Douglas Holmes OAM is a nationally respected lived‑experience leader, advocate, and mentor who has contributed to mental health reform in Australia for more than two decades. His work spans system advocacy, policy development, peer support, service co‑design, community development, and governance roles across local, state, and national settings. Douglas is widely recognised for his commitment to human rights, consumer and carer voice, and meaningful participation across mental health systems.
He received TheMHS Exceptional Contribution Award in 2014 and was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2018 for his service to the community through mental health advocacy. In 2025, Douglas was honoured with the Distinguished Service Award from BEING, acknowledging his sustained leadership and influence across the consumer movement. That same year, he received Life Membership from Mental Health Carers NSW in recognition of his long-standing commitment to supporting, mentoring, and elevating the role of carers in mental health reform.
Douglas is currently working with Monash University researchers on the Let’s Talk About Action project under SUPER CRO, focusing on strengthening follow‑up, embedding lived‑experience leadership in system decision‑making, and building community‑led pathways for action. His role includes co‑design, community engagement, and shaping research that centres lived experience.
Through SUPERCRO and initiatives such as Pendants with Purpose and creative recovery programs, Douglas supports people with lived experience of mental distress or trauma to build skills, connection, and hope. He continues to present widely across Australia, championing lived‑experience leadership, collaborative reform, and stronger partnerships between consumers, carers, communities, and services.