World Mental Health Day 2025
Every year on 10 October, the world comes together to mark World Mental Health Day. World Mental Health Day serves as a powerful reminder that there is no health without mental health. This year’s campaign focuses on the urgent need to support the mental health and psychosocial needs of people affected by humanitarian emergencies. “Investing […]
Mental Health Week Activities
Mental Health Week is celebrated around Australia generally leading up to or starting at World Mental Health Day on 10 October. For Mental Health Week 2025, our Members are highlighting many activities to get involved in. “It’s great to see our Members actively involved in this important time of year,” said Kerry Hawkins, CEO, Community […]
Reflecting on TheMHS Conference 2025: A Gathering of Minds, Voices and Vision
In September 2025, we joined delegates from across Australia, New Zealand and beyond at the 35th Annual TheMHS Conference in Brisbane. Held from 2 – 5 September at the Royal International Convention Centre, the conference brought together a rich mix of lived experience advocates, clinicians, researchers, policy makers, service providers and community leaders. The theme […]
Changing the Narrative on Suicide: World Suicide Prevention Day 2025
Every year on 10 September, communities, organisations and governments across Australia and around the globe come together to mark World Suicide Prevention Day. It is a time to reflect, connect, and recommit to our shared goal of preventing suicide and spreading hope. Led by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP), the World Health Organization […]
Celebrating Proud Futures in Garramilla: Honouring Community Impact and Lived Experience
On 28 August 2025, we joined leaders from across the country at Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia’s National Conference in Garramilla (Darwin) on Larrakia Country. The theme ‘Proud Futures’ set a strong tone for two days focused on identity, self-determination and legacy in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander social and emotional wellbeing. As a sector […]
National Conference to Shape a ‘Proud Future’ for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social and Emotional Wellbeing
Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia will be holding its 2025 National Conference on 28 and 29 August 2025 in Garramilla (Darwin) on Larrakia Country.
Making NDIS support decisions clear, fair and inclusive
Community Mental Health Australia (CMHA) welcomes the joint call from Disability Representative Organisations (DROs) for clearer, fairer and more inclusive decisions about what the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) will fund. Coordinated by Disability Advocacy Network Australia (DANA), the joint submission centres lived experience and puts forward practical solutions that help people, families and providers navigate the system with confidence.
Productivity Commission Submission
Community Mental Health Australia (CMHA) has provided a submission to the Productivity Commission’s review of the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement. The submission, made by CMHA CEO Kerry Hawkins, was developed in response to the Commission’s Interim Report and reflects a coordinated effort across the community-managed mental health sector. It draws on the […]
Mental Health Leaders Unite in Canberra
On Monday 4 August 2025, leaders from across the mental health sector gathered in Canberra to discuss the future of psychosocial supports and the mental health sector. Hosted shortly after the release of the Productivity Commission’s interim report, the meeting reflected a renewed sense of collaboration and optimism for systemic reform. The meeting brought together […]
Upholding Rights, Closing Gaps: National Push for a Human Rights Act
Community Mental Health Australia (CMHA) is proud to have co-signed the Joint NGO Report on behalf of the Australian NGO Coalition ahead of Australia’s upcoming Universal Periodic Review (UPR) by the United Nations Human Rights Council – an international process that evaluates how well countries are protecting and promoting human rights. With over 100 non-government […]
