Innovation in a Crisis: With Tegan McKay from The Mindful Hub

For Tegan McKay, provisional psychologist and founder of The Mindful Hub, she knows all too well the implication the current COVID-19 crisis can have on the wellbeing and mental health of communities, particularly those in rural settings. 

“There is a big divide in the number of psychologists in the country, compared to the city. Of what we do have, many of them are booked out weeks or months in advance, so I wanted to create a business which would ease the burden of waiting lists.

The statistics of mental health are higher in the country, and the lack of availability can be detrimental to an individual.”

The Mindful Hub provides an online psychology service to the community, with flexible appointment hours, to reduce the need to travel, leave the safe space of the home or office, and reduce the stigma relating to seeking support and assistance in mental health.

It has been an innovative business idea from the beginning, taking a traditional face to face business model and utilising it on an online platform. Throughout the COVID-19 crisis, Tegan has seen an increase in the demand for services provided by The Mindful Hub, and has taken steps to ensure clients have access to appointments without the waiting lists.

Read Tegan’s full story, and her advice to those who may be struggling through this time! 

*If you currently need support or assistance, Beyond Blue can be contacted on 1300 22 4636 or you can chat online with a professional via their website.


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Innovation in a Crisis: with Laura Eddington & Little Bumble Reusable Food Wraps

Innovation in a Crisis: with Laura Eddington

Just 3 years ago, Laura Eddington began her business journey in response to the food wastage which was occurring in her home. After struggling to find a suitable beeswax food wrap to assist in maintaining the freshness of her produce, she put her studies to use and set about to develop her own.

It may be hard to imagine, but food wastage makes up for $10 billion dollars each year in Australia alone; which equates to approximately $1,200 annually per household.

“We have entered a time where food security is on the minds of many people. As we navigate a time of chaos and uncertainty, we still have mouths to feed, so keeping our food fresh and reducing wastage is of great importance.”

Little Bumble made some significant changes to their business after the first week of the government’s response to COVID-19. Given that a large percentage of their work was completed face-to-face with their customers, they have had to lean into technology and use it to their advantage through this time.

Read Laura’s full story, and how she has pivoted and innovated her business at this time! 

https://startupgippsland.com.au/innovation-in-a-crisis-laura-eddington-little-bumble-reusable-food-wraps

Innovation in a Crisis: With Annebelle van Tongeren from Fern & Frost 

Innovation in a Crisis: With Annebelle van Tongeren from Fern & Frost

Annebelle built her business “Fern & Frost” as a result of feeling lost, uncertain, and unclear of the path ahead of her. 

It is times like these, such as those experienced in response to COVID-19, where we can innovate, adapt and evolve, to help others.

“This is a time right now for businesses to reinvent themselves. Work out what you have that is special and unique, and offer it in a heartfelt way. People need support and resources to carry them through this time, and you could have exactly what they are looking for.” 

Read Annebelle’s full story, and how she has decided to pivot and innovate at this time! 

https://startupgippsland.com.au/innovation-in-a-crisis-with-annebelle-van-tongeren-from-fern-and-frostInnovation in a Crisis: with Annebelle van Tongeren from Fern and Frost


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Applications for the Startup Gippsland Incubator Program are now open. 

If you have an idea, or are in the early stages of your business with a goal to scale to both national and international markets, then apply now. Through this tough time, you can innovate! 

 

Startup Gippsland: Innovation in a Crisis: Erin Lord from Aeromedical Solutions

Innovation in a Crisis: With Erin Lord from Aeromedical Solutions

Out of crisis can come opportunity; and this is something Erin Lord and Steve McLaren, co-founders of Aeromedical Solutions, are familiar with. 

Their medical repatriation brokerage was born through their passion to help and care for underinsured or uninsured travellers. 

“When people are faced with a crisis or emergency, there is a huge element of fear and concern, so a large part of our work, and our values in business, is built on the support we can give our clients and their loved ones. We like to think of ourselves as a bed-to-bed service!” 

Just recently, Erin and Steve were involved in an extraction of New Zealand residents from the Diamond Princess cruise ship in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Read their full story and how they have innovated and expanded their business throughout the current crisis on the Startup Gippsland blog 

Aeromedical Solutions global startup case study