serving

up

actual

impact

for

hospo

workers

✶

serving up actual impact for hospo workers ✶

About us

Our origin

In 2019, at a Wollongong Burger Bar called His Boy Elroy, we had the idea of creating a safe environment where men could enjoy a free burger and have healthy conversations about mental wellness.

This simple concept was incredibly well received, and from there we started hosting multiple events per month, all free to our members. These events include yoga, bowling, bushwalking, golf, martial arts and more. 

Realising our passion for empowering mental health education and creating healthy communities, the Raising the Bar Foundation was born. 

Healthier Hospitality is our hospitality specific initiative, formed to train and educate employees in hospitality & tourism venues in mental health awareness and communication, with the aim of improving the baseline education, compliance and culture within licensed & unlicensed venues.

With years of experience in hospitality, we know the unique challenges the industry presents. We have an opportunity to play a vital role in changing the culture around hospitality venues through the delivery of this educational package. The hospitality sector needs to have a collective approach to address poor mental health within our industry.

By modifying workplace practices to eliminate dangerous conditions and prevent psychosocial risks and injuries, a significant proportion of mental ill health could be prevented.

Our mission

Our mission is to serve real impact in the hospitality industry through creating safer, healthier environments for employees, employers and patrons.

Through a comprehensive approach that emphasises education, support, and the cultivation of inclusive environments, we are committed to reducing rates of suicide and poor mental health, particularly within high-risk industries like the Hospitality sector.

Our vision extends beyond industry boundaries, focusing on creating strong, interconnected communities that prioritise mental well-being to proactively prevent suicide in both specific sectors and the broader community.

  • Lachlan Stevens

    FOUNDER

    Lachlan is an experienced operations, change management, tourism and hospitality professional with a proven track record of delivering financial and non-financial objectives within organisations.

    Lachlan served 6.5 years in the Australian Defence Force as a Combat Engineer and Education Officer, 3 years within Merlin Entertainments running operations for a Zoo, Aquarium and Adventure Parks around Australia. Currently, As the General Manager of His Boy Elroy.

    He works closely with the NSW Small Business Commissioner in a reference group and sits on several committees including the local Legacy committee.

  • Daniel Chin

    GENERAL MANAGER

    Daniel has been involved in Barstool Brothers from its formation in 2019.

    For 21 years, Daniel has been involved in the hospitality industry. This has included working in front of house, management, owning cafes and restaurants and providing entertainment to venues through event organisation.

    For the previous 3 years, Daniel was the venue manager at His Boy Elroy, where the Barstool Brothers was formed.

    Daniel brings experience and passion from the hospitality industry to help drive our mission to create more mental health conscious & safe venues across the country.

  • Sam Woods

    CHAIRPERSON

    Sam is a financial services professional and Board Secretary for The Barstool Brothers. 

    After consulting, he joined Westpac, excelling in operations and strategy. He led key programs, including the return of ~1,100 customer support roles to Australia. In 2020-2021, he received back-to-back CEO Awards for performance. In 2022, he joined Angle Auto Finance to streamline operations.

    Sam is also a One Young World Ambassador, representing Australia in 2019 and returning with a strong commitment to drive community-focused change.

  • Nichole Lewis

    Nic is a skilled psychologist with a Bachelor of Science, Honours in Psychology and an MBA. She has consulted for top companies like BlueScope Steel, Rio Tinto, and Suncorp across multiple sectors, with a unique background in Psychology, Science, and Business.

    While working at Mission Australia, Nic and her team helped create NSW’s first youth detoxification service, The David Martin Centre. This $3M facility helps young people with substance withdrawal and mental health issues.

    Nic’s core purpose as a psychologist is to assist people to create a life worth living, through the application of psychology at work, at home and in the community.

  • Graham Lancaster

    Graham is a solicitor with over 32 years of experience, specializing in commercial law and dispute resolution.

    He is an Accredited Specialist in Commercial Litigation (Insolvency) and serves as President of the Illawarra Connection. Graham has been involved in numerous not-for-profit organizations, including founding Digger Drop Off Limited and Superhero Enterprises Limited. He is a Life Member of APEX Clubs and a former board member of the Law Society’s Specialist Accreditation Board.

    In 2022, he was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM).

  • Kathryn Conroy

    Kathryn has over 18 years of experience in government and private sectors, advising businesses, associations, and peak bodies. She has served as a federal ministerial press secretary, senior policy adviser in the ACT Legislative Assembly, and worked in Queensland and ACT government departments. 


    Kathryn’s expertise spans government relations, strategic communication, stakeholder engagement, and issues management. She has advised on industries including mining, transport, health, agriculture, aged care, defence, tourism, and more.

  • Geordie Horan

    SECTETARY

  • Marija Murray

    Description goes here

Brought to you by RTBF

Our mission at Raising the Bar Foundation is to lead the charge in eradicating the stigma around mental health and fostering resilience within individuals and communities.

Hungry for more?

Allara Global is our online learning partner. Their extensive library offers off-the-shelf courses and bespoke content that support venues to empower their staff and create healthier, happier workplaces.