"I think, therefore I am"
- Rene Descartes in Discourse on the Method (1637)
Luke gained valuable research experience as a Research Assistant at the MSPGH (Melbourne School of Population and Global Health) at the University of Melbourne. While there, he collaborated with esteemed researchers such as Professor Jane Pirkis, Dallas English, and Professor Gary Freed, also working alongside notable Australian author Robert Lukins. Together, they worked on several significant projects, contributing to advancing population and global health research with specific focuses on mental health and suicide. This experience allowed Luke to develop his research skills further and make meaningful contributions to the field.
During his project under Professor Gary Freed at the Austin Hospital, Luke had the opportunity to work in the paediatric emergency department, specifically focusing on low-level triage cases. This experience was instrumental in shaping Luke's understanding of healthcare and the unique needs of young patients in urgent situations. As a research assistant, Luke became immersed in the fast-paced environment, where he gained firsthand knowledge of the reasons for emergency presentations among children. From acute injuries to respiratory distress and infectious diseases, Luke worked diligently with the medical team to provide timely and effective care to children requiring low-level triage, engaging with presenting patients and hearing their reasons for attendance and concerns. This experience deepened Luke's compassion and honed his skills in assessing and managing emergent situations, instilling in him a profound commitment to the well-being of paediatric patients in their most critical moments.
While working under Professor Jane Pirkis's guidance, Luke focused on studying the effects of media reporting on suicide, particularly emphasising the case of the renowned actor Robin Williams. This experience profoundly shaped Luke's perspective on the power and influence of media in shaping public perception and individuals' mental well-being. Through extensive research and analysis, Luke delved into the intricate connections between media coverage and its impact on suicide rates and vulnerable individuals. Witnessing the aftermath of media reporting on the tragic loss of Robin Williams, Luke became acutely aware of the potential harm that sensationalised or inappropriate coverage can have on mental health. This experience ignited Luke's passion for advocating responsible and compassionate media practices and balancing this ideal with his opposition to censorship, striving to raise awareness about the potential impact of media reporting on vulnerable individuals and promoting more informed and supportive narratives surrounding mental health issues and other public concerns.
Luke's involvement in the longitudinal male mental health study, "Ten To Men," profoundly impacted his understanding of mental health. Through his work on qualitative reporting, Luke gained firsthand insights into the complexities and challenges surrounding men's mental health. This experience broadened his perspective and deepened his awareness of the factors contributing to poor mental health hygiene, specifically within the Australian male population. As Luke delved into the study's findings, he developed his unique perspectives on the conclusions drawn from the data. He critically examined the societal and cultural factors that often contribute to the neglect of mental health among men, drawing further upon his sociological expertise from his VCE and university studies. Recognising the importance of addressing the stigma surrounding mental health, Luke became an advocate for promoting open discussions and creating safe spaces for men to seek support, specifically through his fitness workshop "Metal4Mental", hosted as a free fitness workshop on Saturday mornings during his Strength Coach Internship at Praxis Athletic.
Luke's involvement in "Ten To Men" enriched his understanding of mental health and inspired him to take action. He became dedicated to raising awareness, fostering resilience, and encouraging individuals, especially men, to prioritise their mental well-being, primarily via exercise. His experiences with the study propelled him to explore innovative approaches and strategies for promoting positive mental health practices among the male population in Australia and beyond.
After enduring a severe hip injury during a high-stakes 100m sprint race during high school, Luke recognised the crucial role that mental fortitude plays in athletic performance. Determined to overcome this setback and come back stronger, he sought the guidance of a private practice sports psychologist who worked next to his sports doctor in Prahran. These consultations would prove effective after suffering a severe back injury that buckled his sacrum, a high ankle fracture that had him sent home in an ambulance, and a severe head injury that required presentation to the Emergency Department and the assistance of a cosmetic surgeon to glue his forehead back together. Under the expert care of the sports psychologist, Luke delved into the intricacies of mental arousal, positive self-talk, and visualisation techniques. Then, through targeted interventions, he learned how to channel his mental energy effectively, control his arousal levels, and maintain a positive mindset even in adversity. The sports psychologist guided Luke through various mental exercises and visualisation techniques, enabling him to create a detailed mental blueprint for successful performances. Luke developed a heightened sense of focus, confidence, and resilience via mental arousal regulation and visualisation by visualising each step of athletic endeavour with precision and clarity. These newfound mental skills aided Luke's recovery and return to athletics and became invaluable tools in his client work. Drawing on his personal experiences and the knowledge imparted by the sports psychologist, Luke integrated mental training strategies into his coaching and personal training sessions, empowering his clients to unlock their full potential. Through his collaboration, Luke discovered the transformative power of the mind in athletic pursuits. Armed with a deeper understanding of mental resilience, positive self-talk, and visualisation, he inspires and guides others on their athletic journeys, ensuring that the power of the mind is harnessed alongside physical training for optimal performance and holistic well-being.
