Beyond Blue thanks former Human Rights Commissioner Prof Ed Santow as he completes his foundational term with the organisation’s Data & AI Advisory Council.

Beyond Blue CEO Georgie Harman AO said Prof Santow, Co-Director of the Human Technology Institute at the University of Technology Sydney, had been a key member of the council who had helped to define its terms of reference prior to launch in January 2025. 

“It has been a privilege to work with and learn from Professor Santow,” Ms. Harman said. 

“We knew from the outset that he would be available to us for a limited time. We’re grateful that he was able to do this – and for the expertise he made available as we started bringing together the best people to help guide our exploration and application of emerging technologies.” 

Ms Harman said Beyond Blue was pleased to welcome the council’s newest member, lived experience and community engagement specialist Morgan Cataldo. 

“Morgan’s work is well known to us at Beyond Blue,” Ms. Harman said. 

“Her recognised expertise in translating real-world mental health insight into power-shifting, systems-level initiatives will bring an essential perspective to the council’s work. 

“Community voice and co-creation are the foundation of what we do, and this approach is particularly important in the emerging technology space.”

Beyond Blue’s Data & AI Advisory Council brings together leading voices across technology, ethics and law to guide Beyond Blue’s work developing safe, ethical and community-led digital solutions that strengthen connection, trust and earlier access to mental health and wellbeing support.

• The Data & AI Advisory Council also includes:
• Prof Jeannie Patterson, Centre for AI & Digital Ethics, University of Melbourne.
• Prof Didar Zowghi, Diversity & Inclusion in Artificial Intelligence, CSIRO (Data61).
• Stela Solar, Managing Director for Data & AI, Accenture ANZ; former Director, National Artificial Intelligence Centre.

The council is supporting projects including Beyond Blue’s ‘Community Engagement Initiative’, a proposed lived experience, early intervention platform that is currently in design with community groups and leaders, facilitated by the University of Melbourne.

Ms. Harman said recruitment was underway for new council members with expertise in clinical mental health and business funding, overlaid with data and digital capability.