navigating schads and workers compensation changes
11 AUGUST 2026
Recent changes to the SCHADS Award and workers compensation scheme are redefining how organisations classify, pay and support their workforce. This Member Briefing will unpack the new SCHADS classification structure and wage rates, and dive into what the workers compensation changes mean for psychological injury claims, entitlements and employer obligations. Hear from expert speakers to better understand these developments and their implications for your organisation.
Speakers
Andrew Hollier, Industrial Relations Manager, icare | Presentation slides
Angus McFarland, Secretary, Australian Services Union – NSW & ACT
This webinar recording is available to members only. If you are an MHCC member and would like access, please contact communications@mhcc.org.au.
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT IN PRACTICE
15 JUNE 2026
As the community mental health sector continues to grow and evolve, traineeships offer a practical pathway to build workforce capability and support future workforce needs. This Member Briefing will explore peer work training pathways in NSW, the benefits and requirements of traineeships, and the practical supports available to organisations, supervisors and learners. Hear from sector and training experts about how traineeships can be implemented effectively within community mental health settings.
Speakers
Jessica Radican, Principal Statewide Peer (Lived Experience) Workforce Officer, Mental Health Branch, NSW Ministry of Health | Presentation slides
Susan Scowcroft, Executive Director, NSW Community Services and Health Industry Training Advisory Body | Presentation slides
Leon Esho, Training Advisor, Training Services – NSW Department of Education | Presentation slides
Michelle Hoomans, Learning and Development Manager, Mental Health Coordinating Council
Reference links
Traineeships at MHCC, Mental Health Coordinating Council
FOUNDATIONAL SUPPORTS AND PSYCHOSOCIAL NEEDS IN NSW
25 May 2026
Mental Health Coordinating Council (MHCC) and National Disability Services (NDS) has launched a joint position paper on Foundational Supports for people with psychosocial needs in NSW. This webinar explores what recent NDIS reforms mean for people living with psychosocial disability in NSW, the increasing service gap, what’s at risk, and the role that Foundational Supports can play in building a better system.
Speakers
Dr. Evelyne Tadros, Chief Executive Officer, Mental Health Coordinating Council
Corinne Henderson, Director, Policy & Systems Reform, Mental Health Coordinating Council
Dr. Debbie Jaggers, Foundational Supports Lead, National Disability Services
Lowri Williams, State Manager NSW, National Disability Services
Presentation slides
Reference links
Advice to governments: evidence-informed and good practice psychosocial services, Mental Health Australia
Course in Mental Health Peer Navigation, Mental Health Coordinating Council
Mental Health Workforce Solutions, Mental Health Coordinating Council
This webinar recording is available to members only. If you are an MHCC or NDS member and would like access, please contact communications@mhcc.org.au.
Introducing ConnectMH: A new way to access mental health care in NSW
10 November 2025
ConnectMH is the NSW Government’s new state-wide initiative to simplify access to mental health care. Healthdirect will provide a single point of contact for 24/7 assessment, advice and connection to services across all levels of government. Hear directly from the NSW Ministry of Health and Healthdirect about how this model will work in practice, what it means for the community mental health sector, and how it supports better pathways to care.
This webinar is available to members only. If you are an MHCC member and would like access, please contact communications@mhcc.org.au.
Workers Compensation Reforms: Impacts and considerations for the CMO sector
20 August 2025
Discover insights from the recent Non-Government Organisations Insurance Survey Outcomes Report 2025, learn about key considerations, potential impacts, and what your organisation can do to prepare and protect your workforce.
Speakers
Debbie Jamieson, Project Manager (NGO Advisory Committee), The Network of Alcohol and Other Drugs Agencies | Presentation slides
Dianne Thomas, Head of Workers Compensation, GSA Insurance Brokers | Presentation Slides
Alicia Rose, Client Director, Workers Compensation, GSA Insurance Brokers
UNDERSTANDING THE NEW PORTABLE LONG SERVICE LEAVE
14 April 2025
An informative session on the NSW Government’s new Portable Long Service Leave Scheme and how it will impact workers and employers in the community-managed mental health sector. Understand how the Scheme works, how to carry over long service leave entitlements, what employers need to do to implement this new initiative from 1 July 2025.
Speakers
Michela Beal, Stakeholder Engagement, Long Service Corporation, Department of Customer Service, NSW Government | Presentation slides
Jess Eggins, Project Officer – Stakeholder Engagement, Long Service Corporation, Department of Customer Service, NSW Government
Download the Q&A Summary
Developing Foundational Supports and Early Intervention with an additional presentation on SCHADS Award review
26 November 2024
New systems of supports are currently being developed by the Australian Government and the National Disability Insurance Agency in response to the NDIS Review’s Final Report recommendations. This member briefing will provide an update on the current development of Foundational Supports for people outside the NDIS and Early Intervention support for children with developmental concerns, delay or disability. In addition, members will also be updated on the SCHADS (Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services) Award review.
Speakers
Matthew Barden, Director, Disability Policy and Reform, NSW Department of Communities and Justice
Vincent Ponzio, Director, Disability and Social Policy, Mental Health Branch, NSW Ministry of Health | Presentation slides
Dr Gerry Naughtin OAM, Strategic Adviser Mental Health and Psychosocial Disability, National Disability Insurance Agency | Presentation slides
Angus McFarland, Secretary, Australian Services Union NSW & ACT
HASI/CLS Review and Procurement Timeline
3 September 2024
The Housing and Accommodation Support Initiative (HASI) and Community Living Supports (CLS) funding agreements are due to expire in June 2026. The Ministry of Health and the Agency for Clinical Innovation is currently conducting a review of HASI/CLS in preparation for the open procurement process. This member-only event provided an important update on the review to date.
Speakers
Amy Wyndham, Director, Community Programs & Partnerships, Mental Health Branch, NSW Health
Karen de Mar, Principal Policy Officer, Community Living Programs, Mental Health Branch, NSW Health | Presentation slides
Dr Leanne Ruggero (PhD Cognitive Science, MRes, MSLP), Evidence Synthesis Officer, Critical Intelligence Unit, Agency for Clinical Innovation, NSW Health | Presentation slides
