Harsh Bansal: Embedding Lived Experience Into Systems For Stronger Mental Health Services
Harsh Bansal
Director - Carer Lived & Living Experience Workforce
Harsh Bansal, a proud alumnus of the University of Melbourne, exemplifies this legacy. A philanthropist, societal transformer, and advocate for mental health, he has dedicated his career to reshaping the landscape of mental health care.
Harsh’s journey from construction to mental health was a successful transition, influenced by his time at the University of Melbourne. The university’s diverse culture and collaborative environment equipped him with the ability to navigate complex challenges, build inclusive networks, and lead with impact.
Today, Harsh is the Director of the Carer Lived & Living Experience Workforce (LLEW) at Austin Health, a renowned institution specializing in mental health, rehabilitation, and a range of specialist services. In this role, he is driving systemic change by embedding lived experience at the core of mental health services, shaping policies, fostering inclusivity, and advocating for a more compassionate and effective support system.
How did your journey evolve from construction to mental health?
I started my career in construction, gaining experience across multiple industries in India and Australia. I entered the industry during second year of my master’s degree in construction management at the University of Melbourne.
The construction industry is dynamic and fast-paced, but it often comes at the cost of work-life balance.
Studies show that the highest suicide rates in Australia are in the construction field, and learning about that was the pivotal moment that led to my career shift. I dug deep into the issue and undertook a suicide prevention course tailored to the industry, which equipped me with the skills to recognize subtle behavioural changes, initiate conversations, and connect individuals with professional support.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, my partner (now wife) and I realized that supporting vulnerable people was what truly mattered to us.
I then shifted from construction to the mental health sector, working in an acute psychiatric unit as a peer support person. Since then, I have taken on advisory and consultancy roles at state and national levels, leading to my current role as Director of LLEW.
For me, success is rooted in a strong alignment between personal values and professional actions. When work reflects our beliefs, it becomes a source of strength. Staying open to learning, embracing curiosity, and committing to growth ensure lasting impact and fulfilment.
Which key lessons and skills learnt from the University of Melbourne shape your current role?
The University of Melbourne’s diverse and multicultural environment gave me the opportunity to collaborate with peers from around the world, strengthening my cultural sensitivity and adaptability. It also built my confidence in navigating different norms, fostering inclusivity, and forming strong professional relationships.
These skills not only gave me the confidence to transition industries but also equipped me with the ability to drive meaningful change in the mental health sector. As Director of the LLEW, I focus on peer practice development, talent retention, and creating an innovative, thriving environment that fosters lasting impact in the mental health system.
Beyond interpersonal skills, I have developed expertise in strategic planning, project management, quality assurance, emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, and cross-sector collaboration to effectively address challenges.
I take great pride in leading this evolving mental health and wellbeing workforce, dedicated to elevating lived experience as a core part of service delivery. This work goes beyond individuals, it’s about shifting cultures, breaking barriers, and creating a more compassionate, effective mental health system.
How accessible was the faculty, and what moment defines your experience at the University?
Faculty accessibility is crucial to student success, and the university fosters open communication through mentorship programs, online platforms, and regular interactions. Professors are approachable, offering guidance on academics, research, and career paths, ensuring students feel supported.
A defining moment in my university journey was adapting to a new culture as a first-generation migrant. Initially, I felt overwhelmed by unfamiliar academic and social norms, along with language barriers. Over time, I found a sense of belonging through friendships, staying curious, and being open with peers from diverse backgrounds. Sharing meals, stories, and traditions turned uncertainty into confidence, broadening my perspective.
For me, success is rooted in a strong alignment between personal values and professional actions. When work reflects our beliefs, it becomes a source of strength. Staying open to learning, embracing curiosity, and committing to growth ensure lasting impact and fulfilment.
Which key lessons and skills learnt from the University of Melbourne shape your current role?
The University of Melbourne’s diverse and multicultural environment gave me the opportunity to collaborate with peers from around the world, strengthening my cultural sensitivity and adaptability. It also built my confidence in navigating different norms, fostering inclusivity, and forming strong professional relationships.
These skills not only gave me the confidence to transition industries but also equipped me with the ability to drive meaningful change in the mental health sector. As Director of the LLEW, I focus on peer practice development, talent retention, and creating an innovative, thriving environment that fosters lasting impact in the mental health system.
Beyond interpersonal skills, I have developed expertise in strategic planning, project management, quality assurance, emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, and cross-sector collaboration to effectively address challenges.
