‘Mental wellness takes work’: Daniel’s journey inspires his clients at Graceville Centre

Every day Lutheran Services’ team leader Daniel Miller draws on his personal journey of mental health challenges to inspire clients navigating recovery at the Graceville Centre in Nambour.

Growing up in rural New South Wales and Queensland, Daniel’s early years were marked by educational and mental health challenges. He faced years of hospital stays, medication struggles and setbacks. In adulthood at the age of 24, after consulting multiple GPs, psychologists, and psychiatrists, he received a formal diagnosis.

After 15 years working in the mining industry and overcoming personal hurdles, Daniel completed a social work degree – proof, he says, that recovery and growth are possible no matter where you start.

“I never imagined the boy who struggled through school would one day lead a team supporting others with mental health challenges,” Daniel, 46, says.

“To go to university, I had to learn how to use a computer and write assignments. When I look back, I’m proud of what I’ve been able to achieve with a lot of support of my wife and a strong network around me.’’

He joined Graceville Centre in 2019 as a support worker and now oversees a team of 19 staff. Daniel is the first Lutheran Services’ employee in a formally recognised role as a team leader with a lived experience.

Graceville Centre embraces a recovery-oriented approach, with support staff providing tailored, empathetic care coordination across the Sunshine Coast. The team supports 32 clients, including 12 in onsite supported accommodation.

“I always remind my clients there’s hope and light at the end of the tunnel. Recovery isn’t quick or simple, but nobody should ever be written off, that’s the cruellest thing to do,” Daniel says.

“Sharing my journey helps people know they’re not alone and that setbacks do not define the future. At Graceville, I’ve seen many clients with complex issues who have gradually recovered. Recovery is a journey, with inevitable blips along the way.

“From my own experience, I know I could go a decade without being unwell – and it could happen again. But you get back on track, take the experience, and learn from it.’’

Daniel’s own strategies for resilience include taking walks on the beach, connecting with loved ones, caring for his new puppy, and hobbies like photography and reading Australian history.

“Mental wellness takes work, and everyone finds help in their own way. For me, it’s about staying connected – to family, colleagues, and the things I love.”

An estimated 8.5 million Australians have experienced a mental illness during their life, according to National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing. Daniel’s message is that people experiencing mental health challenges are no different from anyone else.

“We’re not big, bad ogres. Getting help for something inside your head is really no different to going for help with a broken leg. But mental health issues are harder for people to relate to because the problem isn’t visible.

“If you know someone going through challenges, just reach out to them, check in and encourage open conversations. Witnessing the difference being made in people’s lives keeps me going. My role at the Graceville Centre is something I would be happy doing for a long time.”

• Graceville Centre is located at 5 Sydney Street, Nambour. For more information about Lutheran Services’ community and mental health support services, call 1800 960 433 or visit lutheranservices.org.au.

Lutheran Services’ team leader Daniel Miller says “getting help for something inside your head is really no different to going for help with a broken leg”.