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At Healing in Exile Symposium--L to R: Keynote speaker, Dr Araceli Garcia Del Soto Institute for Migration, Universidad Pontificiade Comilas, Madrid, Spain; Garry Page, CEO Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland; and Ivan Frkovic, Queensland Mental Health Commissioner. |
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Hi everyone
Budget time every year provides us all with the opportunity to re-assess how effectively we are utilising existing funding—as well as look at what new opportunities arise to continue the reform agenda in the mental health, alcohol and other drug, and suicide prevention sectors.
In this context, I welcome the announcements in the Federal Budget related to mental health, AOD, and suicide prevention, and particularly the focus on older Australian’s mental health.
However, additional funding is only one part of the reform equation. We, as a sector, have to continually check: are we delivering the right kinds of services, at the right time, in the right place? It is up to all of us to work together, guide reform and bring people along with us. Only then can we begin to create sustained and effective change.
This month we provided informational sessions to Parliamentarians on the Queensland mental health system; supported the bringing together of contemporary evidence and dialogue in the area of suicide prevention; continued to refine and develop the renewed Strategic Plan; closely monitored the drug law reform occurring in Victoria and the ACT; and welcomed new members to the Queensland Mental Health and Drug Advisory Council. All this will assist us to keep improving the system in Queensland and ultimately produce better life outcomes for people living with mental illness and problematic alcohol and other drug use.
Best wishes
Ivan Frkovic
Queensland Mental Health Commissioner
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Read on for more >> |
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The Minister for Health and Minister for Ambulance Services, the Honourable Steven Miles MP, has appointed a new Chair, Deputy Chair and additional members to the Queensland Mental Health and Drug Advisory Council.
Professor David Kavanagh’s appointment as the Chair acknowledges his significant contribution during his time as a Council member. Professor Kavanagh’s appointment will provide continuity of leadership of the Council.
Ms Gabrielle Vilic has been appointed as the Deputy Council Chair. She is a well-respected leader in the mental health sector with more than 24 years’ experience, working across government, non-government and lived experience sectors.
To strengthen the Council’s focus on the public mental health, alcohol and other drug service system, and the primary mental health service system, four additional members have been appointed: Professor Robert Bland, Associate Professor Brett Emmerson, Ms Karlyn Chettleburgh, and Ms Sue Scheinpflug.
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Meet the Council members >> |
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We’ve had a positive response to our recently released paper, Changing attitudes, changing lives: options to reduce stigma and discrimination for people experiencing problematic alcohol and other drug use.
Rebecca Lang, Chief Executive, Queensland Network of Alcohol and Drug Agencies (QNADA), has applauded the Commission for identifying 18 options for change that focus on educating and changing individual attitudes, challenging stereotypes, reforming policies and laws, and highlighting AOD use as a health concern—rather than a moral or criminal issue.
Read QNADA’s media release >>
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Read our 18 options for reform >> |
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Are we making a difference to Queensland’s mental health, alcohol and other drug, and suicide prevention system?.
To help inform our activities and priorities—and improve the mental health and wellbeing of Queenslanders—the Commission’s performance and effectiveness is independently reviewed each year.
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Take our survey now >> |
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‘Regardless of legal status, drug use should be made as safe as possible’ is the position of the Global Drug Survey. The 2018 survey, based on data from 130,000 people in more than 40 countries, aims to share evidence-based information with communities, media and medical staff.
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Get the latest insights >> |
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Strengthening mental health and wellbeing
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Children who have a family member impacted by mental illness face extra challenges and pressures. It can be difficult for these kids to just be kids.
The Australian Kookaburra Kids Foundation, which now operates in Queensland, supports children living in families affected by mental illness by providing camps, activity days, and mental health education to help build resilience, give them a break and provide a safe environment in which to share their experiences with others living in similar situations.
Children can be referred to Kookaburra Kids by mental health workers, school counsellors, GPs, family members or community workers, and is free to attend.
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Find out more >> |
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The value of focusing on the wellbeing of our children as a protective mental health measure is clear.
Emerging Minds, the National Workforce Centre for Child Mental Health, is a new initiative funded by the Australian Government that focuses on helping professionals and organisations who work with children or parents/families gain the skills needed to identify, assess and support children at risk of mental health conditions.
Through this initiative, clinical and non-clinical professionals will have free access innovative online training, a national network of regionally-based child mental health workforce consultants, and the latest research and how it translates into practice.
Check out a new course launching next week which focuses on the building blocks of child social and emotional wellbeing.
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Find out more >> |
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At the recent Healing in Exile—the Challenges in Context Symposium, held at QUT, delegates wrestled with the many challenges people from refugee backgrounds encounter as they recover from trauma and resettle in a new country—both major risk factors for mental illness.
The symposium was hosted by Queensland Program of Assistance to Survivors or Torture and Trauma (QPASTT) and sponsored by the Commission. If you have an upcoming event that supports better mental health outcomes for the community, our current sponsorship round closes on 31 May.
Queensland Mental Health Commissioner Ivan Frkovic facilitated the symposium’s panel session.
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Learn more about QPASTT >> |
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Many of you have contacted us to ask when the 2018–19 grants program will open.
Grant funding by the Commission is a significant lever for achieving reform, with more than $2.5 million invested since the grants began in 2014. This is why we are reviewing our grant program to ensure it aligns with the renewed Strategic Plan. This is an exciting development that will include larger grants focused on achieving better mental health and wellbeing for Queenslanders.
To be unveiled later in 2018, along with the Strategic Plan, keep an eye on eNews and our social media. |
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Listening to young people
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Thoughts, views, opinions, hopes and dreams—if you work with children and young people, encourage them to share what’s important to them with the Growing up in Queensland project.
The project will get ideas in front of decision makers, share them with the wider community and, most importantly, give young people an opportunity to have a say in decisions that affect their lives. There’s also a chance to win 1 of 20 $50 gift cards.
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More >> |
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Sponsorships
Looking to extend the reach of your mental health, drug or alcohol awareness event, conference or project? Sponsorships up to $10 000 are available. Current round closes 31 May. |
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Sector grants
The Queensland Council of Social Service (QCOSS) publishes a comprehensive list of sector grants.
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Scholarships
Health professionals in rural and regional Australia wanting to increase their skills can apply for the Australian Government’s Health Workforce Scholarship Program. |
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