Thanks to everyone who participated in Queensland Mental Health Week
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CheckIN
Issue 202 | 19 October 2023
With Ann Maree on long service leave, members of CheckUP's management team will provide the monthly introduction to CheckIN. This month, it's David Millichap, General Manager - Engagement & Business Development.
Hi all,
I have to begin by talking about Queensland Mental Health Week (QMHW)! Having been involved in QMHW for the past 6 years, I can confidently say that QMHW 2023 was the biggest and best yet, and reinforced the theme of "Awareness, Belonging and Connection" through a record number of community events across Queensland.
The 507 events were diverse in nature and included a Mental Health Street Stall in Longreach, a Suicide Awareness Walk in Mareeba, a Wellbeing Awareness session on Palm Island, an Art Therapy Exhibition & Mural in Coolangatta and a Mental Health First Aid workshop in Mount Isa. Multiply these 5 events by 100 and you get a sense of how widespread and diverse Queensland Mental Health Week was in 2023!
Special thanks to the Queensland Mental Health Commission for their funding and support, all of our cross-sector collaborators who helped promote the week, and to Conor Blackley and the CheckUP team for coordinating such a successful week of awareness, belonging and connection.
We have our next 25th anniversary event taking place on Thursday 9 November in Toowoomba for members and stakeholders, so if you are in that region, we hope to see you then.
Our last major event for 2023 will be held in Disability Action Week with our Queensland Primary Health Care Network meeting taking place on 30 November, featuring an in-person presentation from the highly respected and engaging disability advocate, Dr Dinesh Palipana. Make sure you register for this event soon as places are limited.
Cheers,
David Millichap
General Manager - Engagement & Business Development
CheckUP
CheckUP's Queensland Mental Health Week Activities
This is the sixth year that CheckUP have coordinated Queensland Mental Health Week (QMHW) on behalf of the Queensland Mental Health Commission and with the support of a strong cross-sector collaboration.
As the coordinators of QMHW it was incredible to see all the creative and varied events happening across the state. The CheckUP team were lucky enough to attend some of the major events in Brisbane as well as hosting our own workplace events. For a snapshot of how we got involved in Queensland Mental Health Week 2023, view our website below.
Register now for our November Queensland Primary Health Care Network event
Topic: Disability Action Week
When: Thursday 30 November 2023
Time: 12.30–2.30pm
Where: Online or in-person
Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council (QAIHC) training rooms,
Level 1/36 Russell Street, South Brisbane
Health Gateway Program
As schools enjoyed their holidays, the Health Gateway team was hard at work focusing on behind-the-scenes tasks and preparing for exciting upcoming events. One of their major tasks is the Health Gateway Yearbook, a publication celebrating the incredible work being undertaken by the network.
The team have also been busy planning two must-attend events. On Wednesday, October 25, 2023, the St James Health Tester event welcomes all Health Gateway schools. Following that, the Buderim Private Hospital Experience on Wednesday, November 8, is open to all Health Gateway schools on the Sunshine Coast.
The team also visited the Gold Coast University Hospital Deadly Start Open Day which provided valuable insights into the health industry. Attendees heard from current trainees and healthcare professionals, gaining unique perspectives on their journeys and experiences. A tour of the state-of-the-art hospital facilities was also enjoyed by attendees.
QMHW - A tremendous success
Thank you for a fantastic Queensland Mental Health Week! We're thrilled to share that this year the record has been broken for the number of registered #QMHW events at 507 events. Thanks to everyone who has organised, volunteered for, and promoted these events to help raise awareness, foster belonging, and generate connections and conversations on mental health and wellbeing. QMHW may be over but there are still many fantastic events happening across Queensland throughout October. Head to our website to search activities happening near you.
It’s also not too late to join our QMHW social media challenge and be in the running to win a $200 Visa gift card! Make sure your event is registered, then share event photos on Facebook or Instagram and tag our page to enter. Full details and terms and conditions on our website.
CheckUP appointed to deliver Rural Primary Health Services Program in Central Queensland
In partnership with Country to Coast QLD (CCQ), CheckUP have been appointed to deliver health services to the Central Queensland community in Rural Primary Health Services Program (RPHS).
As part of our commitment to maintaining and improving vital healthcare services, we are thrilled to announce a significant milestone in enhancing healthcare access in Central Queensland, specifically in Emerald. From October we are taking over the operational coordination of the RPHS program, supported by CCQ.
YIPEE program update
October has been a busy month! The YIPEE Program welcomed Ingham State High School, who recently signed an MOU formalising their official entry into the program.
At Innisfail State College 22 students attended a Careers Pathways Workshop hosted by Queensland Ambulance and learnt about healthcare sector career opportunities. Additionally, two students who are currently studying a certificate II in Health Support at the school, commenced work experience at Mamu Health Services.
YIPEE's Student Industry Transition Officer also recently delivered a presentation at Tec-NQ in Townsville. Donna informed parents and students of health sector employment opportunities and gave insights into how students can successfully transition from school to work.
Disability services across the health sector must improve1
The Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of people with disability found health professionals often lack access to relevant CPD training.
Access for All: Disability awareness for mainstream health providers (AfA) is a FREE, online course suitable for all health providers that earns CPD points.
Complete AfA and be proactive in improving the lives of people with disability (including people with cognitive and intellectual disability).
