New leadership appointments for the Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission

New leadership appointments for the Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission

The Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission (the Commission) has welcomed the announcement by the Minister for Mental Health, Ingrid Stitt, of the appointments of Jennifer Black as Mental Health and Wellbeing Commissioner and Katie Larsen as Deputy Commissioner.

Ms Black is currently the NSW Mental Health Commissioner and brings extensive experience leading mental health reform, service delivery, system improvement, regulation and advocacy.

Katie Larsen is the Executive Director, Lived Experience at Mind Australia and is a recognised leader in lived experience practice and peer leadership.

The appointments follow legislative changes to the Commission's governance arrangements that came into effect earlier this year. Ms Black and Katie Larsen will commence in their roles on 29 September 2026.

On behalf of the Commission, Interim Commissioner Maggie Toko AM welcomed the appointments. "I am delighted to welcome Jennifer and Katie to the Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission. Together they bring deep expertise, strong leadership and a shared commitment to improving mental health and wellbeing outcomes for Victorians. I congratulate them on their appointments and look forward to the experience and perspectives they will bring to the Commission's work."

The Commission acknowledges the significant contribution of Maggie Toko AM.

Maggie was appointed as the Commission's Lived Experience Consumer Commissioner and later served as Interim Commissioner. She has played an important role in establishing the Commission and shaping its early work. Her leadership has helped strengthen lived experience as a cornerstone of the Commission’s work and efforts to engage with consumers, carers, families, kin and services across Victoria. Maggie will continue to serve as Interim Commissioner until the new appointments take effect.

We thank Maggie for her dedication, leadership and commitment during this important period for the Commission and the broader mental health and wellbeing system.