The Blue HOPE Mission
To enhance the mental health of current and former police officers and their families through the provision of an independent, practical, highly confidential and professional support service, provided by peers and practitioners with significant policing experience.
our directors
Andrew Ayres
Andrew Ayres
Andrew Ayres
Founding Director Andrew Ayres is a current serving member of the QPS, having recently ticked over 31 years of operational service in both rural and metropolitan settings. He is a shift working Detective and passionately gives of his time and energy to coordinate fundraising events.
Andrew is the co-founder of Blue Hope and he passionately gives of his time and energy to coordinate fundraising events as well as functional fitness and boxing classes at the Blue Hope gym which we have named "The Pit".
Andrew is committed to helping current and former police officers and their families and he has worked tirelessly since the foundation of Blue HOPE to make it the success it is today.
Mark Kelly
Andrew Ayres
Andrew Ayres
Mark Kelly MClinPsych, BPsychSc(Hons), MAPS, MAAPi is a former police officer. He served in a variety of operational roles, investigating a range of crime types ranging from narcotics and human trafficking to counter terrorism and child protection operations.
Mark separated from the AFP in 2011. Now a Clinical Psychologist, Mark holds a Master of Clinical Psychology and Bachelor of Psychological Science (Hons) from the University of Queensland.
Mark works in private practice working exlusively with current and former police officers.
Sam Sciacca
Andrew Ayres
Sam Sciacca
Sam Sciacca is admitted as a Solicitor in the Supreme Court of Queensland and former Chief Operating Officer of Sciaccas Lawyers Pty Ltd. Sam is the Managing Director of Optimum Legal Solutions Pty Ltd and possesses over 20 years general legal experience.
For over a decade, he has worked in the areas of industrial relations and workers compensation, dealing with mental health issues.
Sam is responsible for legal matters relating to Blue Hope and providing legal advice to our consumers.
OUR board members
Michelle Schlitter
Michelle Schlitter
Michelle Schlitter
Michelle Schlitter (Cooper), is a Learning and Development Specialist currently working for Centacare Community Services, a not for profit organisation servicing the Aged Care, Disability and Mental Health sectors. Michelle’s learning and development experience was established in an earlier role during her tenure with Queensland Police Service at Policelink and the Police Assistance Centre.
Michelle is committed to supporting the family and friends of current and former police officers through her role with Blue Hope.
Steve Pata
Michelle Schlitter
Michelle Schlitter
Lieutenant Colonel Steve Pata is a former Queensland Police officer and current Chief of Staff at the Australian Army, Land Warfare Centre at Canungra.
He holds a Bachelor in Policing and during his police service he was awarded the Queensland Police Long Service Medal and the Queensland Police Commissioned Officers Award for Leadership.
Steve has a distinguished military career spanning nearly 30 years. His achievements are many and include the conferred the United States Bronze Star while serving in Afghanistan and a Master's Degree in Military Strategic Studies.
Mark Elm
Michelle Schlitter
Mark Elm
Mark Elm GCertPublicSectorMgmt, GCertPoliceMgt, BPolicing, DipPolicing ‘with distinction’ is a former Senior Sergeant with the New South Police Force having served for 27 years. He served in inner city, metropolitan and rural operational commands throughout New South Wales.
Mark, with a foundation built upon his lived experience is passionate about the physical and psychological impact operational service has on police officers both at home and abroad.
OUR AMBASSADORS
Tim Britten
Brendon Bullock
Brendon Bullock
Tim Britten CV was born in Western Australia April 1969 and attended Duncraig primary and High schools. He worked several years in shearing teams before joining the West Australian Police force in 1994. He is currently a Sergeant with the West Australian Police.
Brendon Bullock
Brendon Bullock
Brendon Bullock
Brendon was a member of the New South Wales Police force for 15 years earning the rank of Detective Senior Constable. As a former Detective, Brendon acquired an in-depth and widespread knowledge of all facets of Policing. He has extensive experience in Criminal Investigation including complex covert investigations, managing covert Physical Surveillance operations and general ‘first response’ policing. He worked in the NSW Joint Counter Terrorism Investigation Team and was seconded to the Australian Crime Commission. He is the recipient of the NSW Police medal for diligent and ethical service and the National Service Medal. He has also received numerous commendations for bravery, recognised service and The Juan Carlos Hernandez award.