CEO Update: Natural disasters – Mental health supports are key to a stronger recovery
13 March 2025
CEO Message
I am currently on a short period of leave. I am delighted that Michelle Possingham, Mental Health Australia's Director of Programs, has stepped in to the role of Acting CEO while I am away.
Carolyn Nikoloski
CEO, Mental Health Australia
Natural disasters – Mental health supports are key to a stronger recovery
With the passing of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred (TC Alfred) over Australia’s eastern seaboard, we are again witnessing the adaptability and strength of communities responding to an extreme weather event.
Australians know well the potential mental health impacts of disasters. We also recognise how powerful and lasting this kind of trauma, and its effects on mental health, can be.
For people and communities already experiencing mental health challenges, these events can bring additional stress and disruption. This includes for our dedicated first responders, who may face particular mental health stressors as they support communities in response to disasters and, in many cases, where they and their families have been personally impacted by the event.
We know that in the short- to medium-term aftermath of a natural disaster such as flood, increased distress and rates of mental ill-health are common and that at this time, practical, timely support, good quality information and strong social networks are important.
It is positive to see federal and state governments working together quickly to reduce administrative load and ensure supports can be accessed by those affected by TC Alfred as soon as possible.
Encouragingly, we know that longer-term, the majority of people who experience a major natural disaster do report feeling fully or mostly recovered. This is helped by evidence-based best practice mental health resources developed specifically for natural disasters by the mental health sector.
In the aftermath of this latest event, after immediate practical support is provided, it will be critical for governments and recovery partners to continue to work together to effectively to support communities’ psychological recovery. It is also encouraging to hear the Prime Minister’s commitment that “part of our response will be to provide additional mental health support”.
Evidence shows that dedicated psychological prevention and preparedness strategies can lessen the toll of major disasters on people’s mental health and wellbeing.
Intentional integration of mental health supports in disaster planning and recovery is a cornerstone of the National Disaster Mental Health and Wellbeing Framework. Developed in consultation with the mental health sector and built on recommendations of the Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements, the framework guides how governments and recovery partners can consistently support mental health and wellbeing before, during and after a disaster.
My thoughts go out to those personally impacted by this event. I acknowledge the incredible community support and spirit apparent in areas directly affected and beyond, as people come together to support each other through the immediate recovery phase.
We’re eager to see this solidarity of spirit continue into the next phases of recovery. We stand ready to work with governments to ensure communities receive the support they need, in line with the National Disaster Mental Health and Wellbeing Framework, and to continue to advocate for reforms that strengthen both the baseline and surge capacity of our mental health system.
Michelle Possingham
Acting CEO, Mental Health Australia
Mental Health News
Media release: Financial assistance on the way for northern NSW's residents recovering from Cyclone Alfred
The Albanese and Minns Governments announced emergency financial assistance to help residents in the State's north-east severely impacted by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. The jointly funded package will provide emergency financial assistance of $180 for individuals or up to $900 per family to cover essential costs such as food, clothing medicines and emergency accommodation.
Media release: Disaster recovery allowance available for communities in New South Wales and Queensland
The Albanese Government activated financial support for communities directly affected by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred through the Disaster Recovery Allowance, offering up to 13 weeks of income support for eligible workers and sole traders depending on their personal circumstances who have suffered a loss of income as a direct result of the event.
Press conference transcript: Prime Minister, Lismore, 10th March 2025
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese discussed issues including Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred and Disaster Support and Recovery. The Prime Minister said part of the Government's response would be to provide additional mental health support, and preparedness for this event has been second to none.
Press conference transcript: Prime Minister, Canberra, 8th March 2025
The Prime Minister discussed Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred and federal and state government disaster support. The Prime Minister said the Government will continue to do everything it can to provide assistance at a very difficult time, including physical support, and there will quite clearly be lasting mental health issues as a result of the event.
Article: Systemic reform for a resilient mental health system
Through their pre-budget submission, Black Dog Institute is advocating for the Federal Government to make urgent, systemic reforms that will create a more accessible, coordinated, and sustainable mental health system. Our pre-budget submission outlines evidence-based recommendations so that, if implemented, will enable more Australians can access the care they need when they need it.
Media release: Delivering more support for families after miscarriage
Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, the Hon. Ged Kearney MP, said the Albanese Labor Government is providing $5.2 million for frontline miscarriage support services to deliver care for women and families who have experienced miscarriage, with the heartbreak of miscarriage having lasting impacts on a woman's physical and mental health throughout her life.
Media release: ACOSS welcomes new community sector grants engagement framework
ACOSS welcomed the Federal Government's new Community Sector Grants Engagement Framework as a positive step towards ensuring a stronger and more sustainable community sector. The Framework acknowledges the imperative to better support the work of community sector organisations delivering essential services to people experiencing poverty, disadvantage and hardship.
