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.

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 live in one of the beautiful sandy beach suburbs of Sydney. We have 2 daughters, 1 dog & 3 cats (and no longer any fish).

Both Natasha and I have already written a few 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 may have impacted on our family.

I am a guest speaker for Multicultural Mental Health Australia (MMHA).

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

Natasha Simon

Hi, my name is Natasha. I am 26 years old and 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 am currently doing research for the sequel to 'The Bi-Polar Express' with a working title of 'Panic Stations'.

I often wonder: who is the crazy one - me or someone who stays with me?

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); 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 nutrition workshop with chef Pete Evans; tech (lighting and sound) for Scared Scriptless live comedy; volunteer at Eastern Respite for kids with disabilities; more talks and interviews.

In 2010: more talks, interviews and TV; may do Mental Health Certificate IV.

I have now been stable for nearly 3 years.

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

Feb 10    TV Audience Natasha and Ela Simon on SBS TV - Insight Program - Youth Mental Health with Professor Patrick McGorry, Australian of the Year.

Feb 10    Interview by Natasha and Ela Simon with journalist Auskar Surbakti for SBS TV - Insight Program.

Feb 10    Media Training At the CALD Consumer and Carer Reference Group with Natasha and Ela Simon.

Nov 09    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 09    Talk At the ARAFMI Multicultural Carers Information Day. Ela Simon will speak about being a multicultural mental health carer.

Sep 09    Media Training At the CALD Consumer and Carer Reference Group Representative with Ela Simon.

Sep 09    Interactive Workshop Natasha Simon at the CUBE Health and Nutrition 2 day weekend with chef Pete Evans and dietician Geraldine Georgiou.

Sep 09    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 09    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 09    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 09    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 09    Interview by Ela Simon with Dorota Banasiak of SBS Radio Polish Language Program.

Mar 09    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 09    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 09    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 09    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 08    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 08    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 08    Audio CD Ela Simon speaks in the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia Suicide Prevention Project.

Sep 08    Article & Audio CD "Ela and Natasha Simon: Riding the Bipolar Express" in the Community Broadcasting Suicide Prevention Project.

Sep 08    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 08    Talk by Ela Simon & Natasha Simon at the Sydney Jewish Writers Festival - "Finding Inspiration", see www.sjwf.org.au.

Aug 08    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 08    Interview by Ela Simon & Natasha Simon with Tom Zubrycki acclaimed filmmaker.

Jul 08    Radio Interview by Ela Simon & Natasha Simon with Ian Watson from Brisbane Radio.

Jun 08    Talk by Ela Simon & Natasha Simon authors of 'The Bi-Polar Express' book at the meeting of Wizo (International Womens Association).

May 08    Article "Inaugural ADHD Summit - A Journey of Hope" featuring Ela and Natasha Simon authors of 'The Bi-Polar Express' in Warringah Disability Newsletter.

Dec 07     Book Review of 'The Bi-Polar Express' in Young Voices edition of Synergy No 3, 2007 MMHA's magazine (Multicultural Mental Health Australia).

Nov 07    Article "Riding the Bipolar Express" in Issue 12 of Mental Health Matters, magazine of the Mental Health Association NSW Inc.

Nov 07    Ela Simon on ADDults with ADHD stand at the Gluten Free Food & Allergy Show.

Nov 07    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 07    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 07    'The Bi-Polar Express' book is reprinted due to sellout of first edition.

Sep 07    Article "On the Bipolar Express: coffee morning" in The Black Dog Institute Newsletter.

Aug 07    Morning coffee, talk & chat with Ela Simon & Natasha Simon authors of 'The Bi-Polar Express' at the Black Dog Institute.

Jun 07    Article "Bi-Polar Express way to cope with disorder" in the Southern Courier newspaper.

May 07    Mother's Day recommended gifts story about 'The Bi-Polar Express' book in Woman's Day magazine.

Apr 07    Radio Interview by Ela Simon & Natasha Simon with Andrea Moore from 2BS Bathurst Radio.

Apr 07    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.