Weekly Update Newsletter

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

19 February 2026

Using data to build a stronger mental health system

12 February 2026

Shaping a Better Mental Health Future Together

5 February 2026

Over recent months I’ve had many conversations across our sector, and one overwhelming message has come through: mounting social and economic pressures are continuing to affect people’s mental health,…

A pivotal year ahead for mental health reform

29 January 2026

I hope you have had some time over the summer to rest and recharge and are returning with renewed energy for what is shaping up to be a pivotal year for mental health in Australia.Like many of you, I …

A year of advocacy, action and hope

11 December 2025

As I’ve reflected on earlier this year, one of my favourite moments of 2025 was being in a packed room at our Member Policy Forum at Old Parliament House, facilitating members’ direct engagement with …

The long wait for care: addressing the urgent gaps in our mental health system.

4 December 2025

If you’ve stepped into an emergency department recently, you’ll know how stretched they are. For people in urgent psychological distress, the wait for help can be hours – or sometimes an entire day. E…

Shining a light on the mental health and wellbeing in the perinatal period

27 November 2025

This week, Mental Health Australia acknowledges and celebrates Perinatal Mental Health Week. This year's theme is ‘What You Need, When You Need It’ and aims to raise awareness, strengthen understanding and ensure every parent has access to the right support at the right time. In honour of Perinatal Mental Health Week, we are delighted to have Gidget Foundation Australia CEO Arabella Gibson contribute this week’s message. Gidget Foundation Australia is a national not-for-profit mental health organisation supporting the emotional wellbeing of expectant and new parents and their families.

Weekly Update: Mental health is key to economic inclusion

20 November 2025

Today Mental Health Australia is meeting with the Economic Inclusion Advisory Committee to discuss opportunities to improve both mental health and economic inclusion.

Weekly Update: Greater than the sum of our parts

14 November 2025

It was wonderful to meet with so many members across the diversity of the mental health sector at our Members Policy Forum in Melbourne this week. We were joined by more than 80 representatives …

Weekly Update: Managing mental health impacts of the social media delay

6 November 2025

In just five weeks the Australian Government’s social media age restrictions will come into effect. From 10 December, people in Australia will have to be 16 years or older to have a social media account, in a change described by the eSafety Commissioner as being intended “for the good of their wellbeing”.

Weekly Update: Mobilising for mental health

30 October 2025

With Mental Health Month (October) 2025 drawing to a close, it’s timely to reflect on the value of community-driven campaigns and events to generate conversations and actions on mental health and wellbeing.

Weekly Update: Investing in the primary care workforce to better support community needs

23 October 2025

Recent research from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) highlights the important role GPs play in providing mental health support, and the pressure on the primary care system to meet increasing levels of demand for mental health care.

Weekly Update: National Carers Week – You are one, know one, or will be one. Caring is everywhere.

16 October 2025

This week we mark National Carers Week (12-18 October 2025) with a guest message from Katrina Armstrong, CEO of Mental Health Carers Australia, the national peak body for mental health families, carers and kin.

Weekly Update: Tomorrow is World Mental Health Day – a time to connect with your community for good mental health

9 October 2025

Tomorrow, Friday 10 October, is World Mental Health Day, a day of global reflection on the importance of strong mental health across our communities. Mental Health Australia’s theme for World Mental Health Day this year is “Connect with your community”, in recognition of the important role social connection plays in supporting our mental health and wellbeing.

Weekly Update: Psychosocial supports – a path forward to address unmet needs

2 October 2025

Psychosocial supports are a critical component of our mental health system – and unfortunately, an area where there are significant gaps in our system. Last year Governments released a report which showed that almost 500,000 people who need access to psychosocial supports are missing out. Despite calls from the mental health sector to act, we haven’t yet seen the leadership and investments needed from Australian governments to respond to this high level of need.

Weekly Update: Measuring what matters for a better future

25 September 2025

Last week, the Federal Government released the second annual update to its Measuring What Matters dashboard. Measuring What Matters is Australia’s first wellbeing framework. It tracks Australia’s prog…

Weekly Update: It’s time for a greater focus on the prevention of mental ill-health

18 September 2025

Next week, I will join mental health policy, research and practice advocates and leaders at Everymind’s Prevention in Practice Summit 2025 in Sydney. The Summit is focused on bridging the knowledge-to-practice gap in the prevention of mental ill-health.

Weekly Update: Changing the narrative

11 September 2025

Many of you will be undertaking activities this week to acknowledge World Suicide Prevention Day and this year’s theme, “Changing the Narrative”. Others will take time to pause and reflect. The theme for 2025 is a powerful reminder that we must move from silence and shame toward openness, empathy and support.

Weekly Update: Community voices and clear sector solutions: mental health on Parliament’s agenda

5 September 2025

I was heartened to see that mental health was firmly on the agenda in Parliament last week as MPs returned to Canberra for week two of the Spring sitting. Following recent, extensive national discussions about Australia’s productivity, inaugural speeches and parliamentary debate provided opportunities for members and senators to share personal and community perspectives on mental health and the role affordable, reliable and compassionate care plays in building mentally healthy communities.

Weekly Update: Building proud futures for generations to come

28 August 2025

This week I am delighted to be attending Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia’s National Conference in Garramilla (Darwin), on the lands of the Larrakia people. This year’s theme, “Proud Futures”, recognises and celebrates the strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in championing the next generation, by celebrating identity, being strong in self-determination and creating a future legacy for cultural continuity for the next 65,000-plus years.