"I Think, Therefore I Am"

— René Descartes, Discourse on the Method (1637)

Formalised Epidemiological & Public Health Research Assistance

Luke gained valuable experience as a Research Assistant at the Melbourne School of Population and Global Health (MSPGH) at the University of Melbourne. Working alongside leading researchers such as Professor Jane Pirkis, Dallas English, Professor Gary Freed, and acclaimed Australian author Robert Lukins, he contributed to significant projects focused on mental health and suicide prevention. This role allowed him to refine his research skills while making meaningful contributions to the population and global health field.

Paediatric Emergency Department at The Austin Hospital

As part of his work under Professor Gary Freed, Luke had the opportunity to engage in research at the Austin Hospital’s paediatric emergency department, explicitly examining low-level triage cases. This hands-on experience provided him with firsthand insight into the reasons children present to emergency care, from acute injuries to respiratory distress and infectious diseases. Immersed in a fast-paced clinical setting, Luke worked closely with the medical team, interacting with young patients and their families to understand their concerns. This experience deepened his empathy for paediatric patients and strengthened his ability to assess and manage emergent situations whilst also opening his eyes to the policy considerations regarding hospital overcrowding.

Suicide Prevention

Under the guidance of Professor Jane Pirkis, Luke conducted research on media reporting and its impact on suicide rates, with a particular focus on the case of renowned actor Robin Williams. Through extensive analysis, he explored the profound influence of media narratives on public perception and mental well-being. This research heightened his awareness of the risks associated with sensationalised reporting and reinforced his belief in responsible journalism. While he remains opposed to censorship, he advocates for ethical and compassionate media practices to mitigate harm to vulnerable individuals.

Men's Mental Health

Luke’s work on the longitudinal male mental health study, Ten to Men, provided him with deep insights into the challenges surrounding men's mental well-being in Australia. His involvement in qualitative reporting allowed him to critically examine the societal and cultural barriers that often lead to neglect in this area. Drawing on his background in sociology, he developed his own perspectives on mental health hygiene and the stigma surrounding men’s mental health. Inspired by these findings, he launched Metal4Mental, a free fitness workshop during his Strength Coach Internship at Praxis Athletic, aimed at fostering resilience and open discussions about mental health through exercise.

Sports Psychology, CBT, and Schema Therapy

Luke’s passion for mental well-being is deeply personal. After sustaining a severe hip injury during a school athletics carnival 100m sprint, he realised the crucial role of psychological resilience in athletic performance. Determined to overcome this setback, he sought the expertise of a sports psychologist in Prahran, whose guidance proved invaluable—especially as Luke later endured multiple injuries, including a sacral buckle, a high ankle fracture that required emergency transport, and a head injury that necessitated cosmetic surgical intervention. Through this experience, Luke mastered techniques such as mental arousal regulation, positive self-talk, and visualisation, which not only facilitated his recovery but became integral to his work as a coach and trainer. Today, he incorporates these mental training strategies into his coaching, helping clients harness the power of the mind to optimise their performance.

His dedication to personal growth led him to engage with mental health professionals, including mental health nurses and support workers from the Alfred Hospital. Seeking deeper self-awareness, he also consulted with distinguished psychologists and psychiatrists such as Simone Farrelly (King’s College, London) and Niraj Sareen (Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists). These interactions provided him with valuable insights into cognitive processes, emotional resilience, and psychiatric care—knowledge he now draws upon in his client-focused work.

Disability Support Work

Luke’s commitment to disability support work was profoundly shaped by a life-changing experience as the primary carer for a man in Albert Park who had survived clinical death and an Acquired Brain Injury (ABI). Despite having been given little chance of recovery, his client defied expectations and regained significant function. At the time, this particular NDIS Participant had an outsourced physiotherapist, but he was soon replaced as Luke provided value above and beyond what was currently offered. Taking on the rehabilitation process himself, Luke developed a structured plan incorporating strength training, mobility exercises, and social support. Under his care, his client progressed from reliance on a cane to independent walking. This transformative experience reinforced Luke’s passion for disability support, a field he was already drawn to due to his experiences with his profoundly deaf and later dementia-affected grandparents.
 

Now a qualified disability support worker with over 1,000 hours of service, Luke has worked with individuals facing a wide range of challenges, including anxiety, schizoaffective disorder, autism, dementia, ABI, learning difficulties, aggressive temperaments, addiction, fibromyalgia, and homelessness. His approach is deeply empathetic and person-centred, focusing on fostering independence and improving quality of life. Beyond direct care, he advocates for his clients by liaising with government agencies such as Services Australia and Centrelink, as well as working with general practitioners to coordinate specialised medical and therapeutic care.

Experiences in Strength & Conditioning, Physiotherapy, and Chiropractic As A Client, Athlete, and Patient

Luke’s expertise in rehabilitation and disability support is further complemented by his receiving of services as a paying client, having attended over 100 sessions with both Durham McInnis (Founder of Core Advantage) and Martin Harvey (Victorian Chiropractor of the Year), as well as over 50 sessions with Simon Anning (AFL Physiotherapist). These extensive interactions have enriched his understanding of injury management and rehabilitation strategies. Not only have they aided his personal recovery, but they have also equipped him with valuable knowledge that he now applies in his work, passing on these insights to the clients he supports and trains.

From research to rehabilitation, mental health advocacy to disability support, Luke’s journey has been driven by a deep-seated commitment to helping others. Whether in the lab, the clinic, or the gym, his work is united by a singular mission: to empower individuals to overcome challenges, build resilience, and lead fulfilling lives.