eNews  |  October 2021

Queensland Mental Health Week has been a tremendous success again this year with some 370 celebrations across the state.

My sincere thanks go to everyone involved for reinforcing the message that taking time for mental health has never been more important.

The pandemic has increased pressure on individuals, communities and the system, and mental health week also provides an opportunity to consider the sustainability of the sector.

Is it time to take stock of how our mental health system is operating? Is it efficient and effective and reaching the people who need it the most?

In this article on the future of Queensland’s mental health system, I ask whether we can do things differently and better.

I welcome your feedback on how effectively you believe the system is operating. Read my full opinion piece published in The Courier-Mail.

Lifetime achievement 

The Commission conferred its inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award during Queensland Mental Health Week to a very worthy recipient who has made a difference to carers across Queensland. Find out who received the first award.

Better Futures grants

The Commission’s Better Futures grants initiative has now concluded and an evaluation report will be finalised early in 2022 to guide the Commission’s future grant funding opportunities.

Being equally well

Sixty leading Australian health experts have recommended major improvements to primary healthcare services to stop people with serious mental illnesses from dying 14-23 years earlier than other Australians.

$2.5m AOD research centre

A new $2.5 million Centre of Research Excellence at The University of Queensland will focus on increasing access to cost-effective, evidence-based treatment for AOD use.

GPs in schools

Fifty state secondary schools across Queensland will have a school-based GP clinic next year, after the State Government expanded the number of schools participating in the $100 million student wellbeing program from 20 to 50.

QMHC submission: Isolation and loneliness

The Commission supports a proposal for a statewide strategy to reduce social isolation and loneliness in our submission to a Queensland Parliamentary inquiry on the issue. Our submission outlines other proposed solutions. 

APPLY NOW: QMHC's Advisory Council

Are you passionate about mental health, substance use issues and suicide prevention? Applications are now open for positions on the QLD Mental Health and Drug Advisory Council. Applications close 8 November 2021. APPLY HERE

New consumer peak chief

Jorgen Gullestrup has been appointed as the interim CEO of the new Mental Health Lived Experience Peak Queensland after the resignation of Jennifer Pouwer.

Commissioner appears at federal parliamentary inquiry

Commissioner Ivan Frkovic has told a Federal parliamentary inquiry that we need to find different front doors for the mental health system, rather than emergency departments.

National eating disorder strategy

 A 10-year national research and translation strategy has been released to help improve early identification, treatment and prevention of eating disorders.

National Children's Mental Health and Wellbeing strategy

 Australia has launched the world’s first National Children’s Mental Health and Wellbeing strategy to support children aged 0-12 and their families.

Brisbane public hearings: Royal Commission on defence suicide

The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide will hold its first  hearings in Brisbane on Friday 26 November & Monday 29 November 2021. Information on private sessions and making submissions is also available.

Survey of young people: Living through COVID

The Queensland Family and Child Commission's Growing up in Queensland: Living through COVID survey examines the impacts of lockdown on young people and asks how best communicate with them about the pandemic.

The survey takes give minutes and closes Sunday 31 October 2021

NMHC: Have your say on mental health and wellbeing

The Commission has launched a new engagement platform, Have Your Say , that allows you to provide feedback and share thoughts on the development of our projects and strategies. Register here to participate in consultations.

A bigger mental health budget won't necessarily improve Australia's mental health

This article in The Conversation by Emeritus Professor Anthony Jorm focuses on quality of services, prevention and fulfilling the Productivity Commission's grand vision. Read more

We can't ignore mental illness prevention in a COVID-19 world

Stephen Carbone writes in The Conversation that Australia doesn't have a mental health prevention plan or policy, and prevention funding is just one per cent of the total mental health budget. Read more

Sponsorships

We offer sponsorships up to $10,000 for sector events. Next round closes 30 November. 

Sector grants

The Queensland Council of Social Service (QCOSS) publishes a comprehensive list of sector grants.

Events

Check out the latest major sector events, hosted by the Commission and partner organisations.

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