Our DFV submission; Join us for Overdose Awareness Day; Consultations for Every life Phase 3; Family support for drug checking; free housing and homelessness training; and Gambling Community Benefit Fund applications now open
We received outstanding interest in these grants – hundreds of applications, in fact. It was great to see so many community-led and community-driven wellbeing initiatives that leverage the unique needs and qualities of each community. It was encouraging to see so much interest from regional, rural and remote groups.
We look forward to the positive impact these programs generate over the next 18 months and to unveiling new initiatives in the mental health and wellbeing space soon.
We recently completed a jam-packed two-day visit to Rockhampton to connect with local services and community members. This included site visits to Gumbi Gumbi, Central Queensland Indigenous Development, Binbi Yadubay–Healthy Beginnings (Lives Lived Well) and Compass House. I also caught up with the Assistant Minister for Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drug Treatment Donna Kirkland, as well as colleagues from Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service’s Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs Team. The trip rounded out with a Lived-Living Experience consultation, a stakeholder breakfast and an address to the RRR Women’s Conference 2025. Thanks to everyone who welcomed us - I hope to visit more regional communities in the near future.
Driving reform
Getting out and driving the reform message home is high on our priorities. Since my last update, this has included speaking at The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) 2025 Congress, Australian Casino & Gaming Regulators Forum, Karakan Ltd's Schizophrenia Awareness Week event and the Australian and New Zealand Mental Health Association's 2025 AddictionZ Conference. In addition, I attended Micah Projects Homelessness to Home Healthcare Forum, as well as the first meeting of the new Homelessness Ministerial Advisory Council (HMAC), where supportive housing received a positive hearing. Read more about these events and our supportive housing position statement.
Toowong Private Hospital
The closure of Toowong Private Hospital has had an impact on many with lived-living experience, their families and support people as they transition to alternative care. Toowong Private's trauma recovery program and its record as a teaching hospital is not easily replaced. The private hospital sector is a critical part of our healthcare system, taking pressure off the public sector, and providing unique and complementary services, rather than duplicating what's available in the public system. It's a reality that the private system is experiencing challenges associated with health insurance payments and contract negotiations, as well as increased cost and complexity of care. Hear my thoughts on Radio National
Drug checking
I recently attended a session for families and carers on drug checking, organised by QuIVAA and Arafmi. It was great to connect with many families and carers who play a critical and often invisible role in supporting loved ones who use alcohol and other drugs.
Access to health interventions through drug checking may be the first opportunity a person who uses drugs has to discuss their drug use openly with a health professional. The evidence also tells us drug checking better informs decision-making regarding drug use, as well as reducing use and potential harms.
It’s not the only solution, but a highly effective, evidence-based harm reduction tool that has the potential to save lives. For many in attendance, drug checking provides an opportunity for intervention and information for their loved ones and a service they would hope to see continue as part of Queensland’s harm reduction health response.
The forum was also timely, noting an independent evaluation of drug checking services in Queensland is under consideration by the Queensland Government. We look forward to seeing the outcomes of this evaluation and continuing to work to reduce drug-related harm in Queensland. Drug checking is supported by the AMAQ and the Australian community.
DFV Amendment Bill Submission
The Commission has made a submission on the Domestic and Family Violence Protection and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025. Our submission highlights critical links to Shifting minds, the Trauma Strategy, Achieving balance, and Every life, supporting whole-of-government action to address trauma and prevent harm.
Youth Homelessness Matters Day
The Commissioner and members of our Mental Health and Wellbeing Reform team recently joined community and sector leaders at a Brisbane Youth Service event on youth homelessness. The event highlighted the lived experience of young people and the urgent need for systemic change. The insights gathered support our ongoing work to reform youth mental health and psychosocial support systems in Qld. Learn about youth homelessness and how you can advocate for change.
Review of mental health, peer work and AOD qualifications
The national Jobs and Skills Council, HumanAbility, is reviewing vocational education and training (VET) qualifications for mental healht, alcohol and other drugs (AOD) and peer work to ensure they reflect current practice. The review covers 5 qualifications, 7 skill sets and 41 units. This important work supports the Commission's priorities under Shifting minds, Every life and Achieving balance by helping to build a skilled, multidisciplinary workforce. Have your say be visiting HumanAbility's project page to take part in the consultation.
Overdose Awareness Day 2025
Each year for International Overdose Awareness Day, we come together to take action on overdose. QuIVAA , QuIHN and the Commission invite you to join us to mark Overdose Awareness Day on Friday 29 August at Brisbane Parliament House in the Premiers' Hall. Every story shared, every voice raised and every step we take brings us closer to a future free from overdose. Join us for #IOAD along with peers, family members, activists, healthcare workers and advocates.
Strengthening AOD housing supports
The Commission isinvesting $883,000 in three housing initiatives aimed at supporting individuals experiencing alcohol and other drug (AOD) concerns who are at risk of homelessness. The funding will enhance tenancy sustainability, improve access to health services, and create more inclusive housing pathways. Over the next 18 months, these initiatives will work to reduce barriers to housing and improve overall support for those affected by AOD concerns.
Farewell to the National Mental Health Consumer and Carer Forum
After more than two decades advocating for mental health consumers and carers, the National Mental Health Consumer and Carer Forum (NMHCF) will conclude on 30 June 2025, following the establishment of two national peak bodies. We thank Queensland’s consumer representative, Jordan Frith, for her leadership and tireless advocacy for people with lived and living experience, their families, kin and unpaid carers. Read about the Forum’s important legacy and transition.
Every life Phase 3 consultations
Community consultations for Phase Three of the Every life suicide prevention plan are now open. In partnership with Roses in the Ocean, the Commission will host a series of in-person and online sessions for Queenslanders with lived experience of suicide. All sessions are lived experience-led, inclusive, safe, and offer payment for participation. Register here to help guide this next important phase of suicide prevention in Queensland.
Free housing and homelessness training
Q Shelter,in partnership with the Department of Housing and Public Works, has released a new orientation course for Queensland’s housing and homelessness sector. The free online course covers system basics, services, and key definitions.
Step Inside the Circle: Acknowledging Childhood Trauma. This short U.S. film by Grammy winner Fritzi Horstman highlights the impact of childhood trauma among the prison population and provides a moving call to action for trauma-informed care in prison. Please take a little time to watch this moving short film.
Apply now for the Gambling Community Benefit Fund Queensland’s largest one-off community grants program is now open, offering funding to not-for-profits across the state. Applications close 18 July 2025. Check eligibility and apply now
Sponsorship
We offer sponsorships up to $10,000 for sector events. The next round opens1 August 2025.
