In 1995, Professor Beverly Raphael and Mrs Patricia Delaney (nee Swan) published the seminal National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health Policy and Plan, commonly known as the Ways Forward Report.  

This Report provided a national overview of the mental health needs and challenges of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and outlined a ‘way forward’ to improve the mental health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It followed the National Aboriginal Mental Health Conference and was built upon Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander views of mental health and health as holistic – involving social, emotional, cultural, spiritual, mental, and physical wellbeing.  

Nearly 30 years later, the challenges within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health and levels of unmet need described in the report largely remain.  

Social and emotional wellbeing is integral to the way our people maintain good mental health. Therefore, it should be accounted for in the wider mental health system, in the same way we account for suicide prevention. The work of Gayaa Dhuwi to achieve the highest attainable standard of social and emotional wellbeing, mental health, and suicide prevention outcomes for our people is fundamental to the wide-scale systemic changes our mental health system needs.  

This NAIDOC Week, with a theme that honours the enduring strength and vitality of our culture, I invite you to take time to reflect on how you view social and emotional wellbeing, and how your work contributes to improving the social and emotional wellbeing, mental health, and suicide prevention outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples 

Find out more about Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia and our work on our website.  

In the lead-up to the Federal Election, we need real commitments from all sides of government to address this gap, with funding security for the sector to deliver the transformational change that is needed.  

The data shows more work needs to be done to address the ongoing gaps in the system. In particular, we need to fill the gap in services for people whose support needs are complex, and embed earlier intervention services within the mental health system, so that people can use these services before problems snowball. We also need a robust mental health assessment and referral tool, so that people can access the support service that best meets their needs.   

While the Report Card provides a useful reference point for the state of mental health in Australia, it also highlights the significant gaps in data, which are critical to fill.  

Mental Health Australia will continue to strongly advocate for investment in robust data and monitoring systems, along with an independent National Mental Health Commission.  

With levels of mental ill-health rising in some groups, it is critical that the Government addresses the social determinants of mental ill-health, strengthens the foundations for an effective and efficient mental health system, and fills critical service gaps – so that the mental health of our country improves. 

Carolyn Nikoloski

CEO, Mental Health Australia 

The diary next week

• On Wednesday, I’m meeting with MindGardens Neuroscience Network - a new member of Mental Health Australia. I’ll also be meeting with Roses in the Ocean, Cultural Perspectives and the RANZCP.
• On Thursday, the Policy team and I will be meeting with the Department of Social Services on Psychosocial Foundational Supports. I am then meeting with Mental Health Australia members the Blue Knot Foundation and Mental Health Lived Experience Peak Queensland.
• On Friday, we have our NAIDOC Week Member Connect Webinar with Rachel Fishlock, CEO of Gayaa Dhuwi as our special guest speaker. For Mental Health Australia members to register, please see more information below. The webinar will focus on the need to account for social and emotional well-being in the wider mental health system, and the work of those who have been keeping the fire burning for decades to improve outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 
• On Monday, I am meeting with Skylight Mental Health, a new Mental Health Australia member, then I am joining an NDIS consultation on the proposed changes to the NDIS Act.

MEMBERS-ONLY WEBINAR: NAIDOC Week

In recognition of NAIDOC Week, Mental Health Australia invites members to a webinar with the CEO of Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia, Rachel Fishlock.

NAIDOC Week (National Aboriginal and Islanders Day Observance Committee) occurs annually in July, and celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

This year’s theme is ‘Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud’ and celebrates the unyielding spirit of First Nations communities and invites all to stand in solidarity, amplifying the voices that have long been silenced.

Mental Health Australia is committed to honouring and celebrating the strengths and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories, knowledge and rights. 

We look forward to hearing from Rachel on Friday.

When: Friday 12 July, 12noon - 1pm AEST
Where: Online webinar, including Q&A
Register: click on the button below to register 

To register click on the button below by Thursday 11 July.

This event is open to organisational members of Mental Health Australia only. 

