MEET THE TEAM
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Scott – aka Scottie & Scottie So Good (because his footy skills could use an upgrade, but his enthusiasm is unmatched!). 🌟
When he's not keeping his footy team entertained, Scott runs Bernie Lewis Home Loans and the Harcourts Matthews Real Estate Franchise with a dedication that has propelled him from SAPOL officer to Platinum-Achieving mortgage broker by 2008. Backed by his Bachelor of Applied Science (Natural Resource Management) and diplomas in Justice and Finance, Scott took over Bernie Lewis Home Loans in 2022, leading a team of 40 with passion and purpose. He expanded even further in 2023 with the addition of Harcourts Matthews.
Family is at the core of Scott’s world—dad to four (two by birth, two by heart) and husband to his wife, Emma. Life’s challenges have come his way, including a tough divorce and the ongoing struggle with Crohn’s disease, but he’s shown what resilience is all about!
In 2008, he set out to conquer the River Murray solo, kayaking 2,224 km and raising $100K for Make-A-Wish—a testament to his belief in strength through adversity.
His football club, meanwhile, is his extended family and a constant reminder of the power of community. With a big heart and a spirit of determination, Scott is all about supporting his clients and community, knowing that even the toughest times are easier with a little help and a lot of laughs.
CEEO
Chief Executive Everything Officer* | Co-Founder | Chair
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Mignon – aka Min, Minnie & Mouse (because, why stop at just one?) 🥂
Coming at a perfect time in Mignon’s journey, this passion project has provided a meaningful way to contribute to a cause she deeply cares about, while also serving as a positive outlet that supports her well-being and fosters a sense of purpose and connection.
With over 24 years in the pharmaceutical and medical device world, Mignon has worn many hats—business development, key account management, and National Manager of Clinical Affairs & Pharmaceutical Development in the medicinal cannabis industry… just to name a few.
Mignon’s passion for mental health blossomed early in her career, influenced by both professional and personal experiences that continue to shape her journey.
As a proud parent of three and grandparent of four (the gifts that keep on giving), family is everything to Mignon. They make it a priority to catch up regularly, laughs and cocktails included.
Somewhere between raising kids, bungee jumping, and keeping the wine glass full, she managed to tackle a 3-year MBA in just 15 months while working full-time; which almost certainly wouldn’t have been possible without Jack Daniels as her trusty sidekick—(who needs sleep anyway?).
Mignon and her husband believe life is too short to spend laying on beaches. They’re always planning their next big adventure. Together, they’ve trekked Kokoda, climbed to Everest Base Camp, summited Mt. Kilimanjaro, and wandered the jungles of Rwanda, Uganda, and Borneo. They’ve travelled to landmarks that resonate deeply with them—Anzac Cove, the pyramids of Egypt, WWII battlefields, Hellfire Pass, and Auschwitz—each journey only fuelling their curiosity for more.
When she’s not working or globe-trotting, you’ll likely find Mignon trying not to tell her husband what to do, online shopping, staying fit, or enjoying a well-deserved drink with her family (cheers!).
Life’s an adventure, and she’s all in!
CEOCMO
Chief Executive Operating and Chaos Management Officer* | Co-Founder | Public Officer & Secretary
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Derrick - aka ….where do we start Superman - (he’s not faster than a speeding bullet ), Donald - ( because he forgot to duck), DMac, and sprinkler (for obvious reasons) 🎤
With four kids, two by birth and two by choice, Derrick is quite proud of the chaos he survived and the independent and successful people they have all become.
His professional journey is nothing short of extraordinary. As a former South Australian Police officer in the elite STAR Group as a sniper, diver and trained in counterterrorism by the military elite SAS, he’s faced some of the toughest challenges imaginable.
Derrick's resilience is humble but palpable. After being shot 14 times during a high-risk arrest and lying conscious on the ground for 3 hours before rescue, he defied all odds and medical predictions by returning to full duties in two-and-a-half years. Extraordinarily, he was psychologically cleared to return to work after his first meeting with a psychiatrist, needing no ongoing therapy. Derrick experienced Post Traumatic Growth suffered not PTSD.
His secret? A proactive approach to physical, mental, and emotional preparation, coupled with taking responsibility for choices and actions. Derrick now shares this through his Human Durability model, inspiring audiences worldwide to go beyond resilience and achieve sustained optimum performance.
He is now an international speaker empowering organisations to create more resilient and durable people and teams by making decisive and clearer choices so they can take better actions.
CEMRO
Chief Executive Motivational and Resilience Officer* | Treasurer
Our Journey
Our paths first crossed on a life-changing Kokoda Trek in October 2009, organised by Scott to raise funds for The Make a Wish and Jane McGrath Foundations. What began as a trek for 16 individuals with a common goal, soon blossomed into some deep and lasting friendships, built on mutual respect and a collective passion for making a difference. Over the years, we’ve stayed connected, and that connection has become the foundation for something greater.
In early 2024, after reflecting on his own difficult journey, Scott reached out to Mignon with a simple but powerful idea: to create something that could help other men navigate similar struggles.
Knowing Derrick’s passion for resilience, positive change, and fostering safe, empowered communities for all, it was clear he would make the perfect addition to our team.
A few meetings later, our cause expanded to tackle the public health crisis of male suicide and gender-based violence—recognising how intertwined these issues are with men’s emotional intelligence and perceptions of masculinity.
Together, we formed a ‘Power of Three+’, with a burning desire to be part of the solution—to foster hope, healing, and empowerment for men and communities alike.
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Kaila – Style Maestro & First-Time Mom-to-Be ✨
By day, Kaila is the powerhouse Executive Assistant to Scott Matthews, owner of Bernie Lewis Home Loans and Harcourt Matthews.
In her other world, she’s a fashion stylist, crafting looks that make people feel incredible and ready to conquer both work and life.
Travel is one of Kaila’s greatest passions, and she’s often on adventures with her husband, Cale, camera in hand. With a little one on the way, she’s excited to bring her soon-to-be tiny travel buddy along for future explorations!
Kaila’s journey has instilled in her a passion for mental well-being and emotional strength.
Having personally experienced the pain of losing someone to suicide, she’s a true advocate for the power of connection, openness, and strong support networks, believing that vulnerability and community are the foundation for healing and growth.
CEAECSMO
Chief Executive Assistant of Everyone’s Crap & Social Media Officer* | Office Bearer
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Darcy - aka Darc, Mate & Coffee Man.☕
Darcy tackles life like an adventure with a grin and a dash of charm, always ready for a good laugh along the way. As Mignon’s husband, he shares a deep love for family, travel, and a healthy dose of humour, even if his jokes don’t always land as intended. He also shares an even deeper love for his wife, following her on all their adventures.
Together, they’re proud parents to three and grandparents to four—meaning family gatherings are not only frequent but also a source of laughter and rich stories (and, of course, "drinkies" for everyone else). As the family’s proud (well…sometimes grudging) designated driver, he’s earned the role of taxi extraordinaire, chauffeuring his favourite people with unmatched patience—because, as he knows all too well, driving a car full of ‘inebriated’ people is practically an Olympic sport.
Sport is a passion he’s never outgrown; well into his 50s, he’s still tearing up the field in a collegiate soccer league, sharing wisdom (and probably a few one-liners) with the younger players. A natural mentor and motivator, he’s as quick to help them with soccer tips as he is to help anyone in need, ready to drop everything for family, friends, or even a stranger in a tight spot.
Before they jumped into the coffee business, he was a seasoned sales professional—skills he continues to use to keep things running smoothly (and maybe to practice some patience when Mignon has “better ideas” on how anything and everything could be done). As a couple, Mignon and Darcy can be quite the source of entertainment, especially when Mignon is trying to refrain from giving Darcy instructions or directions.
A dedicated adventurer, though he might not be the most adventurous on his own, he’s always up for following Mignon wherever she leads.
When he’s not on the field, on the road, or packing for the next trip, he’s spreading kindness, sharing laughs, and living life with genuine warmth and a smile.
CETOTBO
Chief Executive of Thinking Outside of the Box Officer* | Office Bearer
*✨While we’ve embraced quirky c-suite titles that add a touch of fun to our volunteer roles, these roles have been carefully structured to align with our individual capabilities and the ongoing management of our own mental health ✨