Luke's journey towards self-discovery and personal growth led him to engage extensively with mental health nurses and support workers from the Alfred Hospital, where he had the privilege of learning from their expertise and firsthand experiences in the field. Additionally, Luke sought independent consultation from esteemed professionals in psychology and psychiatry, such as Melbourne-Based professionals psychologist Simone Farrelly (Kings College, London) and psychiatrist Naraj Sareen (Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists). These interactions gave Luke valuable insights and a deeper understanding of psychological and psychiatric sciences and the complexities of mental health care as they relayed their perspectives on Luke's cognition. Through these experiences, Luke gained a profound appreciation for the importance of mental well-being and the significance of compassionate and effective support systems. The knowledge and understanding he acquired from these professionals enriched his perspective, shaping his approach to personal growth and a deeper understanding of the human mind, which he utilises in his client-focused work. Luke's quest for self-awareness and personal growth drove him to seek psycho-analysis from highly regarded individuals in their respective fields. Recognising the value of a third-party perspective, Luke desired to delve deeper into his inner cognition and gain insights that could help him navigate his journey of self-discovery. By engaging with renowned professionals in psychology and psychiatry, Luke aimed to gain a fresh and objective viewpoint on his thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. He believed that through this process, he could uncover hidden patterns, gain a deeper understanding of his psyche, and ultimately develop a greater sense of self.
Luke's passion for disability support work stems from a profoundly transformative experience that shaped his perspective on life and ignited his commitment to helping others during his assignment as a primary carer for a man who had a remarkable journey of resilience and recovery in the suburb of Albert Park (the son of a man he had met at church). This man had encountered a life-threatening event, having been declared clinically dead for three minutes and given a slim chance of survival. However, against all odds, he defied medical expectations and regained everyday function despite sustaining an Acquired Brain Injury (ABI). During this pivotal role, Luke replaced the physiotherapist despite not being formally trained, working closely with his client to assist in their recovery. Through his unwavering dedication, extensive research, and innovative approach, Luke facilitated a remarkable transformation. He guided his client through a comprehensive rehabilitation program, focusing on strength training, mobility exercises, targeted therapy sessions, and social and domestic assistance. Luke's expertise, coupled with his genuine care and determination, allowed him to achieve incredible results. With his guidance and support, his client regained the ability to walk without a cane and reclaimed some of their independence in performing daily activities. Luke's compassionate and hands-on approach provided the encouragement and motivation to overcome obstacles and achieve significant milestones in the recovery journey. Witnessing his profound impact on his client's life during this experience solidified Luke's dedication to the field of disability support work. It instilled in him a deep sense of purpose and a genuine desire to make a difference in individuals facing similar challenges. Luke's experience as a primary carer highlighted human resilience's power, personalised care's importance, and unwavering support's transformative effect, compounding his long-held desire to assist those facing such difficulties due to his experiences with his profoundly deaf and later dementia-affected grandparents during childhood and adolescence.
Luke has dedicated his time and expertise as a qualified disability support worker, profoundly impacting the lives of individuals facing various physical and intellectual challenges, delivering over 1000+ support hours. With his compassionate nature and unwavering commitment, he has provided invaluable support to those affected by anxiety, schizoaffective disorder, autism, dementia, acquired brain injury, learning and academic difficulties, violent and aggressive temperaments, Alzheimer's, sun-downers, opioid addiction, heroin addiction, drug and alcohol dependency, fibromyalgia, PCOS, homelessness, and more. As a disability support worker, Luke understands the unique needs and complexities of each individual he serves. Therefore, he approaches his work with empathy, patience, and a deep understanding of his clients' daily challenges. Through attentive care and a personalised approach, he strives to enhance their quality of life, promote independence, and create a nurturing environment fostering growth and well-being.
His comprehensive knowledge of various disabilities and ability to communicate effectively and build trusting relationships has allowed him to create meaningful connections with his clients. Luke's compassionate and person-centred approach empowers individuals to overcome challenges, develop their skills, and lead fulfilling lives to the best of their abilities.
In his role as a disability support worker, Luke has genuinely demonstrated a remarkable dedication to his client's well-being. Not only does he provide compassionate care and assistance to those with cognitive, emotional, or physical impairments, but he also plays a pivotal role in the administrative and advocacy aspects of his work. Luke's commitment goes beyond the immediate needs of his clients; he acts as a liaison with crucial government agencies such as Services Australia and Centrelink, ensuring that his clients receive the benefits and support they are entitled to. Furthermore, he works closely with general practitioners to coordinate and advocate for specialised medical care and therapy, ensuring clients receive the best care tailored to their unique circumstances.
Luke's expertise in disability support work complements his invaluable interactions and excessively numerous individual sessions as an athlete with esteemed professionals. Engaging extensively with Core Advantage's Founder, Durham McInnis, renowned Victorian Chiropractor of the Year, Martin Harvey, and accomplished AFL Physiotherapist, Simon Anning, has provided Luke with knowledge and practical insights. These interactions have expanded his understanding of rehabilitation techniques and injury management and sharpened his ability to tailor personalised care plans to meet the unique needs of each individual. Luke's collaborative experiences with these distinguished professionals have enriched his skill set and reinforced his commitment to delivering exceptional support to those he serves as well as the clients he trains, passing on the knowledge he has acquired.