MEMBERS-ONLY WEBINAR: NMHC Report Card

National Report Card: A concerning picture of the state of mental health and wellbeing in Australia

Mental Health Australia members are invited to attend a webinar with Interim Chief Executive Officer of the National Mental Health Commission, Paul McCormack, to discuss the recently released National Report Card 2023.

When: Wednesday 17 July, 2-3pm AEST
Where: Online webinar, including Q&A
Register: click on the button below to register 

The National Mental Health Commission’s National Report Card 2023 provides a ‘refreshed approach’ to annual reporting on Australia’s mental health system, drawing together data across a set of core indicators to reflect on system outcomes and performance in the 2023 calendar year.

Mental Health Australia has called for greater investment in mental health reform following release of this report, including to address data gaps.

To register click on the button below by Tuesday 16 July.

This event is open to organisational members of Mental Health Australia only. 

National Disability Insurance Scheme Price Guide Feedback

Mental Health Australia is seeking member feedback on impacts of recent National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) pricing decisions, to inform our ongoing advocacy work. 

The NDIA has released new National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits, effective from 1 July 2024. Mental Health Australia understands the revised arrangements have caused considerable concern, as most NDIS supports (including for example, Psychosocial Recovery Coaching) have not been adequately indexed to cover the real cost of delivering services, which has increased by at least 4.25% (including by 3.75% for the Fair Work Commission’s increase to award minimum wages and 0.5% increase for the Super Guarantee Percentage). In addition, some supports (including for example Support Coordination Levels 2 and 3) have not been indexed at all. This is in addition to the Temporary Transformation Payment for disability support worker-related supports of 1.5% being removed on 30 June 2024.

Mental Health Australia is concerned about the potential impact of these pricing decisions for the ongoing availability of specialist psychosocial services for NDIS participants. 

We want to hear from our members how these changes (or lack thereof) will impact on your sustainability and provision of services. Your input will feed into Mental Health Australia’s advocacy directly with government officials and members of parliament on this issue and as part of our broader work on mental health sector sustainability. 

Please email policy@mhaustralia.org with your feedback by COB Friday 19 July.

National Report Card: A concerning picture of the state of mental health and wellbeing in Australia

In this year’s report the National Mental Health Commission’s analysis of the available data shows there has not been an improvement in mental health and wellbeing for people in Australia over the past decade or more, and some are experiencing a decline in whole of life outcomes. Factors that influence mental health and wellbeing such as financial stress, loneliness, and discrimination are not improving. In addition, there are signs that the mental health system is struggling to meet demand, or to improve experiences for people. 

National Mental Health Report Card highlights need for urgent action

Mental Health Australia is deeply concerned that the national rates of mental ill-health are not improving, with some cohorts even experiencing worsening mental health, as highlighted in the 2023 National Mental Health Report Card from the National Mental Health Commission. It is clear from this data that significantly more investment and reform is needed to build the mental health system the Australian community needs and deserves. 

MHCA awarded grant funding by the Albanese Government to establish a new mental health family, carer and kin peak body

Mental Health Carers Australia welcomes funding of $3.7M to provide national representation for families, carers and kin in mental health.

New Disability Employment Services Scorecards help deliver better services for people with disability

The Albanese Labor Government is today unveiling the new Disability Employment Services (DES) Performance Framework and Scorecards, taking the next step towards ensuring Australians with disability have equal opportunities to gain and maintain employment. There are 5.5 million Australians with disability - 2.7 million of whom are of working age. 

Disability organisations are calling for urgent funding lifeline to address rising demand

Last week, a group of 52 disability advocacy organisations issued a joint call on governments to increase funding for advocacy to sustain their crucial services amid growing demand for support by people with disability, with waitlists increasing, most losing staff and closing services. Disability Advocacy Network Australia (DANA), the national peak body for disability advocacy services, says insufficient funding has forced many vital local organisations to close programs, cutback staff and in some cases, close their doors. 

Rural mental health program to empower local leaders

Grain Producers Australia’s successful mental health partnership returns this year, with a fresh focus on empowering local leaders and sharing resources, to support farmers and rural communities. Now in its third year, GPA’s Farmer Mates Mental Health Initiative has put the spotlight on mental health, to help raise greater awareness and reduce stigmas, including on suicide prevention.

