Balabalaa

Chris Mason is a proud Ngemba man and a traditional custodian of the Brewarrina region, including the culturally significant Brewarrina Fish Traps. Born in Redfern, he was placed under the authority of the Aboriginal Protection Board and adopted out as a child of Aboriginal heritage.

Raised in the Lower Blue Mountains, Chris experienced significant challenges during his adolescence, including issues related to alcohol and other drugs (AOD). In 2000, following a psychotic episode, he entered the mental health system. His lived experience navigating this system became a transformative journey, enabling him to reintegrate into the community and thrive.

Over the years, Chris has contributed extensively across multiple sectors, including mental health, AOD services, employment, homelessness, the judicial system, and Indigenous affairs. He is deeply committed to addressing social justice issues through the development and facilitation of culturally informed programs.
Remarkably, Chris has managed aspects of the mental health system that once managed him. Today, he stands as a strong advocate for systemic reform, driven by the vision that others may not endure the same challenges he faced.