1Public Hearing 10: Report – Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of people with disability.
New Indigenous Eye Health Manager appointed
CheckUP welcomes Kerry Russell to the role of Indigenous Eye Health Manager (IEHM). Kerry’s role will support Indigenous Eye Health Coordinators (IEHC) and statewide eye health services such as Visiting Optometry Scheme (VOS) and the Medical Outreach Indigenous Chronic Disease Program (MOICDP). We wish Kerry success in her new role as we continue to prioritise eye health for everyone.
World Sight Day on the 12th October 2023, encouraged us all to love our eyes and prioritise eye health across the globe. Here are some things we can all do to keep our eyes healthy:
- Follow the 20/20/20 rule to give your eyes screen breaks.
- Spend time outside for your eyes to develop in a healthy way.
- Wear sunglasses outside.
- Check your cosmetics to avoid eye infections.
- Book an eye test to detect problems before they arise.
Rural Mental Health Conference
The 2023 Rural Mental Health Conference will be held in Albury from 8-10 November 2023 with the theme Justice and equity: Issues and solutions for Rural and Remote Mental Health.
Hosted by the Australian and New Zealand Mental Health Association, the conference aims to create positive pathways towards prevention and treatment of mental health in our rural communities. Conference attendees will have the chance to network, brainstorm innovative approaches, and discover advanced and adaptable mental health service solutions that can be used in communities right now.
IAHA National Conference
The 2023 IAHA National Conference will be held from 27–29 November 2023 at the Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort.
The conference theme, Our Knowledges, Voices and Practices, recognises the contribution that members, communities and organisations have made to improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Conference attendees will gain opportunities to learn, grow, heal, network and celebrate excellence in the Indigenous allied health sector. Plus, there is a range of well-regarded speakers including Johnathan Thurston.
Day for Daniel 2023
Honouring the memory of Daniel Morcombe, Day for Daniel on Friday 27 October 2023 is Australia's largest child safety education and awareness day.
Parents, carers, and educators are encouraged to start a conversation with children and young people about personal safety. Schools and early learning centres will conduct child safety education activities. Businesses and communities will come together to raise awareness of child safety issues. Wear red on 27 October to raise awareness for child safety.
Cervical Cancer Awareness Week
Cervical Cancer Awareness Week runs from 13-19 November 2023. The theme this year is 1 + 5!
With changes to our national programs, cervical cancer protection is now as easy as 1+5.
All you need is:
One (1) dose of HPV vaccine for young people
+
Cervical screening every five (5) years for women and people with a cervix aged 25–74.
Help us make cervical cancer a thing of the past.
Hear and Say
Hear and Say is Queensland’s specialised provider of audiology and speech pathology for all people with hearing loss. They operate state-wide and support people of all ages – from newborn babies to toddlers, school age children and adults.
Hear and Say are one of the major collaborators of Loud Shirt Day - an annual fundraiser that supports children with hearing loss. Loud Shirt Day will take place on Friday 20 October. Bust out your wildest shirt this Friday to help make a difference to children with hearing loss! Find out more about Loud Shirt Day here.
Success at Recovered Futures Art Exhibition
2023 has been a record-setting year for the Recovered Futures Art Exhibition, with sales and attendance figures exceeding anything they've seen before. Although the physical exhibition has now closed, online sales will be available until Tuesday 31 October. Don't miss your chance to purchase an original artwork and support artists with lived mental health experience! 85 per cent of artwork sale proceeds go directly to the artist. Local pick up in Brisbane is available.
Thinking Outside the Box Epilepsy Symposium
Epilepsy Queensland is hosting the 2023 Thinking Outside the Box Epilepsy Symposium event on November 8 at Victoria Park, Brisbane.
Running for the 11th year, this well-regarded symposium shares the latest epilepsy-related knowledge and information, stimulating dialogue and Thinking Outside the Box when it comes to research and managing the impacts of epilepsy.
The program will feature a range of speakers focused on the topic of “Building an Epilepsy Smart Queensland”.
Have your next event or training featured in CheckIN
CheckUP Organisational Members are eligible to advertise their latest news and upcoming events or training under the Member News section of this eNewsletter, which is sent to all of our current members and a wide range of stakeholders. You can send us items by email, via comms@checkup.org.au.
Indigenous Business Month
Indigenous Business Month runs throughout October and collectively calls upon First Nations business owners and their non-Indigenous allies to gather together, online and in community.
Indigenous Business Month is an initiative driven by the alumni of Melbourne Business School’s MURRA Indigenous Business Master Class, who see business as a way of providing positive role models for young First Nations Australians and improving the quality of life in First Nations communities.
Gathering is at the heart of building relationships. We gather to seek solace, to seek feedback, to find information and inspiration and to generate friendship and connection.
By gathering together, we challenge ourselves to broaden our minds, think anew, brainstorm solutions and act differently for better futures. It is in the spaces we create when we gather, that we connect and uplift one another in times of pressure and stress.
Recipe: Asian tofu rice salad
Enjoy this healthy, crunchy and flavoursome Asian salad. Whipped up in 20 minutes, this colourful salad can be enjoyed straight away or stored in the fridge for delicious work lunches.
Acknowledgement of Country
CheckUP acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land where we work and live. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We celebrate the stories, culture and traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders of all communities who also work and live on this land.
