June edition
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In the June edition of MHPN Connect:
Explore National Reconciliation Week, National Volunteer Week and a Network Coordinator Story
Register for our upcoming professional development webinars:
- Multidisciplinary mental health care for adults with a recent ADHD diagnosis
- What are infants telling us: From neonatal nursery care to supporting optimal infant development
Listen to our new podcast episodes:
- Navigating Complexity in Mental Health through Systems Theory
- Living with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
Browse upcoming network meetings at the end of this email
National Reconciliation Week 2025
This National Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.
MHPN is committed to listening, learning, and engaging in ongoing reconciliation activities, a commitment we made in our Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) endorsed by Reconciliation Australia.
We strive to foster respectful, inclusive networks that value the voices and knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, both in our organisation and across Australia’s mental health workforce.
Our most recent webinar was hosted by an all–First Nations panel, moderated by Professor Rhonda Wilson and conducted in a yarning circle format. It offered a vital First Nations perspective on supporting the Social and Emotional Wellbeing and holistic mental health care of First Nations women and gender diverse people.
If you missed the webinar or want to rewatch it, click the button below.
Networks
Reducing Isolation in Maitland’s Mental Health Sector
Amy English co-coordinates the Modalities in Maitland network with Michele Bowes, a space where local mental health practitioners meet, connect, and share knowledge across disciplines.
Understanding that mental health practice can be isolating, Amy was excited at the chance provide opportunities for interdisciplinary peer support and professional development that support collaborative care.
"What I really love about coordinating our network is the fulfilment of seeing new and emerging practitioners be welcomed by seasoned and experienced practitioners, and the sharing of knowledge amongst all attendees." – Amy
Celebrating MHPN volunteers
This National Volunteer Week (19-25 May), we held five special events over three days that celebrated the achievements of MHPN Network Coordinators and highlighted the important role they play in improving multidisciplinary mental health care.
Maja Harvilova from Prevention United delivered an insightful presentation on the importance of purpose in the prevention of burnout among mental health professionals. Attendees voiced the benefits of this session in providing the opportunity to reflect on their work and re-energise with purpose.
We also heard from volunteer Network Coordinators, Katherine Johnstone, Bree Manning and Jackie Wickham who generously shared their insights, experiences and advice on coordinating successful networks.
Considering becoming a volunteer network coordinator? View our current network coordinator opportunities.
No network that meets your needs? Consider starting your own!
Pictured from left to right: Cairns and Beaches MHPN, Victoria Park MHPN, SA-SFBT MHPN
Webinars
Multidisciplinary mental health care for adults with a recent ADHD diagnosis
Thursday, 12 June | 7.00 - 8.30 PM (AEST)
Adults who receive a late ADHD diagnosis can often experience complex and overlapping health, mental health, interpersonal, and psychosocial challenges.
Through practical examples and insights from an expert multidisciplinary panel, participants will examine the enablers and barriers to collaborative care, understand what different disciplines need to work together effectively, and build confidence in applying creative, coordinated approaches in their own practice.
What are infants telling us: From neonatal nursery care to supporting optimal infant development
Wednesday, 18 June | 7.15 - 8.30 PM (AEST)
Presented in partnership with Emerging Minds
Each year more than 26,000 Australian babies are born preterm, arriving before 37 weeks of gestation and often requiring specialised care in neonatal nurseries. These early births bring unique medical, developmental, and emotional challenges that can have lasting impacts on both the infant and their family.
At this webinar, our panel will explore the emotional and developmental impacts of preterm birth, highlight the importance of observing and responding to infant cues, and outline practical strategies to strengthen early relationships and support preterm infants’ neurodevelopment and mental health in their first year.
Podcasts
Navigating Complexity in Mental Health through Systems Theory
Dana Shen (Consultant) and Seanna Davidson (Systems Change Practitioner and Educator) explore the principles of systems theory, and how recognising the connections between people, teams, and services can enhance practice. Focusing on the emotional challenges faced by mental health practitioners, Dana and Seanna share insights on sustaining wellbeing and providing support within complex systems.
Living with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
Jessica Birch speaks to clinical social worker Prue Walker and shares her lived experience with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). She reflects on her personal journey, the stigma encountered surrounding FASD, and how an accurate diagnosis can be life changing, offering hope and access to essential services.
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 PMDD Peer Supervision - Professional Development Talk: Advancing Psychological Interventions for PMDD – A DBT-Informed Treatment Model | Monday, 30 June
NEW SOUTH WALES
- Supporting Recovery – Domestic Family Sexual Violence (New Network) -Priorities in working with DFSV survivors and considerations for effective case management | Wednesday, 25 June
QUEENSLAND
- Gold Coast Perinatal and Infant Mental Health - Mums in Mind: An overview of The Benevolent Society and Act for Kids antenatal program | Thursday, 05 June
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
- Karratha - The Science & Impact of Breathwork | Monday, 16 June
TASMANIA
- Huonville - Grief and Loss: Walking alongside each other with compassion | Wednesday, 11 June
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
- Adelaide ADHD (Network Relaunch) - Network Relaunch & Planning for FY25-26 | Thursday, 12 June
VICTORIA
- School Wellbeing Network (New Network) - Wodonga and Surrounds - Networking for School Wellbeing Staff | Thursday, 19 June
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.
