Jack Balakas

Marketing Coordinator
& Facilitator

I was lucky enough to meet the Ocean Mind team through a volunteer opportunity as a graphic designer. I knew pretty quickly that this was a mission that I had to be a part of.

My own experiences with mental health led me into the world of support work and mental health advocacy. After studying a Certificate IV at Melbourne Polytechnic, I began facilitating spaces for male mental health in my spare time. Around the same time, I discovered surfing, and the joy it brought me was unlike anything I’d ever experienced.

Now, I’m lucky enough to combine my passion for mental health with a graphic design and communications skillset in what I can only describe as my dream job.

I’m a big kid at heart and often wonder if I’m having more fun than the kids in our programs! When not chasing waves, I enjoy music, getting creative and exploring the surf coast in my van.