"Just Ask Me!"

Just Ask Me is a warm and honest community panel event supporting Mind the Walk, hosted at Connections WA and sponsored by the Rotary Club of Rockingham. Guests will hear from inspiring panellists with varied lived experiences as they share personal stories, insights and reflections on mental health, grief, recovery, support and giving back to the community.

What makes this event special is its focus on real conversations in a safe and welcoming space, where walking and talking can help people feel less alone, find connection and start meaningful conversations. The event will include a panel discussion, audience questions, community support information and time to mingle. It will also be filmed and previewed at Mind the Walk.

Meet our panelists:

1. Lee McLoughlin

   Over the past few years, life has tested me in ways I never expected. I was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer, lost my beloved husband Peter after 43 wonderful years together, and then faced cancer a second time.

   Through it all, the support of my brother, family, and dear friends gave me the strength to keep going. Today, I'm proud to say the score is Lee 2, Cancer 0.

   These experiences have taught me that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness, and that friendship and support can make all the difference. That's why I'm involved with Mind the Walk. I believe in its mission to encourage conversations about mental health and remind people that no one has to face life's challenges alone. Sometimes, all it takes is a little help from our friends.

2. Lynne Sadler

   I am a Wife and mother with two beautiful daughters one lives on earth and the other one above us.

   I spent most of my days volunteering with several organisations in the Lift experience role to be brief to people who have lost a loved one to suicide.

   I have previously worked in a primary school for 25 years and took Early retirement to pursue my volunteering.

   I attended the roses in the Ocean lived experience summer in Hobart in 2023 and have been on several working committees in the suicide prevention sector. I am very passionate about my role and the lived experience voice to create a change to prevent suicide in our community.

3. James Lowe

   I was born into a time when being autistic and on the spectrum was all new. People didn't understand and therefore often treated me for my perceived behaviour rather than my brain working in a different way.

   Growing up was hard. School was even harder.

   Finding friends was a struggle, so I made friends with myself. With my imagination being fully engaged, I would then share my “friends and that world” with my family through the telling of stories.
   Whilst I had unwavering support from my family it was my place in society I was struggling to find.

   I am intelligent, creative, honest and reliable, I love the theatre world, and I found my place working with Venue 360 where I can be found running the lighting and sound box for stage productions.

   When you find who your kindred spirits are, you can thrive! I know I have/am!

4. Aron Brooke

   I am an Ex-RAN member with a medical discharge. I joined in April 2018 and served till April 2023. Joined up at 27 years. I am a qualified chef and Personal trainer

   Since 2025, I have been studying a Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science at Curtin University. To further improve my skills and to be able to better support others.

   Diagnosed with Adjustment Disorder with Anxiety and Depression, as well as alcohol use disorder. This has taken a few years to work through. Regular appointments with mental healthcare practitioners.

   Also found helping facilitate the Community Bootcamp Project in Rockingham to be of great use and to develop connections with others in a supportive and welcoming environment by having a workout and then a coffee on a Saturday morning a good way to start a day.

5. Ainsleigh Brown

   I am a single mum of two boys, including a young son with severe non-verbal autism. After years of raising my children largely on my own while navigating domestic violence, depression, advocating for my children, trauma, burnout and the pressures of working full-time, I made the difficult decision to step away from a career of eight years to prioritise my family and rebuild my life.

   Today, I am the founder of two small businesses and very passionate about supporting others through employment, community and connection. I believe strength isn’t about pretending you’re okay—it’s about finding the courage to keep going, asking for help when you need it, and recognising that family aren’t always the people you’re related to. Sometimes the greatest support comes from people in the community who simply choose to care.

   Through sharing my story, I hope to remind others that it’s okay not to be okay, that no one has to carry life’s challenges alone, and that even in the hardest seasons, hope and purpose can be found.

   “People often tell me I’m strong, but the truth is I don’t feel strong every day. I just don’t have the option to stop because two little lives are depending on me. That’s exactly why I’m here—to remind people that you don’t have to be unbreakable to keep moving forward, and asking for help is one of the strongest things you can do.

Tanya Stojanovic will be performing at the beginning of the panel, to set the tone and talk about how it helps her mental health.

Additional parking is available may be found at the Child Care Centre or the Church.

Light refreshments will be available.

Hosted by Mind The Walk

Supported by Connections WA

Sponsored by Rotary Club of Rockingham

It all starts with a conversation.