Month: October 2019

The National Mental Health Commission’s Connections project tour was successfully
completed recently after visiting 26 towns and cities around the country from June –
September 2019.
Beginning on Thursday Island and travelling across all states and territories, strong
connections were made with each community including the diversity of professionals
and volunteers involved in mental health and suicide prevention, and most significantly
with those with a living experience, together with carers, families and supporters. Each
community had an opportunity to share their experiences and ideas for change during a
town hall meeting.
CEO, Christine Morgan, and Chair, Lucy Brogden were keen to learn about the realities
and experiences of mental ill health and suicide from Australians to help inform the
development of a national 2030 Vision for mental health, suicide prevention and
wellbeing for the Australian Government to affect system change.
“This is about ensuring that the voices of those with a living experience of mental health
and suicidality are involved in Australia’s 2030 Vision for mental health, and are
contributing to the design of an improved approach,” said Ms Morgan.
For those not able to attend meetings, a consultation portal was open to all wanting to
share their story.
The Connections project insights will significantly inform the recommendations and
proposed system changes included in the 2030 Vision report to be delivered to the
Minister for Health, Greg Hunt, before Christmas.
Primary is proud to have designed and delivered the Connections project alongside the
project team at the Commission, and to work with the National Mental Health
Commission on their priority projects.