In the September edition of MHPN Connect:

Read a story from the Goondiwindi network

Register for our upcoming professional development webinar:  

• Ageing with Agency: Multidisciplinary Support for Older People Living in Community 

Listen to our latest podcast episodes:

• A Conversation About... Why Interpreters Matter in Mental Health Care
• A Conversation About… Culture, Connection and Indigenous Flourishing – Parts 1 & 2 

Browse upcoming network meetings

MHPN is now on Instagram

Stay connected with the latest from the mental health sector. Follow us for updates on upcoming events, insights into multidisciplinary practice, and stories that highlight the power of collaboration in improving mental health care.

Follow us @mhpn_online 

Networks

Our Coordinators Connect

Last week, MHPN Network Coordinators from across Australia came together for a special event focused on designing meaningful and impactful network activities.

With support from MHPN Project Officers, coordinators shared practical tips, resources, and ideas, leaving the session with fresh plans to strengthen collaboration and connection in their local networks.

Pictured from left to right: Tasmanian Perinatal & Infant MHPN, Cairns and Beaches MHPN, Queensland Transcultural MHPN

Share Your Network Photo & Win

We want to see your networks in action!
Submit a photo of your meeting or activity for the chance to win $100 additional funding in our quarterly photo competition.

For the remainder of 2025, tag us on Instagram @mhpn_online to receive double entries. Selected photos will be featured across MHPN communications.

Terms and conditions apply.

A Story from the Goondiwindi Network

Mental health professionals in rural and regional areas often face unique challenges, such as isolation and limited access to resources. Yet within these challenges lies the opportunity to build strong, supportive professional communities that make a real difference. Networks like Goondiwindi, that encourage collaboration and peer support are helping to address these challenges.

Network Coordinator, Katherine Johnstone finds her role deeply rewarding, and acknowledges the essential role of MHPN Project Officers, whose guidance and support has allowed her to focus on “what really matters; fostering connections and sharing knowledge”.

“I feel honoured to be part of this program and look forward to continuing in this role for many years to come.”
– Network Coordinator, Katherine Johnstone 

Interested in becoming a Network Coordinator or starting a network in your community? Visit Start a network - MHPN

Webinars

Ageing with Agency: Multidisciplinary Support for Older People Living in Community

Wednesday, 24 September | 7.15 - 8.30 PM (AEST)

Meet Hilda
She’s 79, staunchly independent, and determined to stay in her own home. But osteoporosis, bipolar disorder, and possible cognitive decline are making life more complex and more isolating.

At this webinar, a multidisciplinary panel including a general practitioner, psychiatrist, nurse and lived experience advocate will unpack Hilda’s story and explore how collaborative care can support older people to live well in the community, even as needs change.

In case you missed it...

Multidisciplinary Masterclass: Best Practice in Eating Disorders

During the webinar, our panel explored how a multidisciplinary approach can lead to better outcomes in the treatment and support of eating disorder presentations. 

Podcasts

A Conversation About... Why Interpreters Matter in Mental Health Care

In mental health, interpreters offer so much more than translation. They offer support to help clients feel understood, and practitioners to deliver care across cultures and languages.

Host Dr Radhika Santhanam-Martin speaks with Nellie Bi, Blossom Ah Ket and Susan Esmaili about the emotional work they carry, the challenges they face, and why more recognition and support is needed.

A Conversation About… Culture, Connection and Indigenous Flourishing – Part 1

Professor Pat Dudgeon, Dr Abi Bray and Professor Alan Rosen explore Indigenous flourishing in this first episode of a two-part series. During their discussion, they explore the concept of Social and Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB), how SEWB is based in culture, country and connection, and how much it differs against colonial and individualistic models of care.

A Conversation About… Culture, Connection and Indigenous Flourishing – Part 2

Professor Pat Dudgeon, Dr Abi Bray and Professor Alan Rosen return for the second episode in this two-part series on Indigenous flourishing. Building on their earlier discussion of Social and Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB), this episode focuses on practical ways to support SEWB in both community and clinical settings. 

External opportunities 

20-21 November 2025 | 📍 Pullman Hotel Adelaide, SA

The 2025 Equally Well Conference will bring people together from across the mental health sector to share innovative projects and research focusing on the shared goal of improving the physical quality of life for people with a lived experience of mental health challenges.

Register now for this free event and be part of a dynamic and inclusive experience where people with lived experience, academics, health leaders, clinicians, policy officers, and advocates come together to showcase bold, collaborative approaches that are transforming health equity and saving lives.

Submit and Abstract to present 

Apply for a Lived Experience Bursary

Nominate for an Equally Well Achievement Award

Upcoming Network Activities

370+ multidisciplinary mental health networks meet across Australia to undertake professional development and peer support about a range of topics relevant to their needs.

Browse a selection of the upcoming network activities below, or find a network near you.

NATIONAL

• Inclusive Australian Agency of Mental Health Practitioners Network (IAAMHP) (Online) - Skills Training – Session 1: Problem-Solving and Anger Management Techniques | Saturday, 13 September

NEW SOUTH WALES

• Randwick Mental Health Network (Network Relaunch) - EMDR Therapy: Shaping the Future of Mental Health Care | Wednesday, 10 September

QUEENSLAND

• Bayside Mental Health Professionals Network - Beyond Self-Care: Rethinking Burnout Prevention in Mental Health Work | Monday, 15 September 

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

• Perth Diabetes and Mental Health Network (Online) - Lived Experience Panel: Exploring the Psychological and Behavioural Impact of Diabetes Technology | Tuesday, 23 September 

TASMANIA

• Tasmanian Eating Disorders Network - Emerging research in Anorexia Nervosa: Medication trials and AN–ADHD overlap | Wednesday, 17 September

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

• Adelaide ADHD Mental Health Network - Collaborative Practice Session: Exploring ADHD Care with Case Studies | Wednesday, 10 September

VICTORIA

• Canterbury Mental Health Network (Network Relaunch) (Online) - Listening to the Fractured Narrative of Trauma: The Importance of Early Intervention | Wednesday, 17 September
• Eastern Melbourne Neurodiversity Affirming Network - Report from the ADHD Conference | Thursday, 18 September

If these topics interest you and you're in the area, join the network via your MHPN account to attend!

The Mental Health Professionals’ Network (MHPN) respectfully acknowledges the Wurundjeri and the
Boon Wurrung people of the Kulin nation, the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land on which our office is situated. We also acknowledge Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.