Mental Fitness Program
Connecting high performance athletes with youth to help improve their mental health and wellbeing
The AIS is proud to once again partner with the Black Dog Institute to deliver the Mental Fitness Program (MFP).
The program sees current and former elite athletes deliver powerful talks to high school aged people about how to keep mentally fit through sharing evidence-based research and stories of resilience.
Since the program launched, our athlete ambassadors have delivered presentations to more than 60,000 students across the country.
In 2026 each athlete will deliver eight presentations at a school and/or sporting club during terms one, two and three.
Schools: Interested in an AIS Mental Fitness Presentation in 2026?
2026 Ambassadors

Ameera Lee
She/Her | Archery Australia
Anastasia Typou
She/Her | Australia Taekwondo/Combat Aus
Cooper Whitestyles
He/Him | Bowls Australia
Ellie Beer
She/Her | Athletics Australia
Emily Lamb
She/Her | Squash Australia
Erin Mitchell
She/Her | Lacrosse Australia
Gabriella Blewitt
She/Her | Taekwondo Australia
Hannah Slyth
She/Her | Squash Australia
Isabella Scammell
She/Her | Rowing Australia
Lakeisha Patterson
She/Her | Swimming Australia
Luke Ryan
He/Him / Volleyball Australia
Marina Carrier
She/Her | Modern Pentathlon
Odette Lynch
She/Her | Aus Cycling
Samantha Gaul
She/Her | Snow Australia
Tara Hinchliffe
She/Her | Netball Australia
Taylor Brooks
She/Her | Hockey Australia
Zane Branco
He/Him | Australian Athletics
School testimonies
"I felt he hit the mark, was relatable and got the key messages across really well."
Balcombe Grammar School
"She clearly knew her stuff and the content was really impactful and important."
Mount Alexander College
"Sofia is a very inspirational young woman. She was highly engaging with the audience and the students could easily relate to her. The content she presented was both relevant and informative. We highly recommend AIS Mental Fitness Program."
Melton Christian College
"The content is very relevant and pitched at the right level. I have quite a number of students who struggle with mental health issues and so it was very relevant. It was also great that the message came across – you don’t need to fix your mates, you just need to know how to help them get support."
St Francis Xavier College Florey
"Aleisha was a fantastic presenter. The students were from different classes, so didn't know each other. This made them quite shy and Aleisha had to coax out responses from them. I liked also that it was all about connection. Aleisha said "You don't have to solve the problem; you just have to listen' and I think that is a really important message!"
Armadale Senior High School
Contact
For further information about this program or opportunities to be involved please contact kate.beveridge@ausport.gov.au