JUSTIN KNORPP Uniting Mental health peer support worker

Q: What led you to apply for the Change Makers program?

Personal development is an area that I am always looking into improving – particularly the last few years – and learning some leadership skills to complement that. I thought it would be an amazing opportunity. Q: What has been the highlight of the Change Makers program so far?

The retreat weekend where 15 to 20 strangers came together and shared laughter, tears and lived life experiences – it was absolutely brilliant. To be around like-minded people and feed off their energies was certainly a highlight for me. Q: What has been your most valuable or impactful learning so far?

Learning to communicate with a productive, calm approach without being rude or nasty has been a great learning experience for me and shown me ways to communicate and be assertive, without being offensive. Q: What are your leadership aspirations within the community?

I want to inspire and encourage people throughout our community that it is okay to not be okay, start a conversation, to break down mental health stigmas and barriers, for people to keep moving forward, you are not alone. For people to not feel shame in seeking help, walking into a counselling office. Have our younger people, and all people, know it’s alright to ask for help. I want to do speaking roles to encourage this in our community. Q: What do you love about living in the Wimmera?

I love the peacefulness and safety it brings to my children who are growing up in the Wimmera. The beautiful people I have met and what I have learnt since living in the Wimmera has shaped me to be the person I am today.