Media release: Homelessness Australia and CHIA welcome $1 Billion investment in crisis and transitional housing
Homelessness Australia, and the Community Housing Industry Association (CHIA) strongly endorsed the Australian Government's launch of $1 billion to address critical gaps in crisis housing for young people experiencing homelessness, and women and children fleeing family violence, through the National Housing Infrastructure Facility Crisis and Transitional Housing (NHIF CT) program.
Media release: Alcohol and other drugs issues paper published
The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Sport published an issues paper concerning the health impacts of alcohol and other drugs (AOD) in Australia following more than 200 written submissions in response to its inquiry on the topic launched in August 2024. Committee Chair Dr Mike Freelander MP described AOD as a complex social challenge that cuts across multiple measures of wellbeing for communities throughout Australia.
Media release: Better screening needed for social isolation, loneliness in people living with chronic disease
A new study reveals social isolation and loneliness can adversely affect mental and physical health, with researchers from the University of Wollongong (UOW) calling on Australians to look out for those who might be at risk. Lead researcher Scott William from UOW's Centre for Chronic and Complex Care Research said social isolation impacts one in four adults and is recognised as a modern-day health crisis, with a risk factor comparable to smoking, obesity and physical inactivity.
News from the National Disability Insurance Scheme
Participant First: New engagement opportunities
Discussion boards: Help shape how we talk about fraud in the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
- Expressions of interest close: Sunday, 16th March 2025
- The NDIS will contact you by: Thursday, 20th March 2025
- The discussion boards are open from: Thursday 27th March to Saturday, 29th March 2025.
What is this engagement activity about?
The NDIS wants to make sure information about fraud in the NDIS is clear, fair and understood. To achieve this, they are looking for feedback and recommendations for improving how they communicate about fraud and its prevention in the NDIS.
Your feedback will help them make sure:
- The information is easy to understand.
- They explain things in a way that makes people feel informed and supported.
The NDIS wants the communication strategy to help rebuild trust in the NDIS and make it easy to understand how the changes will affect participants.
This is a paid opportunity.
1 on 1 Interviews: Improving the Eligibility Reassessment experience
- Expressions of interest close: Sunday, 16 March 2025
- We will contact you by: Thursday, 20 March 2025
- The 1 on 1 interviews will take place from: Wednesday, 26 March to Tuesday, 16 April 2025.
What are the interviews about?
An Eligibility Reassessment is when the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA or NDIS) reviews whether an existing participant is still eligible for the NDIS.
During the interviews the NDIS will talk about participants' experience of this process. They will ask questions like:
- How did they tell you about your eligibility reassessment?
- Was the information easy to understand?
- What worked well or did not work well and suggestions to make the process better.
The 1 on 1 interviews will help the NDIS understand and improve the experience for participants during the Eligibility Reassessment process.
This is a paid opportunity.
Mental Health Opportunities and Resources
Webinar: Culturally Responsive Mental Health Services
The Embrace Multicultural Mental Health team invites mental health service professionals and individual practitioners seeking practical skills and insights to working with clients from refugee and multicultural backgrounds to join their upcoming webinar: Delivering Safe, Quality, and Culturally Responsive Mental Health Services.
The session will include a deep dive into Module 2 of the Framework for Mental Health in Multicultural Australia, ensuring cultural responsiveness in service access and delivery, the principles of Equitable Access and Service Delivery and a case study to demonstrate these principles in action. Manager of the NSW Transcultural Mental Health Centre, Maria Cassaniti, will share her clinical expertise and real-world insights into culturally responsive care.
If you have any questions, or require further information, please contact the Embrace team at multicultural@mhaustralia.org.
Date: Wednesday 26th March 2025
Time: 1:00-2:00pm (AEDT)
Location: Online via Zoom
What do you want from your national mental health consumer peak body?
The NMHCA became the national peak body for mental health consumers in July 2024.
Led by mental health consumers for mental health consumers, the NHMCA has developed a survey to help develop its strategy over the next two years, and is seeking input from consumers on its future priorities and areas of focus.
The survey closes Sunday, March 16th at 5:00PM.
Fundraising event coming soon – 29th March 2025
Bipolar Australia invites you to mark this year's World Bipolar Day 2025 (30th March 2025) at it's World Bipolar Day 2025 Fundraiser in Sydney on Saturday 29th March. Tickets, sponsorships and donations are tax deductible.
Date: Saturday 29th March 2025
Time: 5:00-7:00pm (AEDT)
Location: Sydney Masonic Centre, Corner Castlereagh and Goulburn streets, Sydney
Tickets are selling fast - book now!
Learn more at Bipolar Australia's website.
Coming soon: Neighbour Day 2025
Relationships Australia is calling for everyone to mark their calendars for Neighbour Day, Sunday, 30th March 2025.
This is Relationships Australia’s annual call-to-action, inviting everyone to celebrate and strengthen community connections. It's an opportunity to create, share, and grow belonging in your own unique way through a BBQ, street party, or by reaching out to someone new.
