May 2026

From the Commissioner

Ivan Frkovic

Hello everyone!

It’s hard to believe we’re already well into the second quarter of the year. What began as a fast start has settled into a period of focused delivery, with grants progressing, major projects taking shape and the Commission’s work well underway.

Looking forward to Leading Reform Summit 2026

Momentum is certainly building as we look ahead to the Leading Reform Summit 2026, taking place on 25–26 May. Thank you to everyone who has registered — we’re looking forward to convening leaders from across the system for two days of meaningful discussion, learning and shared commitment to reform.

For me, this will also be the final Summit I attend in my capacity as Commissioner, making it a particularly meaningful opportunity to look back on what has been achieved and look forward to what needs to occur to drive future reform. Additional tickets have and are continuing to be allocated so I'd encourage you to join the waitlist.

Celebrating 30 years of the Transcultural Mental Health Centre

This issue also gives me the opportunity to acknowledge an important milestone of the Queensland Transcultural Mental Health Centre (QTMHC). Being part of establishing the QTMHC remains one of the most meaningful and defining experiences of my career.

Since its establishment, they have played a vital role in strengthening culturally responsive approaches across Queensland’s mental health system, helping ensure services better reflect the lived experiences, languages and needs of our diverse communities. Its legacy continues to shape policy, practice and reform efforts today.

Leveraging social enterprise

Finally, a few weeks ago, I took part in the Social Impact Advisory Roundtable, alongside senior leaders and social enterprise representatives and experts, discussing the implementation of the Queensland Government's 4 year Social Enterprise and Impact Investing Roadmap.

Access to meaningful employment plays a crucial role in our mental health and wellbeing and social enterprises are a powerful way we can support this.

They can also increase employment opportunities for people with experience of mental health and alcohol and other drug challenges and drive better mental health outcomes. This Roadmap marks a landmark investment in social enterprises and will contribute to better outcomes for many Queenslanders. I look forward to sharing more.

Three people are seen from behind, standing side by side and facing a calm body of water.

Women on remand research

We’ve just closed applications inviting Queensland‑based research providers to undertake a 12‑month research project focused on women on remand who experience alcohol and other drug (AOD) challenges. Rising incarceration rates and complex, trauma‑linked pathways into the justice system in Queensland highlight a critical evidence gap around the impacts of remand and the need for meaningful reform.

The research will examine the key drivers of remand for women who use AOD, identify reform opportunities across justice, health, housing and social service systems, and embed lived and living experience throughout the project. Findings will inform policy and practice aimed at improving outcomes for women.

Find out more on our website.

Group of seven people sitting closely on and around a yellow couch in a cozy, art-filled living room.

A Defining Moment for the Lived-Living Experience Workforce

A significant milestone for the sector, the first National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Lived Experience (Peer) Workforce Census has now closed for responses - marking a powerful step toward recognising and strengthening the national picture of this workforce.

This moment matters - it signals growing acknowledgement of the workforce’s expertise and the need for informed, systemic support. We look forward to the findings and applying these insights to advance future planning and long-term support for the workforce across Australia.

Three men stand together indoors at an event.

Community connection in action

The Commission recently joined the Mooloolaba Lions Club on the Sunshine Coast, with the Commissioner delivering a guest address on mental health and wellbeing in community settings.

The event brought together local leaders and volunteers to discuss the role of connection, participation and early support in strengthening mental wellbeing. The Commissioner highlighted the importance of reaching people who may not access formal services, and the role community organisations play in supporting connection and early support.

Community organisations such as Lions play a key role in reducing isolation and strengthening connection, reinforcing that strong, connected communities are central to improving mental health outcomes.

Suicide Prevention Awareness Parliamentary Breakfast

We recently brought together parliamentarians and key stakeholders at our Suicide Prevention Awareness Parliamentary Breakfast, providing an important opportunity to strengthen shared understanding of suicide and suicide prevention across Queensland.

The event highlighted the next phase of Queensland’s whole‑of‑government approach, Every life: The Queensland Suicide Prevention Plan 2019–2029, and reinforced the collective responsibility to support people and communities to reduce suicide and its impacts.

We were pleased to hear from leaders in the field, including Donna Kirkland MP, Assistant Minister for Mental Health, Drug and Alcohol Treatment, Families and Seniors. We heard insights that underscored the importance of lived experience, collaboration and sustained action. The speakers helped deepen conversations about how we continue to strengthen suicide prevention efforts across the state.

The Men's Table Queensland Entrees

The Men’s Table is a national organisation made up of groups of 8-12 local men who meet for dinner monthly. An entree is an introduction to how a Men’s Table works through open sharing over a relaxed meal. The Entree gives you a small taste of the Table experience, allows you to ask all your questions, helping you decide whether you’d like to be part of a local Men’s Table.

Sponsorships

We offer sponsorships of up to $10,000 for sector events. The next round closes on 30 May 2026.

Learn more

Grants

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

From the Commissioner

Ivan Frkovic

Celebrating 30 years of the Transcultural Mental Health Centre

The Men's Table Queensland Entrees

Sponsorships

Grants

What's on?

17 May 2026 | Nominations close for Multicultural Queensland Awards 2026

25-26 May 2026 | QMHC Leading Reform Summit

11-12 June 2026| Queensland Infant Mental Health Symposium 2026