Mental Health Commission of NSW

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Mental Health Commission of NSW

The Commission advocates for mental health system reform and promotes mental health and wellbeing

24/06/2026

We’ve released our findings for the extensive consultation we undertook over the last year.

This consultation was to help inform the state’s next 10-year mental health and wellbeing strategy.

We spoke to over 5,500 people and 400 organisations to help us shape the next mental health and wellbeing strategy for NSW.

The sector has seen good progress over the last decade, providing a solid foundation for further reform. But during consultation, we heard most loudly and most often the repeated calls for:
➡ reform that is lasting
➡ reform that is led by lived experience
➡ reform that gives people choice and autonomy
➡ reform that is a whole-of-government approach.

We are now using what you’ve told us, along with research and evidence, to develop the state’s next mental health and wellbeing strategy.

🔗You can read more about what we heard at: https://bit.ly/4p4eeAh

22/06/2026

Efforts to reduce su***de and suicidal distress across NSW will be guided by new su***de prevention councils the Commission has established.

The two new councils are:
- the Aboriginal Su***de Prevention Council
- the Su***de Prevention Council

The Councils include experts in su***de prevention, Aboriginal elders, people from population groups disproportionately affected by su***de, people with lived experience of suicidal distress, and carers supporting people experiencing suicidal distress.

We are now leading the development of a new statewide su***de prevention plan and an Aboriginal su***de prevention plan. The Councils will provide us with guidance and advice during this development.

These plans will provide the framework to refocus su***de prevention so the different agencies of the NSW Government can take action on su***de prevention.

You can find out more at www.nswmentalhealthcommission.com.au/su***de-prevention/su***de-prevention-councils

15/06/2026

Today marks the start of Men’s Health Week, an important opportunity to highlight the mental health and emotional wellbeing of men and boys in our communities.

Men’s Health Week encourages open conversations about mental health, helping to break down stigma and create space for men to seek support when they need it. It’s also a time to reflect on how we can better support men’s wellbeing and improve mental health outcomes.

Looking after yourself and your mates starts with mental health - take time to check in, start a conversation, and reach out for support when you need it.

Free and confidential help is available through MensLine Australia (1300 789 978) and the NSW Mental Health Line (1800 011 511).

10/06/2026

Congratulations to The King’s Birthday 2026 honours list recipients recognised for their work in mental health.

From important research to advocacy and frontline care, Professor Michael Berk AO, Professor Valsamma Eapen AO, Ms Janet Meagher AO, Emeritus Professor Justin Kenardy AO, Professor John Newton AM, Dr Dov Degen OAM, and many others have each made a lasting and meaningful difference.

05/06/2026

Commissioner, Jennifer Black joined the NSW Transport Executive Network panel this week to discuss the critical role of leadership in shaping safe, mentally healthy workplaces.

The conversation focused on how leadership decisions about strategy, priorities and system design directly influence mental health outcomes, and the importance of taking a proactive, preventative approach.

The discussion reinforced the importance of strong leadership in improving workforce wellbeing and performance.

03/06/2026

We’re looking for NSW residents who want to contribute to improving mental health and wellbeing across NSW.

Expressions of Interest are now open for the Mental Health Community Advisory Council. The Council provides advice to the Commission to help strengthen understanding of the factors which influence mental health and wellbeing across NSW.

We are seeking Council members who bring a diverse range of views, particularly:

🔸people who have lived experience of mental health challenges and their families and carers,
🔸mental health service providers,
🔸people living in regional and remote New South Wales,
🔸culturally and linguistically diverse communities,
🔸Aboriginal people
🔸other expertise relevant to mental health and wellbeing

If you feel you could contribute to this work, we encourage you to submit your expression of interest.

🔗 www.nswmentalhealthcommission.com.au/news/are-you-interested-improving-mental-health-and-wellbeing-across-nsw

01/06/2026

Help guide NSW Health staff to deliver culturally safe and respectful care.

Apply for a NSW Aboriginal identified cultural safety trainer position now.

For more information, visit https://bit.ly/4x1rB7J

26/05/2026

This week is National Reconciliation Week.

This year’s theme, “All In,” reminds us that reconciliation calls for meaningful action from all of us.

We know that Aboriginal people are disproportionately affected by mental health and wellbeing challenges.

Intergenerational trauma, systemic disadvantage and racism intersect with factors such as housing, employment, and education. All of these elements can compound mental health challenges and increase vulnerability to distress and crisis. These realities are front of mind as we shape the state’s next Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy, and a dedicated Aboriginal Su***de Prevention Plan.

In the meantime, if you or someone you know needs support, please reach out:

📞 13 Yarn – 13 92 76 (24/7 Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander crisis support)

📞 Lifeline – 13 11 14

25/05/2026

We are checking in on NSW’s mental health and wellbeing 📋

Every year we conduct our community wellbeing survey to help build our understanding of the NSW community’s needs and expectations.

The survey is being targeted to participants that match the demographics of the state – and this year the survey has a new focus on attitudes towards su***de and su***de prevention.

Keep an eye out later in the year for our findings. In the meantime, you can look at past surveys and the other data we track at www.nswmentalhealthcommission.com.au/data

23/05/2026

Stigma creates real barriers to work, study, connection and care.

In Australia, schizophrenia affects just over 2 people in every 1,000. People living with schizophrenia report experiencing social isolation, discrimination, and limited access to healthcare and support services with 93% reporting unfair treatment - the highest of any mental health condition: www.nswmentalhealthcommission.com.au/measuring-change-indicator/unfair-treatment-because-mental-health-issues

This Schizophrenia Awareness Day, we can all play a part breaking the stigma - even if it’s something as simple as learning more about the condition.

Learn how you can make a difference at www.mifa.org.au/schizophrenia-awareness-week

Address

PO BOX 5343
Sydney, NSW
2001

Website

http://www.nswmentalhealthcommission.com.au/

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