'I'm living my dream role'
Introducing Rhiannon Colarossi, a mother, teacher, author and passionate advocate for mental health and wellbeing. She describes what she is doing as the dream role, making a positive impact in both healthcare and education. Her career began in 2002 at St. Augustine’s Yarraville and thrived as a teacher and school wellbeing leader for nine years.
She now juggles roles as a mental health leader at Corpus Christi Primary School in Glenroy, a Wellbeing coordinator at St Vincent’s Private Hospital in Fitzroy and managing her own initiative, The Wellbeing Web.
She became a Member of Bank First over 20 years ago because the organisation’s values aligned with hers. Her passion lies in raising awareness about the significance of mental health for healthcare workers, parents and educators.
“I think sometimes wellbeing gets an unfair rap, it gets treated like it’s fluff or that it doesn't have an impact, and people don’t make time for it,” she adds.
“But it's essential to a healthy life. We’ve got organisations like Bank First who are really invested in taking care of the carers and when people feel supported, it makes a massive difference.”
During a staff induction at St. Vincent’s Private Hospital, Bank First team Members Warden Mersey and Brian Leo often run into people like Mrs Colarossi.
Bank First has been in a partnership with St Vincent’s since 2022, offering three scholarships a year to deserving recipients.
“I love that that Bank First is investing in meeting and supporting more nurses and teachers, and that's where my passion lies as well,” she added.
“The personalised touch when Bank First is visiting schools and hospitals, meeting staff, listening to them and sharing what they're offering is important. I love that Brian and Warden attended one of our St Vincent’s staff wellbeing events. You can't beat it, and it makes a difference when you have that connection.”
Mrs Colarossi adds she has high hopes for an increase in teachers and nurses’ pay, recognising the importance of fair compensation.
“I love supporting those that are caring for the younger generation,” she said.
“Often, these carers and parents prioritise their wellbeing last. So, I'm really passionate about that meaningful everyday self-care we can keep giving them, so they don’t burn out. Our children need it more than ever.”
