Honouring Our Leaders – Joe Williams

Joe Williams is proud Wiradjuri/Wolgalu man, prominent suicide prevention and wellbeing educator, and a passionate mental health advocate. 

As the founder of The Enemy Within, an organisation he established in 2014, Joe has delivered wellbeing programs to over 200 communities across Australia and multiple countries around the world.  The organisation’s mission is to alleviate the mental and traumatic distress of individuals from all walks of life. Additionally, Joe is an Adjunct Associate Professor at the School of Psychology at the University of Queensland, where he contributes his expertise to furthering mental health education and research.

Joe’s commitment to mental health stems from his personal experiences. Despite a successful 15-year career as a professional athlete in the National Rugby League, playing for the South Sydney Rabbitohs, Penrith Panthers, and Canterbury Bulldogs, and later as a professional boxer with titles such as 2x WBF World Junior Welterweight champion and WBC Asia Continental Titleholder, Joe battled with suicidal ideation and Bipolar Disorder for much of his life. After a suicide attempt in 2012, Joe dedicated himself to helping others who face similar struggles.

As an author, Joe has contributed to multiple books and written his autobiography, Defying The Enemy Within, sharing his journey and insights on mental health. His work has earned him many accolades, including being a finalist for the Courage Award in the 2017 National Indigenous Human Rights Awards and winning the Suicide Prevention Australia Life Award in 2018. In 2019, Joe received Australia’s highest honour in the mental health field, co-winning the National Mental Health Prize

Joe Williams’ dedication to mental health advocacy is inspiring and impactful. Through his tireless efforts, he continues to make a significant difference in communities, honouring his Wiradjuri heritage while paving the way for future generations.