Celebrating 40 years

Mental Health Coordinating Council emerged at a time of great change in the mental health sector. Forty years ago, old institutions were closing, funding for community services was growing and the emphasis shifting to recovery and hope.

In 1983 a group of dedicated mental health advocates recognised the pressing need for a voice to represent the valuable work happening in the community. With limited resources, but considerable determination, they set about establishing an organisation that would be a force for the sector.

Four decades on, Mental Health Coordinating Council is a leading peak body championing strong community mental health organisations working to improve the lives of people with lived experience of mental health through leadership, advocacy and support.

In 2023 we celebrate 40 years

Supporting people living with mental health conditions to live meaningful lives in the communities of their choice
Championing a strong community mental health sector
Providing leadership, advocacy and support for community mental health and the people our sector works to support
Making a positive difference by driving reform, sustainability and system improvements in mental health and wellbeing
Supporting the delivery of impactful services for people with a lived experience of mental ill-health by delivering innovative, best practice training and capacity-building resources and tools to the sector
Positively impacting many people by fostering hope, resilience and recovery.

our 40 year Timeline

1983

Mental Health Coordinating Council is born when representatives from six community mental health organisations begin monthly meetings.

1986

The newly incorporated Mental Health Coordinating Council begins consulting with consumers and carers about reforms for mental health.

1988

Mental Health Coordinating Council is appointed as a principal member of the NSW Department of Health Education Committee. The organisation also presents its First Annual Report to stakeholders

1991

Mental Health Coordinating Council relocates its office to the Rozelle Psychiatric Hospital site at Callan Park and the first FYI newsletter for the sector is released via fax.

1995

The first edition of the NSW Mental Health Rights Manual is published by Mental Health Coordinating Council.

2004

The first Working Groups to inform the Mental Health Act Inquiry consultation process is established.

2006

Mental Health Coordinating Council’s Learning & Development becomes an accredited Registered Training Organisation.

2010

The Community Mental Health Drug & Alcohol Research Network is established with the Network of Alcohol & Other Drugs Agencies.

2018

Mental Health Coordinating Council hosts the first Mental Health and National Disability Insurance Scheme Conference in NSW.

2019

After a community workforce survey, the first Workforce Report for the NSW community-managed mental health sector is released.

2020

Mental Health Coordinating Council spearheads online experience sharing, support and response framework for members during the COVID-19 pandemic.

2022

Mental Health Coordinating Council publishes Shifting the Balance which sets out the organisation’s key priorities for investment.

As we reflect on our journey, we are immensely grateful to the countless people who have contributed and the transformations we’ve witnessed. But we are not stopping here. Our commitment to supporting people to live meaningful lives in the community remains steadfast.

Together, we can make an even greater difference in the next 40 years and beyond.

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