Queensland was privileged to be a part of the inaugural Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Leaders in Mental Health Forum held in Sydney on 13-14 November 2013.
Hosted by the Mental Health Commission of New South Wales, the forum was attended by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representatives from state mental health commissions.
Discussion focused on developing a strong consistent voice advocating for significant improvements in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health and social and emotional wellbeing.
There is a strong foundation and commitment across community, non-government and government sectors to support and drive reform at the local and national level. Leaders, government and the community can now work towards solutions to improve the mental health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Queensland’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representatives at the forum included delegates from the Department of Health, Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council, University of Southern Queensland, Police Citizens Youth Club, Carer Representative on the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social and Emotional Wellbeing Working Group, and Aunty Val Alberts. Dr Gracelyn Smallwood attended as a guest of the Queensland Mental Health Commission.
Queensland will host the next National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Leadership Forum in early 2014.
