Thank you to everyone that came to the 2023 Leading Reform Summit in November.
The Summit brought together over 300 delegates and encompassed an inspiring program that I know will continue to resonate in the sector over the next 12 months.
I'm heartened to already hear such positive feedback about the Summit and see the connections made. Please keep an eye on the Summit website for presentations and photos.
We will now be taking some time to consider next year's Summit but invite you in the meantime to get in touch with any suggestions or feedback.
Lifetime Achievement Awards 2023
I was also delighted to announce at the Summit the four recipients of our 2023 Lifetime Achievement Awards for service, contribution and leadership. Congratulations again to Stephen Kelly, Gabrielle Vilic, Dr Jacinta Powell and Norm Wotherspoon.
Better Futures Grants update
We were pleased to see over 130 applications for the Commission's Better Futures Grants which offer up to $250,000 for initiatives that trial innovative approaches and build the evidence base to drive reform of the mental health, alcohol and other drugs, and suicide prevention system. There are some excellent applications and we hope to advise the outcomes in the near future.
New suicide prevention trial for First Nations communities
The Queensland Government is investing $2.38 million for a suicide prevention trial in Coen and three First Nations communities in Far North Queensland.
Indigenous suicide postvention service Thirrili Ltd have supported the implementation of the Coen project using principles of self-determination, allowing communities to identify the most appropriate responses based on their specific local needs. The Commission is working with local government and community leaders to progress the projects in the three additional communities.
Truth-telling and Healing Inquiry and Treaty Institute
Expressions of Interest are now open for members of Queensland’s landmark Truth-telling and Healing Inquiry. The Inquiry will help build community understanding of our shared history and support the process of healing for individuals, communities, and our State.
The Commission considers Path to Treaty as a critical component of Queensland’s healing and Reconciliation journey. It will allow the relationship between First Nations peoples and all Queenslanders to recognise the past and move forward as a united Queensland, with a shared future built on respect and understanding. You can read our statement of support on our website.
Season's Greetings
As we reach the end of the year, and reflect on 2023, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for the work that you do and the contributions that you have made to the well-being of Queenslanders, throughout what was another year full of many challenges, but also great opportunities.
The festive season enables us all to reflect, recharge and reconnect on so many levels as we move into 2024. On behalf of all of us at the Commission, we wish you and your loved ones a safe and happy Christmas and all the very best for the year ahead. Take the time to rest, reflect, and look after your own mental health and well-being.
$20 million for perinatal and infant mental health
Queensland Health has committed more than $20 million in funding to increase community-based perinatal and infant mental health support and treatment. Twenty new mental health clinicians, who specialise in perinatal and infant mental health, will be recruited. Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia (PANDA) and Peach Tree will also receive funding to increase support services.
Almost $7 million in funding has been announced to create a new eating disorders service at Ipswich Hospital, as part of the $1.645 billion Better Care Together Plan state services plan. The service will target leading risk factors for developing eating disorders including poor body image and body dissatisfaction, through behavioural therapies and nutritional education.
Construction of the new Hervey Bay Mental Health Unit is now complete and due to begin services in early 2024. The new 22-bed inpatient unit will enable people to receive timely care in a modern, purpose-built facility and is the first time there has been a specific mental health inpatient capacity at Hervey Bay.
Funding boost to support wellbeing of QLD veterans
Four recipients of the Veterans’ Health and Wellbeing Research Grants Program have been announced. The grants will allow them to undertake new research or to expand the scope of an existing project to improve the understanding of issues impacting the health and wellbeing of veterans.
Funds for sexual assault & women's wellbeing services
An additional $3 million per annum will be provided to 32 sexual assault services and women’s health and wellbeing services from 1 January 2024.The new funding will give services the extra resources they need to provide more specialist, wrap around support for victim-survivors of sexual assault.
Emerging Minds has launched an 'Engaging children learning pathway' designed for practitioners who work with children including GPs, paediatricians, psychiatrists, psychologists, allied health, child protection and social workers, child mental health practitioners, and specialist counsellors.
Alcohol Change Australia recently released their report, 'Public opinion on alcohol in Australia'. The report surveys 2000 people on knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours around alcohol. 80% of are concerned about alcohol-related harm in Australian communities
The mental health of Australians has been declining since about 2010 & this is seen in earlier generations, not just Gen Z, says a new study led by the University of Sydney. Impacts may include social media, lack of exercise, poor sleep, climate change and the changing nature of work.
A worldwide survey of over 122,000 workers shows many are currently disengaged, stressed and looking to leave their current job. Poor management leads to lost customers and lost profits, but it also leads to miserable lives.
Superfriend's 9th workplace mental health survey report, Indicators of a Thriving Workplace scores Australian workplaces against indicators such as leadership, safety, connectedness, work design and capability, as well as strategies to build a thriving workplace.
Queensland's Office of the Chief Psychiatrist, in collaboration with authorised mental health services, conducted an external review to consider how seclusion and mechanical and physical restraint were used across the mental health, alcohol and other drug service system. It aimed to identify key themes, lessons and actions to support improvement in clinical practice to reduce and, where possible, eliminate the use of seclusion and restraint.
Mental health related workers compensation claims on the rise
Work-related mental health conditions and claims are increasing, accounting for one in 11 serious workers compensation claims in 2021-2022. According to new data from Safe Work Australia, claims for mental health conditions have increased by 43 per cent over the past 10 years, a greater increase than any other type of injury or illness. These claims lead to compensation payouts almost four times larger than other injuries
Study: Voter majority says First Nations people should have a voice
A survey led by The Australian National University has found almost 90 per cent think First Nations Australians should have a voice or say over matters that affect them, despite the defeat of the proposed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament.
Consultation: Proposed new entity to support the Defence members and veterans
A consultation process is now open to inform a proposed new entity to support the wellbeing of Defence members and veterans following the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. Feedback closes Wednesday, 20 December 2023.
The Forum of Australian Services for Survivors of Torture and Trauma has launched a multilingual hotline for people affected by overseas conflicts.
Neami National THRIVE pilot program
Neami has a free online learning program that addresses the mental health of job seekers and people currently employed, who are seeking specialised assistance.
Celebrating Reconciliation Grants - Apply now
Applicants are now open for the Celebrating Reconciliation Grants to help Queensland communities come together for National Reconciliation Week, 2024.
Sponsorships
We offer sponsorships up to $10,000 for sector events. Next round closes 28 February 2024.
.gif?upscale=true&width=1120&upscale=true&name=Christmas%20card%202022%20(1).gif)
