Health and Wellbeing Nominees
Evan Hayes
Ever Since Evan has come to Sydney From Cork he has been involved in making the lives of Australians better. Evan has created some of the most effective medicines in Australian healthcare for Biceuticals, Blackmores, Bioclinic, Webber, Aldi , touching the lives of millions of Australians. Evan has run countless (I think over 20 clinical trials within Australia on depression in pregnant women and, bone disease in children. Evan also runs a charity called plant a seed which looks after Koalas in the wild and has a huge interest in sustainabilty
PAULA HANNAN
Paula is a proud Irish woman and someone who shows compassion and commitment each and everyday through her work as a mental health Clinical Nurse Consultant.
Paula has worked at St Vincent’s Hospital mental health service for over a decade. She is empathetic, kind and advocates for her patients without hesitation. Paula has provided care, support and time to those most disadvantaged and vulnerable within Sydney community. She strives to ensure access to care for all and places particular focus on consistency in care management/provision. She also identifies the need for family and carer involvement in patient care.
Paula volunteered with St John of God Ambulance service and completed mental health assessments for those rough sleeping throughout the CBD.
Paula has acted as a bridge within the health care system both through her work and volunteering by building rapport and trust with those may not otherwise access mental health care.
Paula acts as a mentor and support to all her Irish colleagues providing support and encouragement to those far from home. She is committed to psychological safety in the workplace and provides clinical supervision for those who need it.
SANDRA SZYCMAN
Sandra takes time out of her already busy schedule to provide tailored, personal advice to expecting mothers in a practical way that supports their personal needs and choices. Her business provides essential knowledge and support to women that is not always accessible and puts women at ease while preparing them for birth and motherhood. She does this alongside furthering her own knowledge and education through her master’s degree and working as a midwife to make sure she provides the best care for her clients. Sandra also offers free classes to any women in difficult life circumstances. i.e. domestic violence, homelessness &/or financial hardship.
She continues to provide high quality care and education to women during pregnancy and ensures that every woman has a voice.
DAVID ECCLES AND TADHG KENNELLY
Dave & Tadhg founded WNOW out of a personal story, where one of them was going through a tough time and was shutting himself away from the world as his story was playing out in the media. The other mate kept calling, kept texting and kept showing up until they agreed to go for a walk and a coffee early one morning before most of the world is out of bed, and so was born the Sunrise Club. the following week they brought another mate each, and so on, so on...
It's essentially a charity that exists to provide a safe space for men to be vulnerable and to encourage them to drop their body armour (which a lot of men feel they need to carry as showing vulnerability or a softer side is engrained as weakness for most), and allow them to become better husbands, better brothers, better dads, better sons - better men - and put mateship back at the forefront in men's lives again. Loneliness is a real growing issue for men, and through the WNOW chapters around the world and the sunrise club, there is a safe space for all men to come together. The movement has taken off with nearly 40 chapters around the globe now meeting up every Wednesday at 6am for some light exercise, a share and a coffee for a chat. Various other events throughout the year have galvanised this charities members and formed a backbone of a community which started here in NSW in 2020 on the beach of Maroubra with one mate concerned for his friend and offering an ear over a walk/jog and a coffee.
It centres around mental wellbeing and aims to build resilience through helping and being there for one another.
It continues to grow with new members in all chapters most weeks, providing a platform for men to rebuild themselves into the men they want or wish to be in a supportive environment by others going or having gone through similar thoughts and feelings.
Its amazing to be part of this group and see the genuine mateship that occurs between what started as strangers.
WNOW is filling a void where there was a real need in our community, and it continues to affect more and more lives daily.
WARREN DOYLE
Warren Doyle is a dedicated and selfless individual whose volunteer work has left a mark on the Richmond community and beyond. Despite working full-time as New South Wales Police Officer, Warren devotes countless hours to supporting various causes, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to service and making a difference in people’s lives.
For several years, Warren has been a key member of the Richmond Lions Club, actively participating in numerous community projects that improve the lives of local residents. His passion for volunteerism extends beyond Richmond, as he plays an essential role in the Sydney Lions District. As the social media and public relations volunteer coordinator for 83 Lions Clubs across Sydney, Warren ensures that the incredible work of Lions members is recognised and celebrated, helping to raise awareness and attract new volunteers to support these vital community initiatives.
Warren’s generosity does not stop there. He is also a dedicated volunteer for Hope4U Foundation, a suicide prevention charity that provides critical support to individuals in crisis. Through his work with Hope4U, Warren has helped raise awareness about mental health issues, connecting those in need with life-saving resources and support networks. His compassion and determination to make a difference in people’s lives highlight his deep sense of responsibility to his community.
Additionally, Warren is an active member of the Returned Services League (RSL) in Richmond, where he honours and supports veterans and their families. His involvement in the RSL reflects his deep respect for those who have served and his ongoing commitment to supporting their well-being. Whether through organising events, assisting with fundraising, or advocating for veterans’ issues, Warren’s contributions help ensure that these individuals receive the recognition and support they deserve.
In 2024, Warren took his dedication to the community a step further by founding the Hawkesbury Winter Sleepout, a project initiated through his work with the Richmond Lions Club. With the goal of raising awareness and funds for homelessness and domestic violence initiatives, Warren set an ambitious fundraising target of $5,000. Through relentless advocacy, community engagement, and tireless fundraising efforts, he not only met this goal but exceeded it—raising an incredible $10,000.
The event, held at Richmond Oval, brought together over 65 participants who spent a night sleeping rough to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness. Thanks to Warren’s and his dedication, the event was a resounding success, fostering a sense of unity and purpose within the community while directly supporting crucial local services.
Warren’s ability to overcome challenges, think innovatively, and inspire others sets him apart as an extraordinary volunteer. His work addresses pressing social issues, brings people together, and creates lasting change. Through his dedication to causes such as mental health awareness, homelessness, and veterans’ support, Warren has positively impacted countless lives. His tireless efforts make him an invaluable asset to the Richmond community