May edition
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In the May edition of MHPN Connect:
Explore National Volunteer Week, Network stories and Balint network vacancies
Register for our upcoming professional development webinars:
- Working out the why: Addressing the unmet needs of children who are experiencing school attendance difficulties (Tomorrow)
- Understanding and addressing workplace burnout: Strategies for supporting patient/client wellbeing
- Yarning about the Social and Emotional Wellbeing of First Nations Women and Gender Diverse People
Listen to our new podcast episodes:
- Alcohol, Pregnancy and FASD
- Multidisciplinary Practice: Rhetoric or Reality?
Browse upcoming network meetings
Networks
What's on
National Volunteer Week 2025
In celebration of National Volunteer Week (19 - 25 May 2025), we are pleased to invite you to an event highlighting the vital volunteer role of Network Coordinator in leading groups of mental health professional peers to improve multidisciplinary care.
Special Event
Whether you’re new to the Network Coordinator role or considering stepping into it, this relaxed Q&A-style session is your chance to learn about what’s involved, explore the professional and personal benefits of volunteering and hear from experienced Coordinators about what motivates them.
Date: Thursday, 22 May
Session time: 3PM AEST
Duration: 60 minutes
RSVP to secure your spot in this event and celebrate the Network Coordinator role this National Volunteer Week 2025!
Pictured from left to right: Rockingham/Kwinana MHPN, QLD Transcultural MHPN, Alice Springs MHPN
Balint network vacancies
MHPN currently support a number of Balint networks that meet all over Australia. There is a limited number of spaces in each group.
What is a Balint network?
A Balint group is a small group of clinicians who meet regularly, with the guidance of trained leaders, to discuss challenging cases from their practices. The focus is on the emotional aspects of their work and particularly the clinician-patient relationship.
Networks that have spaces available:
- Wednesday Morning Group (balint)
- Elsternwick Balint Tuesdays
- Online Balint Group for Doctors - Tuesday
Get
involved!
To join a Balint network, create or login to your MHPN account, follow the network link above and apply to join.
No network that meets your needs? Consider starting your own!
Network Story: Mount Gambier MHPN
Having met regularly from 2014 to 2017, the Mount Gambier Network was reinvigorated in 2024 when Tracey Wanganeen took on the volunteer role of Network Coordinator.
The Mount Gambier Network has not only brought together health professionals from both private practice and non-government organisations but has also established a space for networking and identifying referral pathways to meet specific community needs.
The Network has provided a valuable platform for practitioners to connect and share resources.
– Tracey Wanganeen, Mount Gambier Network Coordinator.
Webinars
Working out the why: Addressing the unmet needs of children who are experiencing school attendance difficulties
Wednesday, 7 May | 7.15 - 8.30 PM (AEST) Tomorrow evening
Presented in partnership with Emerging Minds
In this webinar, our multidisciplinary panel will explore reasons underlying school attendance difficulties, and promote partnership-based, trauma-informed strategies for a contextualised understanding of each child’s unique needs in education settings.
Understanding and addressing workplace burnout: Strategies for supporting patient/client wellbeing
Tuesday, 13 May | 7.15 - 8.30 PM (AEST)
Presented in partnership with Comcare
In this webinar, our expert panel will explore key causes and signs of workplace burnout, its impact on patient care, and evidence-based strategies to support recovery.
Yarning about the Social and Emotional Wellbeing of First Nations Women and Gender Diverse People
Wednesday, 21 May | 7.15 - 8.30 PM (AEST)
This webinar will be conducted in a yarning circle format, offering a First Nations perspective aimed at informing multidisciplinary care (MDC) practitioners. The focus will be on supporting the Social and Emotional Wellbeing and holistic mental health care of First Nations women and gender diverse people.
Within the yarning circle, the panel will discuss culturally responsive MDC approaches and suggest practices for delivering culturally safe care. The conversation will prioritise strategies to enhance mental health outcomes for First Nations people.
Podcasts
Alcohol, Pregnancy and FASD
Dr Hester Wilson, GP and Addiction Specialist, speaks to clinical psychologist Dr Vanessa Spiller and parent advocate Angelene Bruce to explore the complexities of identifying and supporting people with FASD.
Both Vanessa and Angelene, mothers of children with FASD, offer honest insights into the challenges of diagnosis and raising children with FASD. They discuss the gaps in professional education, early intervention strategies, and the importance of appropriate support systems.
Multidisciplinary Practice: Rhetoric or Reality?
Dr Radhika Santhanam-Martin speaks with Dr Elly Scrine and Summayyah Olawunmi Sadiq-Ojibara to explore the complex realities practitioners face in delivering multidisciplinary care. They discuss the barriers, professional tensions, and personal responsibilities that can affect the way mental health practitioners work together.
External opportunities
2025 Festival of Psychology
16 - 18 May | 📍 Gold Coast, Qld
Unlock your potential and learn about the latest research, knowledge and insights transforming the profession today.
The Australian Psychological Society (APS) invites you to join the Festival of Psychology, held from May 16-18 on the Gold Coast for a dynamic symposium, led by experts shaping the future of psychology.
Enter the code: MHPN20APS to take advantage of an exclusive 20% discount.
49th International Mental Health Nursing Conference
10 - 12 September | 📍 Meanjin, Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre
Registration is open for the 49th International Mental Health Nursing Conference. The conference theme Our Identity, Influence, and Impact recognises that mental health nurses have had to advocate tirelessly to have their specialist skills recognised.
When mental health nurses are recognised and practice to their scope of practice, they shape government policy, lead health care reform, manage services, thrive beyond traditional settings, and earn high regard for their expertise.
Don’t miss the chance to connect with peers, hear from industry leaders, and strengthen your identity as a mental health nurse.
Register now to join us at ACMHN 2025 as we reflect on our identity, grow our influence, and expand our impact in shaping the future of mental health nursing.
Upcoming Network Meetings
350+ 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 our upcoming meetings below, or find a network near you.
NATIONAL
Online Sexual and Reproductive Mental Health (Relaunch) – Robust Responsibility: Empowered Birth Is Possible | Monday, 26 May
NEW SOUTH WALES
Sydney Complex Trauma – Ritual abuse Clients | Monday, 19 May
Penrith-Nepean – Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) and its relationship with ADHD | Wednesday, 04 Jun
Milton/Ulladulla – 5 Ways to Wellness | Monday, 26 May
QUEENSLAND
Sunshine Coast Eating Disorders – Resilience in Practice: Managing Stress and Preventing Burnout Working With Eating Disorders | Tuesday, 13 May
Goondiwindi – Tie Up the Black Dog and the Toowoomba Hospital Foundation | Thursday, 29 May
Caloundra – Menopause - Mind Body Transition Program | Monday, 02 June
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Perth Diabetes & Mental Health – Navigating the NDIS – Supporting People with Diabetes & Mental Health Challenges | Wednesday, 28 May
TASMANIA
Tasmanian Perinatal and Infant Mental Health – Running groups with families in the postnatal period – a facilitated discussion | Wednesday, 28 May
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
PIGLET (Perinatal Infant Group Liaison Education & Training) – An overview of AMBIANCE - a coding system assessing for risk of disorganised attachment | Wednesday, 21 May
VICTORIA
Bayside South, Mentone - Chelsea – EMDR Therapy: Shaping the Future of Mental Health Care | Wednesday, 14 May
Hobsons Bay – Eating Disorders with a Specific Focus on Binge Eating Disorder Tuesday, 20 May
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.
