Mental Health Coordinating Council brings together the corners of the New South Wales mental health system at the 2024 CEO and Senior Managers Forum with NSW Parliamentary Friends of Mental Health.
From left: Dr Gerry Naughtin, Strategic Advisor, Psychosocial Disability and Mental Health, National Disability Insurance Agency, Dr Evelyne Tadros, Chief Executive Officer, MHCC, Dr Amanda Cohn MLC, Greens NSW, Max Simensen, Lived Experience Trainer, MHCC, Dr Brendan Flynn, Executive Director, Mental Health Branch, NSW Ministry of Health
By gathering in the one room, leaders from all areas of the New South Wales mental health system are able to explore shared concerns, exchange ideas and knowledge and provide support at MHCC’s annual CEO and Senior Managers Forum.
On 7 May 2024 Mental Health Coordinating Council gathered at NSW Parliament House with significant representations of our members across the community-managed mental health sector.
“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago, the second best time is now.” Max Simensen Lived Experience Trainer at MHCC, imparted this poignant reminder at the 2024 MHCC CEO Forum. With his strong background in peer work, Max set the tone for the event, offering invaluable perspectives.
Hosted by the Hon. Emily Suvaal MLC and the NSW Parliamentary Friends of Mental Health, the event is a key opportunity for CEOs and senior leaders amongst our member organisations to gather in the one room, connect and learn from one another. With representation from key areas of the mental health sector of NSW – Parliament of NSW, NSW Ministry of Health, National Disability Insurance Agency, MHCC and the peer workforce – our shared goal of improving the outcomes for those with mental health needs in NSW was clear.
Amongst many other valuable topics, areas of discussion included: HASI/CLS tender extension and plans for future tendering, progress on reform agenda for psychosocial disability and updates on the myriad of complex inquiries and reviews currently underway between state and Commonwealth governments.
Thank you to our members and speakers for their valuable contributions; the Hon. Rose Jackson MLC, NSW Minister for Mental Health, Dr Amanda Cohn, Dr Brendan Flynn, Dr Gerry Naughtin, Max Simensen and Dr Evelyne Tadros.
We look forward to continuing to strengthen the collaboration between our sector and government.
Minister Rose Jackson addressing the audience on the day
Dr Amanda Cohn responding to questions from our audience
William (Bill) Campos, Chief Executive Officer of Independent Community Living Australia posing a question to our panelists.
