maintains her composure in a relatable and empathetic manner whilst encouraging others to make healthy choices. Committed to driving awareness and making a difference,
her contribution to the Mind Connections Foundation is fundamental to reducing social stigma and championing a generation of healthy minds.
Jag consistently clarifies strategic direction and goals in his position, inspiring a performance-driven team culture. He works with integrity, dedication and distinction and is applauded by CEOs and Senior Executives in his industry. He was an Ambassador for White Ribbon Australia, a Director and Chief Financial Officer for the Australian Sikh Association and an active advocate and regular volunteer for The Kids Cancer Project.