Allan Sparkes CV, OAM, VA, FRSN is a former Deputy Commissioner of the Mental Health Commission of NSW. Allan is also one of Australia’s most highly decorated citizens. He is one of only five Australians since 1975 to receive Australia’s highest bravery decoration and civilian award, the Cross of Valour.

In August 2016, the Governor General of Australia announced Allan was to be awarded a subsequent Australian Bravery Decoration, the Commendation for Brave Conduct for saving the life of a man who had fallen onto train tracks at Redfern Railway Station in 2014.

On Australia Day 2017, The Governor General of Australia has also announced Allan had been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to Mental Health Support Organisations and the Community. No other Australian has ever received these three honours. Allan is a passionate advocate for mental health and suicide prevention.

Allan is also a 20 year veteran of operational police work with the New South Wales Police Force. Tragically his career ended with a diagnosis of PTSD, Chronic Depression and suicidal ideation. But, as fate would have it, Allan has been able to utilise his lived experience for great purpose and has developed a long history of positive engagement with First Response organisations across Australia through mental health training and mentoring.

“When the opportunity arose to become involved with Kookaburra Kids, I did so because I was confident it was something that could provide the care, support and education that was never available to my kids. The education and confidence gained from AKKF programs would have helped them understand what had happened to their Dad and that there are other kids in similar situations.

It is so important we enhance the capability of Kookaburra Kids, to support these kids and to give something that is critically important – knowledge and connection”.

We have been very proud to call Allan an Ambassador since he began with us in August 2016.

Visit www.allansparkes.com to learn more

Back