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Justin Heazlewood
Author, Entertainer, Inspirational Speaker, Mental Health, Speaking Out, Storyteller/Performer, Wellbeing
Justin Heazlewood has written four books including Dream Burnie which was released in 2025. He publishes a gazette called Fuzzy Logic and also writes a monthly column for Canberra street press BMA. He spent fifteen years performing music and comedy as The Bedroom Philosopher and twice had songs feature in the Hottest 100.
Justin is the author of Get Up Mum about living with a Mum with schizophrenia, published by Affirm Press in 2018. In 2019 he adapted the book into a ten part radio series for ABC RN’s Life Matters. In 2022 he adapted the book into a one-man theatre show which premiered at Hobart’s Theatre Royal.
In 2020 Justin gave a witness statement for the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System. He is an ambassador for Satellite Foundation who support young people caring for a family member with a mental illness.
“Justin Heazlewood is nothing short of one of Australia’s most versatile and important storytellers. In his journalism and personal essays, Heazlewood demonstrates a remarkable capacity to not only make the reader laugh, but think critically about important issues often poorly discussed, such as mental illness, unemployment and the frailty of human relationships.”
– Benjamin Law.
Where were you born?
Burnie, Tasmania. You can take the man out of Tasmania and then it’s just Tasia.
What other jobs have you had?
My first job was as a Masterchef at KFC. I wrote for a Channel Ten sketch show which was just as messy but I was paid more. Recently I was on ABC’s Collectors with my 70’s tie collection, a scene so devastating the show was cancelled.
What themes are recurring in your work?
The importance of realising that it’s okay to feel weird. My brain and how ridiculous it is. Australian pop culture, in particular the Golden Gaytime.
What have been the highlights of your career?
I played a young John Safran in the ABC series John Safran’s Race Relations. That was literally a highlight because I had to dye my hair blonde.
Where have your works been published?
Frankie, The Big Issue, JMag. I appear in the Penguin Anthology Sincerely (Women Of Letters). I’ve had two books published by Affirm Press.
What are you passionate about?
I’m pretty passionate about self-esteem and mental illness. I reckon our brains are an infinite rainbow playground of epic proportions but we spend most of our time worrying if our shoes are cool enough.
Haven’t I seen you before?
I’ve appeared on Spicks & Specks, Adam Hills in Gordon St Tonight, The Melbourne Comedy Festival Gala, ABC’s Collectors and my song Northcote (So Hungover) has been featured on Rage.
Anything else you’d like to share with us?
Q. How many students does it take to change a light bulb?
A. When’s it due in?
Author photo credit: Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System
Conversations interview with Sarah Kanowski:
Made in Burnie — Justin Heazlewood on swapping fame for his hometown
Testimonials
Justin Heazlewood’s presentation was absolutely engaging, his insight and personal experience was powerful, filled with emotion and plenty of laughs. We booked Justin to close MHV, VMIAC and Tandem’s ‘Our Reform’ Conference, and he delivered a highly engaging piece which clearly resonated with audience members. He was a great drawcard for the conference, and I would highly recommend booking Justin to speak at a public event.
Justin Heazlewood’s Get Up Mum talk struck a great balance between the darkness of childhood, and humour. The addition of cassette tapes alongside readings from the book, gave a raw and interesting insight into his childhood, which really resonated with the audience. He had great engagement with the audience, answering questions, and opening a great conversation that carried through to the book signing after the event.”
The uniqueness of Justin was powerful and his ability to weave in some teaching for this age group was extraordinary. So enjoyable and heartwarming.
Justin Heazlewood was an excelled and accessible performer, who spoke about the subject of Mental health in an age appropriate way without any condescension.
2 days, 1400 students and adults, entertainment, message delivery, laughter, singing, bus tour, 4 schools, local history, what more can I say. Working with Justin over 2 days was such a fun and dynamic experience. I saw children from age 5 to 17 sit for over an hour at a time and be 100% engaged. Justin coped with last minute changes and unexpected items being thrown at him and still delivered without a hiccup.
Justin effortlessly led the audience on a whimsical and hilarious journey through an evening of five speakers. His style was consoling, real and extremely responsive to the experience of the audience throughout the evening. Easy to work with and well-versed in all things philosophy and culture, Justin took the event to a new level. I hope to see his crowd-pleasing version of bogan yoga or taxi phone number poetry taking off soon.