Every action, big or small, contributes to building more resilient and supportive neighbourhoods. This year's challenge is to extend our concept of "neighbour" beyond just those next door to embrace the diverse connections that enrich our lives and communities. Join us in fostering lasting, respectful relationships that make a difference every day of the year – and grow belonging this Neighbour Day!
Find resources and more at the button below.
Webinar: Improving your practice – Working across sectors
The Mental Health Professionals' Network invites practitioners to see four esteemed practitioners respond in-situ to hypothetical scenarios about people living with diverse, changing and complex needs.
With no advance briefings about each scenario, the panel will respond "on the spot”, demonstrating the strategies they’d employ to overcome challenges and work together to provide support, treatment and care.
Moderated by Dr Ruth Vine, the panel comprises Dr Paul Fung (Psychiatrist), Dr Michael Tam (GP), Tracey Hocking (Social Worker) and Margaret Foulds (Psychologist).
Date: Monday 31st March 2020
Time: 7:00pm (AEDT)
Location: Online via Zoom
Learn more about the session’s panel and learning outcomes at the button below.
Webinar: You Can't Deny it – Gender Euphoria Saves Lives
MindOut develops and delivers national suicide prevention initiatives for the mental health and suicide prevention sectors to help them meet the needs of LGBTIQ+ populations.
MindOut's next webinar will run adjacent to Trans Day of Visibility on 31st March, as a timely opportunity to discuss topics such as the importance of life-saving gender euphoria and gender affirming care.
Date: Tuesday 1st April 2025
Time: 1:00-2:00pm (AEDT)
Location: Online via Zoom
Register at the button below.
Webinar available for purchase and viewing: Bethany Brand Masterclass
The Australian Society for Psychological Medicine is offering its recent Bethany Brand Masterclass for purchasing and viewing until 5th April 2025.
Bethany has been instrumental in the work and understanding of Trauma and Dissociation. The webinar follows the release of her world-first evidence-based Dissociation Treatment Program: Finding Solid Ground study.
Expressions of interest invited for the National Suicide Prevention Office Lived Experience Partnership Group
The National Suicide Prevention Office (NSPO) is calling for expressions of interest from people with lived and living experience of suicide to join its new Lived Experience Partnership Group.
The NSPO has established the group to ensure people with a lived and living experience of suicide oversee the work of the NSPO, how it engages with people with lived and living experience and the advice it provides Government.
The group meets with the NSPO monthly and also contributes to the work of the NSPO on an ad-hoc basis.
Before applying, candidates should review the readiness to be involved in suicide prevention resource created by Roses in the Ocean.
The expression of interest opportunity is open until midnight 13th April 2025.
Listening Together Research Project
Young people with disability and young carers are invited to take part in Australian National University research studying how they define good listening, and whether they feel listened to by the organisations and services in their lives. The project is co-designed with a group of young people with disability and young carers and includes an online survey, which is open until 20th June.
Australian Government grant opportunity forecast: Mental Health Program, Medicare Mental Health Centres
The service will create a pool of clinical psychologists and psychiatrists to support the clinical capacity of Medicare Mental Health Centres as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Australian Government grant opportunity forecast: Mental Health Program, Postgraduate Psychology Incentive Program Round 2
The grant is intended to support higher education providers who have created additional postgraduate psychology places in courses which lead to general registration and relevant areas of practice endorsement.
National Care and Support Sector Conference, 25th July 2025, Perth
This year's conference brings the Disability, Aged Care, Mental Health, Early Childhood Education and Care and Veterans' Care sectors together to discuss shared challenges and opportunities for providers at a time of rapid reform.
Featured Members
Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia
Mental Illness Fellowship Australia (MIFA) is a federation of seven long-standing service delivery member organisations, established in 1986. Our members deliver specialist services for individuals living with severe mental ill-health and their carers, friends and families, out of nearly 60 ‘front doors’ in metropolitan and regional areas, to over 20,000 people each year. Our membership has a strong focus on building community, valuing peer support and lived experience, and supporting recovery. We know from experience that recovery of a better quality of life is possible for everyone affected by mental illness. We work with individuals and families in their journey to recover mental health, physical health, social connectedness and equal opportunity in all aspects of life. We have substantial experience delivering specialist, place-based, community-building programs to those experiencing mental illness, and over 55% of our workforce has a lived experience as a consumer or carer. With a strong focus on advocacy, MIFA aims to amplify the voices of people affected by severe and complex mental illness.
Tully Support Centre
The Tully Support Centre (TSC) is a recognised provider of high quality, accessible and inclusive support services, that acknowledges the uniqueness of their region and of the discrete communities that make up that region. The TSC undertake a social justice model of service delivery upholding the principles of collaboration, empowerment, equity, accessibility, valuing diversity and human rights. The TSC asserts that respectful, positive, targeted and individualised engagement is the foundation of good practice that promotes the safety, wellbeing and improved outcomes for individuals and families within the Cassowary Coast. The TSC also undertakes and supports a number of community development activities within the community.
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