The Authors

Ela Simon

I was born in Krakow, Poland in 1953 to Holocaust survivors. At the age of 3, my family moved to Israel, where I learnt Hebrew. In Israel I wanted to be a journalist, but then, at the age of 14, my family moved again - this time to Australia. My minimal knowledge of English forced me to 'do better' in the sciences at school and university. I completed a Bachelor of Science degree at the University of NSW, majoring in Mathematics and Psychology.

I come from a creative family of authors, film reviewers, producers, directors and cinematographers. This is my first book.

I met my amazing partner, Peter, in the early days of my computer career. We have been together for over 30 years and have worked together in the computer industry - designing and writing computer systems for various businesses for over 20 years.

Then we started and ran a gift manufacturing business for 8 years - using innovative technology - computer driven laser cutting equipment, with me marketing & designing, and with Peter in control of the production & finances.

We lived in one of the beautiful sandy beach suburbs of Sydney, but we have just had a tree change - moving to the Blue Mountains. We have 2 daughters, 1 dog & 2 cats (and no longer any fish).

Both Natasha and I have already written several chapters for our next book, with a working title of 'Panic Stations', which continues after the end of 'The Bi-Polar Express'.

I am also working on a 3rd book, which is a prequel to 'The Bi-Polar Express', with a working title of 'Its all Relatives', it explores our family heritage ('baggage') and how it has impacted on our family.

I am a guest speaker for Multicultural Mental Health Australia (MMHA), member of Mental Health Council of Australia (MHCA) and BeyondBlue (BlueVoices).

(for details of past and future events see Meet the Authors at the bottom of this page)  

Natasha Simon (aka Tash Simon) 

Hi, my name is Natasha. I have BiPolar Disorder, amongst other things.

I have done many years of drama at Helen O'Grady Drama Academy, National Institute of Dramatic Arts (NIDA) and Australian Theatre for Young People (ATYP). I have also completed a Film Director's course, a Chef's course and Psychology UPC, worked in bars, cinemas and childcare. I love children, movies and writing. I would like to be a motivational speaker and write more books.

I have been doing research for the sequel book to 'The Bi-Polar Express' with a working title of 'Panic Stations'. I have almost finished writing my half of the book.

I often wonder: who is the crazy one - me or someone who stays with me? If they like me when I'm crazy then they don't when I'm not and vice versa.

People often ask me what I'm up to now?

Well 2005 & 2006 I spent with Mum writing 'The Bi-Polar Express' book.

In 2007: (research for 2nd book) I went for a holiday on the Central Coast NSW; had a ride in a Police paddy wagon to a padded cell in mental ward of Wyong hospital (stayed 3 weeks); escorted down to mental ward of POW hospital (Sydney) (stayed 5 weeks); ejected from home; stayed 3 weeks at "the lodge" (a homeless shelter); book launch of 'The Bi-Polar Express'; got a 1 bedroom flat, sharing with cat Kyra; various talks, articles, book reviews & radio interviews (still waiting for TV, Oprah & Ellen).

(for details of past and future events see Meet the Authors at the bottom of this page)

In 2008: completed child care course at TAFE (with Distinction - bloody marvellous for me); more talks and interviews.

In 2009: studying Arts (Psychology and Film) at University of NSW
(more research on anxiety for 2nd book) (oh, that was sooo last year);
CUBE 'Recipes for Life' nutrition workshop with chef Pete Evans; tech (lighting and sound) for Scared Scriptless live comedy; volunteer at Eastern Respite & Recreation for kids with disabilities; more talks and interviews.

In 2010: Still volunteering at Eastern Respite & Recreation to work :-) with kids with disabilities (its fantastic) - may soon take the final step to paid work; more CUBE 'Recipes for Life' workshops and interviews; more talks, film interviews and TV (Oprah is coming ). I have started painting. My back is killing me (see Back Pain painting at right).

In 2011: Still volunteering at Eastern Respite & Recreation to work with kids with disabilities. I am painting more and more and look forward to my first exhibition. Due to lack of space for my paintings we have had a tree change - moving to the Blue Mountains (west of Sydney) - fresh air and starry nights.

If you want to see more of my paintings here is the link www.facebook.com/Natasha.Simon.Online.Gallery

I have been stable for over 4 years.

.....but I will keep you posted.......

Meet the Authors

At YOUR NEXT meeting, conference, seminar, school or any function from 40 to 400 people. The authors will be talking about their first hand experience of Bipolar Disorder, ADHD, depression, anxiety, bullying and alieniation both from a sufferers and carers perspective, questions are welcome. ('The Bi-Polar Express' book will be available for sale).

