RIPPLE EFFECT FOUNDATION

Ripple Effect Wave Challenge is operated by Ripple Effect Foundation.

We believe that every Australian should have access to a lifestyle that protects their wellbeing, that is why Ripple Effect Foundation is on a mission to change the culture around wellbeing in Australia, ensuring that prioritising activities that protect our wellbeing is considered the norm, not a luxury. 

With your help to fundraise and spread awareness, we will achieve this through a combination of mental health promotion activities that increase mental health literacy, increasing awareness of things we can do as individuals to protect our wellbeing, reducing stigma around mental health and through advocating for systemic change.

OUR STORY

Hi there! We're Casey Macpherson and Adam McMurray, the founders of the Ripple Effect Foundation. With decades of experience in mental health between us, we have witnessed an ever-increasing need for mental health services, growing wait lists, and how complex it is for people to navigate the system. We wanted to find a way to make a real difference before people reached a crisis point and to see more funding and resources dedicated to preventing mental ill health.

We’re both passionate surfers and have felt the amazing benefits of the ocean on our own wellbeing. Casey picked up surfing a few years ago and quickly made it a daily habit, while Adam has been chasing waves for over 30 years. Often reflecting on how much of a difference getting out in the water regularly made to our own wellbeing, especially after some injuries and forced time off and reflecting on the mindset of surfers where making that time for yourself is a non-negotiable. Given that so many of the elements of surfing are individually protective factors for mental wellbeing it made sense to create the Ripple Effect Wave Challenge as our primary way to raise funds and awareness for our mission at Ripple Effect Foundation.  

ADAM MCMURRAY - MANAGING DIRECTOR

Adam has over 15 years of experience in the non-government and primary health sectors. His operational background encompasses service design and state-wide service implementation, and in recent years, driving commissioning activities for Mental Health services across the Gold Coast region. He has extensive operational experience in the management of multiple programs, project management, service design, procurement, monitoring and evaluation, community engagement alongside active collaboration with partner agencies. Adam has worked as a surfing instructor and surf coach and has a Cert 4 in sport and recreation, diplomas in Management and Community Services and is certified in PRINCE 2 project management.

CASEY MACPHERSON - MANAGING DIRECTOR

Casey brings a decade of experience in the primary health sector with strengths in stakeholder engagement, service design, procurement, project management, and service monitoring. She champions a collaborative approach, fostering partnerships within the sector and community to tackle complex health issues effectively. Beginning her journey with a Bachelor of Public Health, majoring in Health Promotion, Casey's enduring passion for preventative health and enhancing the well-being of Australians on a population level is evident throughout her career. Her robust skill set, honed through diverse projects addressing unmet health needs reflects her commitment to making a meaningful impact. A lifelong learner, Casey continuously expands her expertise, undertaking additional studies in finance, social impact, co-design, and commissioning for outcomes. She completed a Graduate Certificate of Management from UNSW in 2023, further enhancing her strategic leadership capabilities and ensuring she remains at the forefront of driving positive change in the health sector.

BEN HAFNER - NON EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

ANNIE HARRIS - NON EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR