My name is Maggie Toko and I am a proud descendant of the Ngati Whatua and Ngapuhi tribes. I am entering a submission to share my story, and specifically my journey from compulsory treatment to Commissioner, with the intention that it will inspire others at the start of their careers to reach high and prioritise themselves no matter what challenges they face. Originally from Aotearoa, I now live in Melbourne where I am a Commissioner at the Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission (MHWC) in Victoria. Despite not having the easiest start to life and losing my parents at a young age, I have been able to forge a path for myself. My first job in Melbourne was at a young women’s refuge for sexual assault survivors. I have since worked in the mental health and wellbeing space in different capacities, including as the CEO of the Victorian Mental Illness Awareness Council (VMIAC) which is the peak body for consumer rights in Victoria. My career achievements have always run alongside my mental health challenges. I was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia in 1999 after having episodes of psychosis for most of my life and battling and surviving cancer twice. I have experienced compulsory treatment at different stages, where I no longer had a voice or choice in my mental health treatment plan and felt that the system was not supporting me as an individual. However, what has helped my wellbeing immeasurably has been the psychological, cultural and spiritual connections that have helped me feel empowered. I am an activist for indigenous rights, and I work to amplify the voices of First Nations and multicultural communities. An important message I have to share is that I have achieved anything alone, it is together that we can achieve greater wellbeing for indigenous people.