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
Dr Padmini Howpage is the Clinical Director at Mind Connections Specialist Health Services, a Sydney-based private practice. A compassionate psychiatrist known for inspiring leadership, she is also the author of two books – Mindful Coco (for children) and 7 Magic Minutes for Today (for adults) – championing mindfulness across generations.
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 Howpage is that rear breed who excelled in both science and business. Daya had a distinguished carrier as an academic, completing his Master’s degree in Canada and PhD degree in Pollination Biology and honey bees in Australia. His business interest led him to have a practice management diploma and MBA. He worked in the Federal public sector for more than a decade before he embarked on his enterprise. He is a mentor and business leader in Specialist Health Care service delivery in private settings.
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.
Odette has more than 30 years of experience in the banking industry, and led a range of teams with diversities across large geographical areas to deliver impressive results and development opportunities for her teams. Odette’s energy for her people and that of the community made her a natural fit for the People First mantra of Heritage Bank, which she joined in October 2020 as State Manager of the NSW Branch and where she manages a growing number of branches in a key role in supporting the Bank’s strategic expansion in NSW. Odette is also an active member of the community with a passion to make a positive impact, whether that be working with organised charities or grassroots sporting organisations, she continues to look forward to connecting with many more people to learn and grow and make a difference.
Cynthia has over 30 years executive and board experience. She is currently Board advisor to Total Construction and recently stepped down after a 4-year term as Director with the National Heart Foundation. Cynthia holds a MBA and provides management consulting into the aged care sector for governance, compliance and management. As Managing Director of Anchor Excellence, she brings a wealth of knowledge and practice. Mental health in the hills district is a compelling reason to join the Mind Connections Foundation.
Director at the Madison Marcus Group of Companies managing the Parramatta Law Practice. Theresa was admitted as a Legal Practitioner in NSW in April 2004, in addition to completing a Bachelor of LLB and Bachelor of Commerce (Majoring in Accounting).
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 Dhaliwal is an Actuary, Company Director and high-performing financial leader employed by Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA).
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.
