The latest news from Arafmi
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Irene Clelland
CEO Arafmi
Gurumba Bigi – that’s Good Day in the language of the Yuggera people, the traditional custodians of the lands south of Maiwar (the Brisbane River), including Kurilpa (West End), where Arafmi is based.
This is of course National Reconciliation Week, May 27 to June 3, the week bookended by two historic dates for Australia. The first, May 27, is the anniversary of the 1967 referendum when Australians voted Yes to remove discriminatory clauses in the Constitution. The second, June 3, is the anniversary of the Mabo decision, when the High Court recognised that First Nations peoples in Australia had continuing rights over their lands. You can find out more here: https://www.reconciliation.org.au/
Given the high rates of mental health conditions and death by suicide in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, we know there are many mental health carers in First Nations communities, too.
Recognising that First Nations mental health carers know best what they need in terms of support, Arafmi has teamed up with Ipswich Hospital Foundation, to learn more.
We’re helping to fund a research project based in the West Moreton Hospital and Health district, which will roll out through the rest of this year. It will employ a First Nations researcher to find out directly from First Nations mental health carers about their experiences of caring and what supports are needed. This is an opportunity to learn how best to support First Nations carers, developing a new knowledge-base which could be applied in other communities, too.
And it meant that last Friday night, I had the pleasure of attending the Ipswich Hospital Foundation’s Gala Dinner, where I had a good chat with Health Minister Tim Nicholls about our work generally.
Have a great month and Gurumba Bigi.
Irene
What's in the News
Each month explore a selection of articles we've curated especially for you.
Spotlight on Volunteers
Thank-you Volunteer Dinner
As part of National Volunteer Week (19-24 May), Arafmi celebrated the incredible volunteers who help connect, support and uplift mental health carers across Queensland. We held a special thank-you dinner at the Waterloo Hotel to honour their dedication. To all our volunteers: we see you, we value you and we’re so grateful for everything you do.
Thinking of giving back? Join our volunteer team and experience the power of connection.
Helen - Volunteer
Margaret - Volunteer
Julie - Volunteer
Meet Arafmi Volunteers: Helen and Margaret
Arafmi volunteers are the heart of everything we do – leading peer groups, answering calls, hosting events and creating spaces where carers feel seen and supported.
This month, we’re shining a light on Helen, Margaret and Julie, long-time volunteer support group facilitators.
Helen shares what makes these groups so special:
Support groups are filled with decades of wisdom and resilience. One group had 200+ years of caring experience in the room. Facilitating isn't just giving. It's receiving hope, resilience and connection too - Helen.
Margaret reflects on the magic of peer support:
When you walk into a space like that, you’re not alone—you’re surrounded by stories, strength and people who get it. There’s power in peer support. There’s comfort in being understood - Margaret.
Julie definitely recommends joining a support meeting:
Just pick up the phone and call Arafmi on 1300 554 660. If you can get to a support group meeting you will never look back! - Julie.
Thank you, Helen, Margaret and Julie for your dedication and care. You help create lasting connections and light the way for carers.
Advocacy Team Update
Future Planning Project: Get Involved
If something happened to you tomorrow, would there be a plan in place for the person you support? It’s a hard question, and many carers have told us they’re not sure where to start.
Thanks to everyone who’s already taken part in our future planning project. You’ve told us you need help with estate planning, legal documents and power of attorney and planning in a broad range of areas including; stable housing, continuity of mental health care, financial safeguards, emotional support and different stages of life.
It's not too late to have your say or get involved and help us work on practical solutions.
Future Planning Workshop: Register Now
Want some guidance to get started on planning for the future care of the person you support? Come along to our Future Planning Workshop for mental health carers
Date: Thursday 24 July 2025
Time: 10am–1pm
Location: The Greek Club
Morning Tea and Lunch provided.
Hear from guest speaker Anne‑Louise McCawley from Caxton Legal Centre, who’ll share practical advice on care planning to help you prepare with confidence.
Carer Support Update
Relaxing Break in Nature: Highlights from Carer Retreat
Twenty-one carers recently enjoyed a mini retreat at the Glasshouse Mountains Ecolodge–some for the day, others for a two-night stay. Everyone left feeling more refreshed, connected and supported.
