Community-managed mental health organisations play a vital role in supporting people to live well in the community, yet their contribution is often under-represented in system-wide data. 

The CMO Sector Data Mapping Project, led by Mental Health Coordinating Council, provides a clearer picture of how the sector collects, manages and uses data. Drawing on a review of 85 member organisations, alongside consultations and a sector survey, the project confirms that organisations are already collecting significant, meaningful data to inform service delivery, outcomes and quality improvement. 

90%+ of organisations use data for outcomes, evaluation and service planning 

95%+ of organisations collect demographic data 

85% collect both quantitative and qualitative data 

Despite this, data remains fragmented across multiple systems, funding requirements and reporting frameworks, limiting the sector’s visibility in policy, planning and investment decisions. 

Project overview 

• Review of 85 community-managed mental health organisations delivering services across NSW  

• Member consultations and sector survey to understand current data practices  

• Identification of key gaps, challenges and opportunities to improve data consistency and visibility  

Why this matters 

• The sector is already generating rich and meaningful data, but it is not consistently captured or visible at a system level  

• Limited visibility constrains advocacy for investment, workforce development and service expansion  

• Stronger data alignment will support better planning, improved service design and more equitable outcomes 

This project highlights both the strength of the sector’s existing data practices and the challenges that constrain its use. Inconsistent definitions, overlapping reporting requirements and varying levels of resourcing create administrative burden and make it difficult to build a consistent, sector-wide picture of impact. 

Strengthening data consistency and alignment is essential to ensuring the community-managed sector is recognised as a core part of the mental health system. A more coordinated approach will support stronger advocacy, more informed decision-making, and better outcomes for people, families and communities. 

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