Leading some of the sector’s most recognisable charities demonstrated to Dawn O’Neil AM that collaboration is critical to solving complex social problems. She is this week’s Changemaker.

Here is what Pro Bono shared about Dawn:

There’s no doubt that Dawn O’Neil AM is seen as a stalwart of the mental health sector. With two decades in the field, O’Neil has been CEO of both Lifeline and Beyond Blue, deputy chair of the Mental Health Council of Australia and led the development of the first strategic plan for the National Mental Health Commission, among a range of other reforms.

She also supported systems change across the sector in her work as chair of homelessness social enterprise STREAT and director of not for profit Collaboration for Impact.

It was in recognition of these efforts that O’Neil was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for services to the community and mental health, and received Suicide Prevention Australia’s Outstanding Contribution Award.

Now, O’Neil is turning her attention to the environment as CEO of eWater Systems, a B Corp founded by her partner that aims to replace toxic cleaning chemicals with safe electrolysed water.

“The opportunity to be CEO of eWater Systems has given me a chance to immerse myself in sustainability work again. With the only ingredients being salt and water, it’s the most sustainable hygiene system in Australia – a true disrupter – and I believe, the future of cleaning,” said O’Neil.

In this week’s Changemaker, O’Neil explains why collaboration is critical, how the social sector can fix its governance issue, and what she did to save Lifeline from going under.

To hear Dawn's compelling answers click the button below: