About Amy Bell

Qualifications
- Bachelor of Nursing, UWS
- Parent mentoring certificate II, TAFE
- Australian Breastfeeding Association counselling certificate IV
- Master of Art Therapy (WSU)
- Borderline Personality Disorder training (project AIR)
- presented at 2020 14th International Treatment of Personality Disorder Conference.
- Master of Research (WSU)
- approved supervisor and professional membership with ANZACATA
Bio
On her mother’s reflection, as a child Amy had a natural affinity to social injustices and an attunement to the needs of others, which has lead her on some interesting paths.
Eventually, Amy started uni doing a Bachelor of Arts (philosophy, linguistics, theatre) but changed to Nursing “because it offered employment”. Her brief career as a Registered Nurse helped her realise the importance of authenticity and integrity, and being young, Amy chose to venture off the grid, and live on the frontline of a environmental protest camp on Wiradjuri land. She travelled to visit and support other protest camps in NSW, VIC, SA and TAS, along the way building community, integrity and a deeper understanding of humans in distress.
In 2005 the first of her three daughters arrived, and Amy’s energy shifted to motherhood and her passion for volunteering. Amy was inspired by a Circle Of Security workshop, and used her time as a stay-at-home mum to train in Parent Mentoring (cert II), and qualifying as a Birth Doula and Breast-Feeding Counsellor while pregnant with her third daughter. During her early motherhood phase, she began volunteering with Australian Breastfeeding Association, this evolved into birth activism, co-presenting the Birth Hour on community radio, hosting film events and coordinating a birth fair. Amy held the position of convenor of Blue Mountians Maternity Coalition, representing the birthing community to negotiate the continued services at our local hospital. As part of the biggest birth rally in Canberra, she curated and organised the production of a CD of activist songs (Songs for Homebirth) to raise money for Homebirth Australia to lobby for Independent Midwives insurance indemnity, an issue which remains today. This lead to running as an Independent candidate in the 2010 Federal election to highlight the midwives issues. Amy was not elected but was invited to a meeting with health minister at the time, Nicola Roxon, at parliament House. She presented the minister with the CD, which included “song for Nicola Roxon” and a documentary by local film maker, Rani Brown, Throwing the Lies Out with the Birth Water, whilst wearing oversized novelty pearls (think the Flintstones).
Amy was also involved with the creative community, and being part of the Ruby Bloomers Community Women’s Circus opened doors to perform at festivals. Amy was invited to become event coordinator for Winter Magic Festival in 2011/12. Initially volunteering on the bars at the Blue Mountains Music Festival 2007, was lured in 2014 to become part of the volunteer organising committee, and since 2019 has lead the team. Amy has performed in an all women punk band from 2014-2020, and built an artist profile with her autobiographical cartoon Daisy- leading to published work, exhibitions, and murals.
Amy completed her Master of Art Therapy in 2018 (with Distinction), and in 2025 graduated Master of Research (heuristic study of autobiographical cartooning process). Her experience is enriched from her years working as a community mental health support worker and team leader. The highlight of her community mental health career was presenting at the 14th International Treatment of Personality Disorders Conference.
Amy has lived, volunteered and worked on Dharug and Gundungurra country in the Upper Mountains community since 1997. She mainly grew up in Wiradjuri country, having moved around country NSW in her childhood and brings the honest and straight-forward values of the country into all aspects of her life.


“We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars”
Oscar Wilde (1854-1900)