Farmers invited to ‘Take a Wellbeing Break’ (VIC)

A series of wellbeing workshops targeting farming communities is being delivered as part of Agriculture Victoria’s Farm Business Resilience program, with the first to be held in Dimboola. Agriculture Victoria Statewide Agriculture Recovery Manager Tess McDougall said the ‘Take a Wellbeing Break’ workshops are aiming to support social connection and collaboration in farming communities.

Supporting our mental health nursing workforce (VIC)

The Allan Labor Government is prioritising building a strong and skilled mental health workforce, supporting mental health nurses to upskill and remain in the industry. Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt today announced the next round of the Postgraduate Mental Health Nurse Scholarship Program is now open - making it easier and more affordable to continue working and studying. 

Lived Experience To Grow Our Mental Health Workforce (VIC)

The Allan Labor Government is growing its lived and living experience mental health workforce, with the latest cohort of Victoria’s Peer Cadet Program set to begin their careers in the sector.

FACTORS – Factors Affecting Community Treatment Orders Research Study

Australia has one of the highest rates of forced community treatment for diagnosed mental illness in the world but there is considerable variation across the country and between mental health services.

We are seeking people to participate in an online survey that will investigate the experiences and perceptions of people who have been placed on a community treatment order (CTOs) for their mental health. There is also a separate survey for Family/Carers.

This project is supported by La Trobe University, Flinders University, University of Melbourne, University of Sydney and Lived Experience Australia.

If you would like to participate in this study, please use the links below appropriate to your circumstance.

• Individuals identifying as someone who has been placed under a CTO
• For those who are Families/Friends/Supporters of someone who has been placed under a CTO
  

If you have any questions about this project please get in touch with Professor Sharon Lawn at Flinders via email at sharon.lawn@flinders.edu.au.

If you know someone who may be able to assist us with this study, we would very much appreciate if you could forward this email to them.

This project has been approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee of Flinders University (HREC 6854).

Liptember Foundation Women’s Mental Health 2024 Research Launch

The Liptember Foundation is proud to continue its commitment to conducting annual, gender-specific mental health research, launching its newest update on the 11 July 2024.

The 2024 research is focused on uncovering the reality for Australian women, examining the multi-dimensional aspects of women’s mental health in Australia. It continued to identify gaps and trends for better mental health and explored the mental health issues, triggers, and barriers faced by Australian women.

The research identified that the mental health of Australian women remains at a crisis point, with approximately 1 in 2 (54%) Australian women currently experiencing some form of mental health issue. Alarmingly, 1 in 4 (25%) of these women are dealing with severe mental health disorders. These figures have remained constant since 2022, indicating that the state of women’s mental health in this country remains relatively unchanged.

Download your free copy of the full report and gain access to a suite of statistics and trended data exploring the current state of women’s mental health in Australia.

Participate in research: Social inclusion + psychosis

Orygen is researching how people living with psychosis experience social inclusion and social cognition. They are inviting people aged 25 to 65 who are living with a psychotic illness to share their experience.

Participation will require completing some questionnaires, taking part in an interview and completing some cognitive tasks. Participants will be reimbursed for their time.

If you wish to discuss the project further, please contact Annabel on 0437 051 846 on annabel.burnside@orygen.org.au

Ethics number: HREC/16/MH/325

Prevention United’s Youth Survey

The recent surge in depression and anxiety has left many young people in the community at risk of not being able to live a complete and fulfilled life. We need to understand how to prevent these conditions before they have the chance to develop. From 21 May to 16 July, we’re inviting young people living in Australia aged 16-25 to be the architects of future prevention policy. In just 10 – 15 minutes, you can anonymously share your experiences and views on the things that impact your mental health, and the government’s current approach to mental ill-health prevention programs and policy. To thank you for your participation, you will be able to enter a draw to win 1 of 5 x $50 vouchers. 

