Mental Health

Financial distress and mental health: The data paints a stark picture

As we wrap-up Anti-Poverty Week 2025, Community Mental Health Australia (CMHA) is calling attention to a striking truth revealed through the Assisting Communities through Direct Connection (ACDC) project. Over four years of door-knocking and community outreach, we’ve heard and seen firsthand what the research now confirms: financial distress is deeply intertwined with mental distress and […]

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 […]

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 […]

CMHA welcomes investment in mental health

CMHA welcomes the investments in mental health from both parties; however, the question is are these investments targeting much need system transformation. CMHA President, Cathy O’Toole said “Whilst it is important to highlight this investment it is also critical to ensure that investment is targeted to ensure genuine mental health system transformational where clinical and community supports work together to ensure people with lived experience are living contributing, meaningful and flourishing lives.

Mental health system in crisis: we need reform, not just psychiatrists

“The Four Corners program aired on ABC on Monday 2 June 2025 confirms what our sector has been saying for years: the mental health system is in crisis,” said Kerry Hawkins, CEO of Community Mental Health Australia (CMHA). “What’s happening in New South Wales is devastating, but it’s part of a broader national story. Every state and territory is experiencing growing pressure. People are falling through the cracks of a system that was never built to meet their needs,” added Kerry.

It’s time for mental health reform

“On behalf of the community mental health sector, I would like to congratulate Hon Anthony Albanese MP on the historical re-election as Prime Minister,” said Cathy O’Toole President of Community Mental Health Australia (CMHA). “We look forward to working with the federal government including the Prime Minister and his ministerial team to ensure their $1 billion investment in mental health is invested wisely,” Cathy added.

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