I take great pride in leading this evolving mental health and wellbeing workforce, dedicated to elevating lived experience as a core part of service delivery. This work goes beyond individuals, it’s about shifting cultures, breaking barriers, and creating a more compassionate, effective mental health system.
How accessible was the faculty, and what moment defines your experience at the University?
Faculty accessibility is crucial to student success, and the university fosters open communication through mentorship programs, online platforms, and regular interactions. Professors are approachable, offering guidance on academics, research, and career paths, ensuring students feel supported.
A defining moment in my university journey was adapting to a new culture as a first-generation migrant. Initially, I felt overwhelmed by unfamiliar academic and social norms, along with language barriers. Over time, I found a sense of belonging through friendships, staying curious, and being open with peers from diverse backgrounds. Sharing meals, stories, and traditions turned uncertainty into confidence, broadening my perspective.
Tell us about your leadership approach and methodologies you follow.
My leadership approach is rooted in compassion, collaboration, and advocacy. I recognize the profound impact of lived and living experience in mental health services and strive to foster a culture where peers play a central role in decision-making, shaping policies, services, and systemic change.
Amid the ongoing financial uncertainty and funding cuts, I prioritize stability, clarity, and reassurance. I keep my team informed, collaborate on creative solutions, and sustain morale. Psychological safety is central to my leadership, and I create an environment where my team feels secure to share, innovate, and challenge norms without fear.
I also emphasize professional development and capacity building, ensuring lived experience workers have opportunities to strengthen their impact. My approach bridges the gap between lived experience and professional practice. By embracing diverse perspectives and fostering meaningful partnerships, I drive the change that benefits not only the workforce but also the individuals, families, and communities we serve, even in times of uncertainty.
Where do you see yourself in the long term of your career?
I want to keep pushing for lived experience to be at the heart of mental health care, shaping policies, services, and the workforce. My goal is to break down barriers, create more inclusive systems, and drive real change. I hope to influence policy, support research, and mentor future leaders so that mental health care truly reflects the needs of individuals, families, and carers.
Harsh Bansal, Director (Carer Lived & Living Experience Workforce), Austin Health (Mental Health Division)
Harsh Bansal is driving a transformative shift in mental health services by integrating the voices and experiences of those who have personally navigated mental health challenges. He ensures that policies, support systems, and workforce strategies are shaped by firsthand experience. His work focuses on systemic change, advocating for inclusivity, breaking down barriers, and elevating lived experience as a vital part of mental health care.
Hobbies: Reading (self-help and non-fiction book), Cooking and Investing
Favorite Cuisine: Middle Eastern and Thai
Favorite Book: The Happiness Trap by Dr Russ Harris
Favorite Travel Destination: Bali & any tropical destination
My leadership approach is rooted in compassion, collaboration, and advocacy. I recognize the profound impact of lived and living experience in mental health services and strive to foster a culture where peers play a central role in decision-making, shaping policies, services, and systemic change.
Amid the ongoing financial uncertainty and funding cuts, I prioritize stability, clarity, and reassurance. I keep my team informed, collaborate on creative solutions, and sustain morale. Psychological safety is central to my leadership, and I create an environment where my team feels secure to share, innovate, and challenge norms without fear.
I also emphasize professional development and capacity building, ensuring lived experience workers have opportunities to strengthen their impact. My approach bridges the gap between lived experience and professional practice. By embracing diverse perspectives and fostering meaningful partnerships, I drive the change that benefits not only the workforce but also the individuals, families, and communities we serve, even in times of uncertainty.
I envision a future where lived experience is central to mental health care, shaping co-designed services, eradicating stigma, and ensuring truly responsive support systems
Where do you see yourself in the long term of your career?
I want to keep pushing for lived experience to be at the heart of mental health care, shaping policies, services, and the workforce. My goal is to break down barriers, create more inclusive systems, and drive real change. I hope to influence policy, support research, and mentor future leaders so that mental health care truly reflects the needs of individuals, families, and carers.
Harsh Bansal, Director (Carer Lived & Living Experience Workforce), Austin Health (Mental Health Division)
Harsh Bansal is driving a transformative shift in mental health services by integrating the voices and experiences of those who have personally navigated mental health challenges. He ensures that policies, support systems, and workforce strategies are shaped by firsthand experience. His work focuses on systemic change, advocating for inclusivity, breaking down barriers, and elevating lived experience as a vital part of mental health care.
Hobbies: Reading (self-help and non-fiction book), Cooking and Investing
Favorite Cuisine: Middle Eastern and Thai
Favorite Book: The Happiness Trap by Dr Russ Harris
Favorite Travel Destination: Bali & any tropical destination