A self-described, over-educated bogan*, Jay was born in the nineteen-seventies, half in and half out of a taxicab in the beautiful Australian city of Melbourne.

He’s studied acting, playwriting, directing, business management, youth work, and counselling, and is a multiple award-winning mental health professional specialising in working with men of all ages, and in particular blue-collar lads. Over the years he’s worked in the construction industry, community services, in suicide prevention, emergency management, and health as both a practitioner and a leader. He has been widely recognised for his work in disaster recovery, and his work with farmers.

Jay embodies the old saying ‘don’t judge a book by its cover.’ He’s bald, bearded, heavily tattooed, and looks like he fell off the back of a Harley. While he does love motorbikes, most of his time is spent helping people navigate their mental health challenges in rural and remote communities.

Jay wears his heart on his sleeve, has a reputation for being outspoken, and is a fierce advocate. He is deeply passionate about the power of stories and storytelling – as a vehicle for healing and change, as well as for entertainment.

A published playwright by the age of nineteen, his writing career was temporarily derailed by the need to earn a reliable wage. Even so, writing has always remained his first love – alongside dogs and his family.

Though born in a major city, Jay is a country boy at heart and has worked predominantly in small communities around Australia. A decade ago, he settled in a rural farming town with the intention of focusing on his writing, only to be pulled back into frontline mental health work when the 2019-2020 bushfires tore through his region. He answered the call to guide and manage recovery teams across two states and is still engaged in that work as well as in suicide prevention work in the agriculture and forestry industries.

Recently, Jay had a bit of an awakening. He realised he’d been living a role. There was no separation between the man and his work. Somewhere in the course of his career, he’d unconsciously put his dreams on hold, and it was slowly poisoning his soul. He’s now on a journey back to himself, documenting that process as he shares his love of supporting people to be mentally well, talks about the books and experiences that shaped him, and recommits to his first love: writing.

Despite being a popular guest speaker and mental health educator, Jay is an introvert and is happiest when he’s with his dog.

Though admittedly unlucky in love, he’s developed a deep affection for the romance genre, almost as much as he loves horror, science fiction, and fantasy.

Jay (short for Jarryd) writes gritty stories, often set in rural towns, about ordinary people swept up in extraordinary events. His romances aren’t always pretty, but they are always tender. His science fiction is both dark and aspirational. His horror stories will make you double check that the back door is securely locked!

Jay writes romance under the pseudonym ‘Jarryd Sinclair.’

His nickname is Bear, because he’s the perfect mix of gentle, warm, ferocious, stubborn and grumpy (and is famous… infamous? for his bear-hugs).

Bear or Jarryd, he’ll answer to either.

* WHAT’S A BOGAN?
An Australian and New Zealand slang term used to describe someone whose speech, clothing, attitude and manner might be considered ‘rough around the edges.’ Contrary to some stereotypes, it has nothing to do with racism, homophobia, or intolerance.

CONTACTING JAY
Jay has a full-time day job that matters to him. Outside of that, he prioritises time with family, friends, his dog, and writing. For this reason, he does not publish personal contact details.

You’re welcome to interact with Jay on Instagram @boots_still_on. Accounts that attempt to push sexual, abusive, or offensive content will be blocked and reported. You’re free to get your freak on, but he’s not interested.

Please note: Jay does not provide individual mental health advice via any social media platform, as doing so would be unethical.

If you’re seeking support, please speak with your doctor or search for help online. If you’re in Australia, you can reach out to LifeLine, MensHelpLine, 13YARN, KidsHelpLine, or the Suicide Callback Service. Google them. Their numbers will pop up.