When:   Morning coffee, afternoon tea, evening coffee & cakes, or anytime inbetween.

How:   Please email your booking request to pegsystems@optusnet.com.au.

Coming Events

Previous Events

Jul 2011    Tree Change Ela and Natasha Simon moved to the Blue Mountains (west of Sydney).

May 2011    Interview Ela Simon for carer article in Voice (part of The Age newspaper) through Orygen Youth Health Reserarch Centre.

May 2011    Article Natasha Simon story "How my mum saved my life" for Body + Soul section of the Sunday Telegraph.

Mar 2011    Photo Shoot Natasha and Ela Simon for Sunday Telegraph story to be published shortly.

Mar 2011    Interview Natasha Simon story "How my mum saved my life" for Body + Soul section of the Sunday Telegraph, through Orygen Youth Health Research Centre.

Mar 2011    Artwork by Natasha Simon "Hues of Mania" (see painting at right) selected to illustrate (page 5) the section on "Bipolar disorder - manic episodes" on bipolarcaregivers.org for Orygen Youth Health Research Centre.

Dec 2010    Interview Ela Simon carer story for The Sunday Magazine through BeyondBlue (interview postponed).

Nov 2010    Talk Ela and Natasha Simon at Mindframe Scriptwriters workshop, organised by Sane Australia.

Jul 2010    Article by Ela Simon for BeyondBlue "Our Stories - Carers Stories".

Jul 2010    Phone Meeting Natasha and Ela Simon tell their stories to FECCA (Federation of Ethnic Communities' Councils of Australia).

Jul 2010    Video Interview Natasha and Ela Simon at home for a follow-up documentary to the "Recipies for Life" by CUBE.

Jun 2010    Survey Ela Simon provides input to the development of guidelines for caregivers of people with bipolar disorder, conducted by Orygen Youth Health Reserarch Centre.

Feb 2010    TV Guest Speaker Natasha and Ela Simon on SBS TV - Insight Program - Youth Mental Health with Professor Patrick McGorry, Australian of the Year.

Feb 2010    Interview by Natasha and Ela Simon with journalist Auskar Surbakti for SBS TV - Insight Program.

Feb 2010    Media Training At the CALD Consumer and Carer Reference Group with Natasha and Ela Simon.

Nov 2009    Article The Bi-Polar Express - "A True Story" in the Education Connect magazine through the Response Ability teacher education initiative of Hunter Institute of Mental Health (HIMH) with Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing.

Oct 2009    Talk At the ARAFMI Multicultural Carers Information Day. Ela Simon will speak about being a multicultural mental health carer.

Sep 2009    Media Training At the CALD Consumer and Carer Reference Group Representative with Ela Simon.

Sep 2009    Interactive Workshop Natasha Simon at the CUBE Health and Nutrition "Recipies for Life" 2 day weekend with chef Pete Evans and dietician Geraldine Georgiou.

Sep 2009    Opening Address At the CHERI (Children's Hospital Education Research Institute) 2 day Conference at Westmead Hospital. Ela and Natasha Simon will speak about being a multicultural mental health carer and sufferer.

Jun 2009    Talk At the "Professional Development Day" for the TRROP Clinical Forum in Armidale with video conference to Tamworth, Inverell and Moree, sponsored by Transcultural Mental Health. Ela Simon will speak about being a multicultural Bipolar Disorder carer, MMHA CALD Speakers Bureau.

Jun 2009    Talk At "Our Lady of Lebanon" community support meeting in Harris Park. Ela and Natasha Simon will speak about being a multicultural mental health carer and sufferer.

May 2009    Talk At the "Professional Development Day" for Mental Health Professionals in Coffs Harbour, with video conference to Port Macquarie, Lismore and Tweed Heads, sponsored by Transcultural Mental Health. Ela Simon will speak about being a multicultural Bipolar Disorder carer, MMHA CALD Speakers Bureau.

Mar 2009    Interview by Ela Simon with Dorota Banasiak of SBS Radio Polish Language Program.

Mar 2009    Talk At the "Professional Development Day" in Griffith, sponsored by Transcultural Rural and Remote Outreach Project. Ela Simon spoke about being a multicultural Bipolar Disorder carer, MMHA CALD Speakers Bureau.

Mar 2009    Talk At the "Professional Development Day" in Dubbo, with video conference to Lightning Ridge, Orange and Broken Hill, sponsored by Transcultural Rural and Remote Outreach Project. Ela Simon spoke about being a multicultural Bipolar Disorder carer, MMHA CALD Speakers Bureau.

