#WeAreNorthern
Meet Max Lynch, Program Manager – Craigieburn and Mernda Community Mental Health.
Q. Max, could I start with your coffee order, please?
I generally don’t drink coffee, but instead drink very strong English Breakfast tea with a dash of milk
Q. Tell us about your journey at Northern Health.
My journey with Northern Health began seven years ago when I started at Hume Community Mental Health as a therapist (Gestalt therapist), duty worker, and mental health clinician. From there, I progressed into a team leader role, and in 2025, I stepped into the position of Acting Manager across Hume and Merribek Community Mental Health. I now manage the Craigieburn and Mernda Community Mental Health Clinics and teams.
Q. What do you like most about your role?
What I value most about my work is that it is constantly evolving and changing – no day is ever the same or without surprise. There are always new challenges to navigate, which keeps the work meaningful and engaging. I feel privileged to work alongside a highly skilled and diverse group of mental health clinicians. Their varied cultural backgrounds and professional disciplines create a rich learning environment, and I am continually inspired by their knowledge and perspectives. I particularly enjoy creating space for people to share their ideas, and supporting them to develop and grow—both professionally and personally.
Q. What are some things people don’t know about you?
I was raised on a farm in the Mallee region of Victoria, and this instilled in me a strong appreciation of the importance of community and a strong interest in animal welfare and advocacy. I began my professional life in banking, but I was always drawn to people, not numbers, and the idea of working with people, led me to undertake a hospital-based training in Nursing. When growing up on the farm, at a small school in the Mallee, it was mandatory to study Indonesia language, and later, I continued my language studies at university. This led to lecturing at Victoria University, and eventually, living and teaching in Indonesia – an experience that broadened my worldview and deepened my respect for cultural diversity. After work, I enjoy the company of my husband, 5 step-children, 6 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild, but not all at once
Q. Do you have a bucket list item? Something you would love to do.
Outside of work, one of my aspirations is to write a mystery novel, inspired by authors such as Liane Moriarty, and to do so, whilst basking in the tea plantations of Bandung, Indonesia. I have started writing this novel many times, but the plot changes every time I pick up my pen
Q. Who is your superhero, and why?
My superhero is a dear friend who has since passed away, but shaped my life the way a father would. Nothing ever seemed to faze him – he carried a deep sense of peace and was completely non-judgmental in how he moved through the world. He embodied the quiet strength and compassion of figures like Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King Jr., and Gautama Buddha.
His presence and the values he lived by continue to inspire me every day.