A highlight was the peaceful walk to Mount Tibrogargan, snapping photos of nature and turning them into watercolour art. Carers also created a group mural–sharing stories and making space to reflect on their experiences.
Big thanks to Leticia Collins for her gentle, creative art sessions, and to her family for the amazing food.
Keen to join a future retreat?
Email the Carer Support Team or call 1300 554 660 to find out more.
Young Carer Update
Free Night Out for Young Carers in Rocky
Aged 15–25 and a young carer? Carers Queensland is hosting a free night out at the Rocky Smash Rooms and Virtual World.
Enjoy free food and drinks while smashing some plates or solving puzzles in a virtual escape room. The choice is yours – come have some fun and meet other carers.
Date: Thursday 26 June
Time: 4.30pm – 8.30pm
Spots are limited. Fill in an Expression of Interest for your chance to go. Spread the word - share the flyer.
Free Counselling for Carers Aged 8–11
Do you know a young carer who could use extra support? Little Dreamers’ First Steps program offers free online counselling for carers aged 8–11 during business hours.
Kids can talk to a qualified counsellor for six, one-on-one sessions to learn how to manage emotions and find simple ways to care for their wellbeing.
Your Voice Matters: Youth Survey
Are you aged 14–19 and have experienced mental ill-health? Mission Australia's annual Youth Survey is open from now until Friday 15 August — it’s your chance to share your experiences and dreams for the future.
Governments, youth organisations and community groups use the data from the survey to make things better for young people across Australia. The more voices they hear, the bigger the impact.
Free Competitions
Win Broncos Tickets
The Brisbane Broncos have generously donated tickets for carers to attend their Round 16 clash with the Sharks on Sunday June 22nd at 2pm.
Want to win a double pass? In 25 words or less, tell us why you’d love to go. Open to mental health carers involved in Arafmi programs.
Entries close on Monday 16 June at 5pm. Good luck.
Win Movie Premiere Tickets
PTSD Love Stories is a powerful new documentary about what it means to love and care for someone through mental ill-health. It explores the silent strength behind caregiving—whether it’s for a partner, a parent, a friend or a child. Watch the trailer (trigger warning applies)
Want to win
tickets?
Tell us in 25 words or less why you’d like to attend. You can enter for:
- the in-person, red-carpet premiere in Newmarket, Brisbane (Wednesday 11 June at 6pm) – entries close Sunday 8 June or
- the online premiere from home (Thursday 26 June at 7pm) – entries close Sunday 22 June.
Staff Update
Thank you Julie - 20 Years of Carer Support
Congratulations to Julie from our Carer Support Team, who has just completed 20 years of dedicated service to Arafmi. Julie’s unwavering commitment and compassionate support have made a profound impact on countless mental health carers across Queensland.
Arafmi Carer Event Calendar
Explore Arafmi's free support programs. Our calendar includes tailored
support groups, workshops and events for mental health carers.
Opportunities and Resources
Job Opportunities for Carers
Children's Health Queensland is recruiting for two new roles for people with Lived Experience as carers:
- Senior Carer Coordinator – Flexible part-time , temporary until 20 December 2025.
- Advanced Carer Peer Worker – Flexible full-time, 12-month contract.
We’re Listening: Help Shape the Future of Health Services
Do you have thoughts on how hospitals and health services could better support you and the person you care for?
Complete a short survey about how Metro North Health can better deliver services, collect feedback and share important information.
The survey closes on Sunday, 15 June 2025.
Always here for you
You can call Arafmi’s 24-hour Carer Support Line to share your feelings, receive support, find new resources and learn helpful coping skills to help you in your caring role. It’s comforting to know that when you need to talk— someone who understands will be there— at any hour.
Call us on 1300 554 660 (Brisbane) or 1800 351 881 ( Regional QLD)
Arafmi acknowledges Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Nations peoples of Australia and recognises their continuing connection to country, waters, kin, and communities. We pay our respect to Elders past, present and future and are committed to ensuring that Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples voices are heard and respected across Queensland.
