In a year marked by sector-wide challenges and meaningful reform needed from governments, Mental Health Coordinating Council has been pushing the mark for systemic improvements to better support our members and people living with mental health challenges.

Thank you to the dedicated individuals, organisations, and communities we have worked with to drive meaningful change, and whilst there is more work to be done, for now, MHCC will be taking a short break and will be closed 23 December 2024 – 3 January 2025.

Here are a few key items we have worked on over the past few months: 

Our impact 

In the last financial year, we have held 256 key stakeholder meetings and forums, provided 12 submissions and policy responses, sent 118 sector updates, created 11 sector resources and publications, and have supported 832 students enrolled in our training courses. See more of what we’ve accomplished in our special 40^th anniversary edition Annual Report 2023-24.

Pre-Budget Submission

MHCC continues to campaign for what we believe are critical investments in the community-managed mental health service system.

Our 2025-29 Pre-Budget Submission details actions, targets, and investment estimates for the NSW Government to implement and bring about the reforms required for meaningful change for people living with psychosocial disability.
Read the full submission

Foundational Supports

Since the NDIS Review’s recommendation concerning Foundational Supports for people living with psychosocial disability, MHCC has consulted extensively with the sector and provided a submission on Foundational Supports to the Department of Social Services with 15 recommendations. These recommendations address the service gaps for people living with psychosocial disability, poor equity across regions and particularly highlight the lack of services for marginalised groups, and the information and advice to effectively connect people with psychosocial disability services.
View submission

Loneliness Inquiry

MHCC has provided a submission to the Inquiry into the prevalence, causes and impacts of loneliness in NSW, a first of its kind in the state.

Our submission includes seven recommendations on targeted interventions or programs to address loneliness and provide greater social inclusion, minimise stigma and discrimination, and reduce the associated shame, fear, and self-isolation that often exacerbates loneliness.
View submission

Leading workforce development

In partnership with the Mental Health Commission of NSW, MHCC has developed and co-produced a nationally recognised training course in Mental Health Peer Navigation, in response to the growing need for peer-led service navigation and supports. MHCC is proud to be leading the charge on workforce development for the sector.

Expressions of interest are now open for MHCC’s delivery of this course in 2025.

We are also facilitating the rollout of Mental Health Peer Navigation for Registered Training Organisations around Australia to deliver this course. If you would like information on this, please contact us.

Fostering connections for community mental health

This year we hosted nine events for our members and the community mental health sector, with the introduction of Member Briefings to connect our members with key stakeholders on the latest issues and developments. We sincerely thank everyone who attended, participated, and engaged with our events and look forward to announcing more exciting and impactful events in 2025.
View Member Briefings

If you’re interested in exploring partnership opportunities, please reach out to us at communications@mhcc.org.au.

Advocating for cross-sector reform

Findings from MHCC and the Network of Alcohol and Other Drugs Agencies’ Collaborative Connections Symposium were compiled in a report which highlighted the significant challenges hindering integrated practice, and puts forth six key recommendations to better support people with co-occuring needs.
Read the report

Supporting psychological safety in the workplace

In mental health settings, questioning decisions, suggesting new ideas or expressing concerns is crucial for effective service delivery and recovery-oriented approaches.

Designed for mental health settings, our new resources on Psychological Safety in Mental Health Organisations supports a workplace where everyone feels okay to speak up without fear of negative consequences.
See the resources

Building research capacity in community mental health and AOD

The Community Mental Health Drug and Alcohol Research Network has developed two key resources for the community sector to build research capacity for individuals and organisations.

Towards trauma-informed research: a brief overview and practice guide, offers a framework on how to conduct ethical and safe research in ways informed by understandings of trauma.

Research Essentials for the Community Sector supports the community sector’s understanding of the design, planning, execution and management of a research project and steps through the key stages.

As the voice for the community-managed mental health sector, we sincerely thank our members and partners for their support and commitment to improving mental health outcomes.

We acknowledge that the holidays can be a difficult time for many people. If you need support, please visit our Support Contacts page for a range of services accessible during the holiday period.

From all of us at MHCC, we wish you a safe and restorative holiday season. We look forward to connecting with you in 2025.