ABOUT US
Founded by NRL legend Greg Inglis, Goanna Academy was created to address the devastating suicide rates across the country. Drawing on his own lived experience, Greg established the Academy to break the stigma around mental health and change outcomes for all Aussies.
Goanna Academy Story
Goanna Academy was born from a deeply personal mission: to break the silence around mental health and build a stronger, more compassionate Australia—one conversation at a time. Founded by NRL legend Greg Inglis, the Academy is dedicated to helping all Australians, especially those in at-risk groups like regional men, youth, and First Nations communities, feel seen, supported, and empowered to speak up and seek help.
Established in 2020, the Academy represents Greg’s journey beyond football—a powerful commitment to giving back and improving mental health outcomes across the country. Through sharing his own lived experience with mental illness, Greg leads with honesty and heart, using his platform to inspire healing and connection, particularly within his own culture and community.
Proudly Indigenous-owned, accredited, Supply Nation certified, and Headspace endorsed, Goanna Academy is Australia’s first organisation of its kind—changing lives through culturally informed education and real, relatable support. Our partnership with the Wollotuka Institute out Newcastle University ensures our programs are measured to show our positive impact on the communities we reach.
Greg Inglis
Greg Inglis, a proud Dunghutti man from Kempsey, grew up in Macksville, part of the Nambucca Valley. A former professional rugby league player, Greg comes from a close-knit family with three siblings—an older brother, a younger sister, and a younger brother.
Throughout his life, Greg has faced many challenges—some filled with incredible memories, others marked by struggle. These experiences have shaped his character, but it’s the unwavering support of family and friends that has helped him navigate the toughest moments.
Greg is deeply passionate about mental health. While the struggles he has faced don’t simply disappear, speaking openly about them has been a source of healing—and he hopes that by sharing his story, others will feel less alone and more empowered to speak up.
The Goanna Academy was founded as part of Greg’s mission to create lasting change and break the cycle of poor mental health, particularly among youth, adults, and Indigenous communities. Through the Academy, he combines his love for the game with his commitment to wellbeing, passing on his rugby league knowledge and leadership skills to the next generation. More than just training athletes, Greg hopes to shape champions—people who embody the values of the Academy and support those who may be doing it tough.
75%
of mental health challenges will emerge before the age of 25
1 in 2
young people are impacted by suicide by the time they turn 25
68%
increase in the rate of suicide of young people in the last 15 years.
Our Strategic Roadmap to Reach 600,000 Australians with Mental Health Education by 2026
We’re scaling nationally to equip hundreds of thousands with the tools, knowledge, and support to better understand and positively change mental health outcomes.
100
MindEd Schools
12
Sport & Health Clinics
24
Workplace Seminars
63,800
IRL Connections
750,000
Engaged Through Social Media
Goanna Academy Story
Our team is dedicated to making the change, one conversation at a time.
Goanna Academy team has 50+ years of collective experience working in Mental Health, Youth Services, Community Services, Advocacy, Mentoring, Corporate Leadership, Worldplace Culture, Public Speaking and Sport & Fitness.
Our team is a group of people with lived experience of mental illness and use their stories to inspire, encourage and empower.
Greg Inglis
Founder & Managing Director
Brent Richardson
CEO & Chairman
Alyse Inglis
COO
Kim Dolengowski
Marketing Director
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