All responses will be kept confidential, and the questions are voluntary and can be skipped at any time. Further questions are welcome and can be sent to the researchers at youth@preventionunited.org.au

Participate in ReMind research

Led by Professor Kaarin Anstey at UNSW, ReMind is an app-based longitudinal study investigating cognitive and mental health resilience over the life course. They are looking to recruit 1600 adult participants (aged 18-95 years) across Australia (iPhone users) to participate for the next year.

They are currently focusing on recruiting individuals with a lived experience of psychotic illness. The study involves participants completing online surveys, an interview about their mental health, and some cognitive tasks. Participants are reimbursed for their time.

It has been approved by the UNSW Human Research Ethics Committee (approval number: HC220723).

The Collab 2024 Conference

2024 Rural Mental Health Conference

Cairns, Qld 6th – 8th November, mark the dates in your calendar now for this year’s Rural Mental Health Conference.

This event is the place to be if you work in mental or allied health within rural and remote communities or with companies that support better mental health outcomes for rural communities.

Use the code: MHA20 via this link: https://anzmh.asn.au/rmhc and gain 20% off your registration.

Implementation resources for the NSQMHCMO Standards

Are you planning to implement the National Safety and Quality Mental Health Standards for Community Managed Organisations (NSQMHCMO Standards)? Accreditation begins on 1 July 2024.

The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care has released a range of practical resources to support CMO service providers, consumers and carers, and accrediting agencies.

Register now for the 10th International Conference on Social Work in Health and Mental Health

Hear from our keynote speaker, Associate Professor Heather Boetto, an expert in Environmental Social Work. Heather’s groundbreaking research and leadership in community-based initiatives and disaster practices have earned her international recognition. Heather will highlight opportunities for collective, localised, and decolonised solutions in social work.

The Promise Documentary

Directed by Jye Currie, a new documentary, titled The Promise, is being featured at the Melbourne Documentary Film Festival on 28 July at Cinema Nova, on Lygon Street in Melbourne.

At its core, The Promise delves into the depths of hope and human resilience, offering an intimate exploration of the challenges faced by those affected by suicide. Through the courageous journey of Craig Hamilton and the poignant stories of survivors and loving families, the film offers a raw and unfiltered look at the impact of suicide on individuals and communities alike.

The documentary is described as a journey of discovery, understanding, and hope. Through powerful interviews with leading researchers and health experts, the film provides valuable insights into the complex factors contributing to suicide and the strategies for prevention.

A media release is attached. Mental Health Australia has no affiliation with the production. 

R U OK? Partnerships and Fundraising Director

A full-time, newly created position to lead R U OK?’s financial sustainability portfolio encompassing partnerships, fundraising and merchandise.

Responsible for supporting the CEO with income generation, the role is fast-paced, highly communicative and consultative, and is for a strategic thinker who thrives on results. It involves working with a broad range of commercial organisations, trusts and foundations, donors and customers. The role works across the whole business to action deliverables.

The role requires the ability to identify opportunities and successfully generate funds from a variety of income streams. Commitment to high quality relationships and results are required in order to maintain R U OK?’s reputation alongside an avid attention to detail.

The Partnerships & Fundraising Director will join the R U OK? Executive Team, managing three direct reports and one indirect report. This role will form part of a small, dynamic and friendly team.

Closing date: Friday 12 July, 5pm AEST

R U OK? Campaign Operations Coordinator

R U OK? is recruiting a full-time Campaign Operations Coordinator to support and increase the impact of our work in public health promotion and suicide prevention.

If you’d like to combine your technology skills with your passion for the not-for-profit (NFP) sector, this might be the job for you. The successful candidate will have a blend of technical and soft skills. This includes a high proficiency working with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software programs, digital project management tools and marketing analytics tools. The successful candidate will be well organised with good communication skills.

It’s a Sydney based position offering 2-3 days in our North Sydney office and the other days working from home. The successful candidate role will join a small, dynamic and friendly team.

Closing date: Friday 12 July, 5pm AEST

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Mental Health Australia members are invited to send us news, announcements, job vacancies, events or other notices for inclusion in the Weekly CEO Update newsletter. To do so, simply fill out this form by COB each Monday for your notice to appear in the newsletter.