CEO Blog

Topics

National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)

Years

NAIDOC Week 2026: A reflection from Gayaa Dhuwi

9 July 2026

This NAIDOC Week, 50 Years of Deadly marks five decades of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership, culture, truth-telling, resistance and achievement. The official theme reminds us that…

With the clock ticking, getting the new National Agreement right matters

2 July 2026

This week marks the start of a new financial year – and for those of us in the mental health sector it also signals an important moment. On 1 July, the current …

At the heart of strong communities: our not-for-profit sector

25 June 2026

At the recent opening of a community mental health service, I listened to a mother share her experience of struggling with mental health challenges after the birth of her first child. She spoke with h…

A Million Stories: Supporting Mental Health and Wellbeing in Refugee Communities

18 June 2026

This Refugee Week (14-20 June), we pause to recognise the strength, resilience, and contributions of people from refugee backgrounds. We also acknowledge the challenges they may face, particularly whe…

Together We Thrive: This year’s Mental Health Month theme

11 June 2026

Many of us have been feeling the weight of the world a little more lately.There’s a lot going on. Global conflict and uncertainty, cost of living pressures and constant change mean it’s not surprising…

NDIS reform is needed, but it must not leave people behind

4 June 2026

A few weeks ago, we tuned in to the Press Club address by Minister for Health, Ageing, Disability and the NDIS, the Hon. Mark Butler MP, where he outlined a significant shift in th…

We’re “all in” for National Reconciliation Week

28 May 2026

We’re “all in” for National Reconciliation Week This week is National Reconciliation Week, a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and ac…

Turning connection into action for mental health reform

21 May 2026

There’s something really special about being in the same room with people who share a common purpose.That’s what happened last Thursday, when we brought more than 80 of our member organisations togeth…

A roadmap for better multicultural mental health in Australia

6 May 2026

I was honoured last week to meet Adriel Appathurai, a youth mental health advocate who works with some of our member organisations, including Orygen and Prevention United. Adriel generously shared his…

NDIS changes: why psychosocial supports mustn’t fall through the cracks

30 April 2026

I’m sure many of you tuned in last Wednesday to watch Health Minister the Hon. Mark Butler’s address to the National Press Club on changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). The …

ANZAC Day – a call to care for those who serve

23 April 2026

Guest blog by Dr Peggy Brown AO, Chair of Mental Health AustraliaAs we approach ANZAC Day, we are invited to remember the service and sacrifice of veterans and their families. It is a day of reflectio…

Protecting what works – why NDIS reform must not leave people behind

15 April 2026

You may have seen media commentary over recent weeks questioning the sustainability of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). With the Federal Budget approaching, there’s a growing narrative…

The mental health impacts of trying to make ends meet

9 April 2026

Filling up the tank. Doing the weekly shop. Paying the rent. Keeping the lights on. It all adds up. And lately it’s been adding up to a lot more.As living costs and interest rates rise, many people ac…

Putting prevention at the heart of mental health

26 March 2026

For many of us who grew up in Australia, there’s a jingle that’s forever imprinted in our minds: “Slip Slop Slap – slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen and slap on a hat.”When Cancer Council Australia l…

Honouring diversity, confronting racism and supporting mental health

19 March 2026

What does belonging mean to you? For some people, belonging means having their identity, culture and religion respected. For others, it means being listened to or feeling like being part of…

Connections, collaboration and unity: highlights from our Mental Health Sector Expo

12 March 2026

Last Thursday’s Mental Health Sector Expo at Parliament House was one of those days that reminded me why coming together as a united sector matters so deeply.The vibrancy of the event reflected the di…

Making NGO mental health services more visible in national reporting

4 March 2026

Making NGO mental health services more visible in national reportingOne of the things I value most about our sector is the way we can come together to share ideas and work towards a stronger mental he…

Shaping a better future for psychosocial support in the NDIS

26 February 2026

If you have been keeping an eye on the national conversation about the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) recently, you will know there are some big changes on the horizon. These changes will…

Recognition matters, but it's time to get on with the job

19 February 2026

In my time working in mental health, I’ve heard many of these stories.People across Australia, living with mental health challenges, who continue to tell us how hard it is to get the supports they nee…

Using data to build a stronger mental health system

12 February 2026

Someone once told me that good data is like a lighthouse. It doesn’t fix the storm around you, but it helps you see where you are and find a safer path forward. The 2026 Report on Government Serv…