Mar 2009    Talk At the "Connecting with our Communities" multicultural forum in Coffs Harbour, sponsored by TRROP. Ela Simon spoke about being a multicultural Bipolar Disorder carer, MMHA CALD Speakers Bureau.

Feb 2009    Launch of Multicultural Mental Health Australia (MMHA) and SBS Radio "Stepping Out of the Shadows: Reducing Stigma in Multicultural Communities" . Announcement of MMHA's 3-year funding by the Federal Government. Ela Simon preliminary interview with Dorota Banasiak of SBS Radio Polish Language Program.

Dec 2008    Talk At the "Connecting with our Communities" multicultural forum in Dubbo, sponsored by TRROP. Ela Simon spoke about being a multicultural Bipolar Disorder carer and took part in a panel discussion of 'how best to provide services to CALD communities'.

Nov 2008    Article & Audio CD Ela and Natasha Simon speak and Book review: The Bi-Polar Express in the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia Suicide Prevention Project.

Oct 2008    Audio CD Ela Simon speaks in the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia Suicide Prevention Project.

Sep 2008    Article & Audio CD "Ela and Natasha Simon: Riding the Bipolar Express" in the Community Broadcasting Suicide Prevention Project.

Sep 2008    Talk by Ela Simon & Natasha Simon spoke at the meeting of Wizo (International Womens Association) about their first hand experience of Bipolar Disorder, ADHD and depression both from a sufferers and carers perspective.

Aug 2008    Talk by Ela Simon & Natasha Simon at the Sydney Jewish Writers Festival - "Finding Inspiration", see www.sjwf.org.au.

Aug 2008    Talk by Ela Simon & Natasha Simon as special guest speakers at ADHD Summit (Central Coast) - "A Journey of Hope", see www.ajourneyofhope.com.au.

Jul 2008    Interview by Ela Simon & Natasha Simon with Tom Zubrycki acclaimed filmmaker.

Jul 2008    Radio Interview by Ela Simon & Natasha Simon with Ian Watson from Brisbane Radio.

Jun 2008    Talk by Ela Simon & Natasha Simon authors of 'The Bi-Polar Express' book at the meeting of Wizo (International Womens Association).

May 2008    Article "Inaugural ADHD Summit - A Journey of Hope" featuring Ela and Natasha Simon authors of 'The Bi-Polar Express' in Warringah Disability Newsletter.

Dec 2007     Book Review of 'The Bi-Polar Express' in Young Voices edition of Synergy No 3, 2007 MMHA's magazine (Multicultural Mental Health Australia).

Nov 2007    Article "Riding the Bipolar Express" in Issue 12 of Mental Health Matters, magazine of the Mental Health Association NSW Inc.

Nov 2007    Ela Simon on ADDults with ADHD stand at the Gluten Free Food & Allergy Show.

Nov 2007    Talk by Ela Simon & Natasha Simon authors of 'The Bi-Polar Express' book at the "Challenges for Adults with ADHD" conference by ADDults with ADHD (NSW) Inc.

Oct 2007    Visit by Ela Simon to Newcastle including: ABC Radio (Newcastle), John Hunter Hospital (Adolescent Psychiatric Unit), University of Newcastle bookshop, Book Hog bookshop, University Co-op Bookshop (Newcastle).

Sep 2007    'The Bi-Polar Express' book is reprinted due to sellout of first edition.

Sep 2007    Article "On the Bipolar Express: coffee morning" in The Black Dog Institute Newsletter.

Aug 2007    Morning coffee, talk & chat with Ela Simon & Natasha Simon authors of 'The Bi-Polar Express' at the Black Dog Institute.

Jun 2007    Article "Bi-Polar Express way to cope with disorder" in the Southern Courier newspaper.

May 2007    Mother's Day recommended gifts story about 'The Bi-Polar Express' book in Woman's Day magazine.

Apr 2007    Radio Interview by Ela Simon & Natasha Simon with Andrea Moore from 2BS Bathurst Radio.

Apr 2007    Book launch of 'The Bi-Polar Express' by Professor Ian Hickie, Professor of Psychiatry and Executive Director of the Brain & Mind Research Institute and Professor Gordon Parker, Professor of Psychiatry UNSW and Executive Director of the Black Dog Institute with authors Ela Simon & Natasha Simon at the Co-op Bookshop, University of Sydney.

Book Launch Photos

The authors, Ela Simon & Natasha Simon with Professor Ian Hickie, Executive Director, Brain & Mind Research Institute and Professor Gordon Parker, Executive Director, Black Dog Institute.