As we count down to the TheMHS Sydney Forum 2026, we’re excited to continue our interview series spotlighting the speakers who will help shape the conversation around help when you need it – urgent and crisis support in mental health.
In these short, light-touch interviews, we invite speakers to share their perspectives, experiences, and the insights that guide their work — offering a chance to get to know the people behind the presentations ahead of the Forum.
We’re pleased to introduce Marjorie Anderson, whose work and voice will contribute to critical discussions on crisis response, support, and care when it matters most.
BIOGRAPHY
Marjorie is an Aboriginal woman born and bred in Redfern, her mob is from northern NSW. Before joining Lifeline Australia and codesigning and delivering 13YARN Marj worked at the Aboriginal Housing Office in a number of executive roles. Prior to working at the Aboriginal Housing Office, Marj has worked at Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority, Department of Juvenile Justice, Tourism NSW, The Olympic Coordination Authority and the ABC. Marj is passionate about building resilient sustainable communities. Marjorie is the current NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year.
IN CONVERSATION WITH MARJORIE
What has been a highlight of your career thus far?
There have been so many but two standouts were successfully delivery the Arts and Culture Pavillion and the 2000 Olympic Games which was one of many projects I delivered for the Games. I was awarded the Gold Olympic Rings for my service to the Olympics.
The second is successfully delivering a world first national crisis line for a diverse Indigenous community (13YARN)
If someone were hearing about 13YARN for the first time, what’s the one thing you’d want them to know?
13YARN are here to provide crisis support 24/7 to yarn with you without judgement and provide a confidential, culturally safe space to yarn about your needs, worries or concerns. We will work with you to explore options for on-going support. You know you will be connected to another Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person who will understand where you are coming from and value knowing HOW to listen, without judgement or shame.
Are there any tools, models, or practices you’re currently exploring that excite you?
I have just received funding for 13YARN to codesign, develop and deliver a text/chat service to compliment the voice service. This new tool will mean that young people, people with a disability and women experiencing domestic and family violence have access to a service that may fit their needs in a more appropriate way.
What does “help when you need it” mean to you?
A form of help should be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. That is why 13YARN exists, when other services are closed you can reach out to us for help.
What drew you to this work, and what keeps you committed to it?
I always say my elders who have passed before me put me where I need to be when I need to be there. I have never planned my career. I walk on the shoulders of those with wisdom and need to leave this land in a better place than when I came into it.
What is a resource you think more people should know about?
Your ability to say no. Often when you are successful people want to have you involved in everything. Say no when you need to.
