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Welcome to the July edition of the TSPCN news!
In this issue:
- Network Update
- Have Your Say
- Member News
- Events, Opportunities & Training
- Grant Opportunities
- Resources & Support
As we settle into winter, we’re pleased to share this edition of the TSPCN Newsletter with you. It’s great to share with you the fantastic work that’s been happening across the state but also national priorities and initiatives that influence what we do every day in Tasmania.
The Productivity Commission’s Interim Report on the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement, released at the end of June, is a recent piece of work that I wanted to bring to your attention. The report found that the current agreement was not as effective as it could have been despite substantial investment. It highlights the urgent need for a new agreement, co-designed with people with lived and living experience, clear objectives, stronger accountability, and dedicated measures to improve outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s social and emotional wellbeing, as well as a whole of government approach to suicide prevention.
These findings are highly relevant to our work in Tasmania. They remind us of the importance of strong, connected systems and reinforces the value of ensuring the voices of our communities are at the core of what we do. The Productivity Commission is inviting submissions on the interim report by 31 July 2025.
It was fantastic to see a strong Tasmanian contingent make the long journey west to Perth for the recent Suicide Prevention Australia National Conference. As always, it was a great conference and certainly provided numerous opportunities to hear about what is happening across the country and internationally in relation to suicide prevention.
As World Suicide Prevention Day approaches, there has been strong interest in how we will recognise this important day across Tasmania. We're keen to support a shared approach and have included in this newsletter opportunities to tell us about any activities you’re planning, so we can help promote them, as well as ways to get involved in a Hobart-based event.
Thank you for your ongoing
support of the TSPCN and its activities. I hope you enjoy reading this edition of the Newsletter.
Michael,
Tasmanian Suicide Prevention Community Network Chair
Let's come together for our next Tasmanian Suicide Prevention Community Network (TSPCN) meeting!
This is your chance to connect, share knowledge, and collaborate with others contributing to suicide prevention in Tasmania.
We'll be hearing from:
Ray Green – Discover the story of Project North: what it is, the impact it’s made so far, and what’s next for this important initiative.
Amanda Aitken – Learn about the Take a Minute app, a tool recently launched by the Mental Health Council of Tasmania to support mental wellbeing in our communities.
Gillian Smith – Hear from Skretting, winner of a 2025 LiFE Award for Best Practice in Workplace Suicide Prevention.
The Department of
Health – Receive a direct update on current initiatives and priorities supporting suicide prevention in Tasmania.
Date: Thursday, August 21, 2025
Time: 1pm - 3pm
Location: East Launceston Bowls Club
For catering and logistics, kindly RSVP by Thursday, August 14, 2025. Light refreshments will be provided.
We hope to see you there!
Interested in what was discussed at the previous online meeting? You can read previous meeting minutes on our website.
Looking Ahead to 2026!
Planning is underway for next year’s Tasmanian Suicide Prevention Forum and LiFE Awards - and we’d love your input.
Got ideas?
Is there a speaker you’d love to hear from, or a topic you think we should include? Click the Have Your Say button below and share your thoughts.
Know a changemaker?
Start thinking about the individuals or groups in your community making a real difference. Nominations for the LiFE Awards will be opening soon!
Congratulations to Better Health 4 Dorset who have recently created and launched their Community Action Plan. We can't wait to hear the positive outcomes in the coming months!
Curious about how a Community Action Plan can benefit your group, workplace, sporting club, organisation or community? Click the button below to discover more.
Share in Our Upcoming Newsletter or on Socials
Got something to share? Whether it’s a story, event, resource, or update - we’d love to feature it in our next newsletter or on social media.
Newsletter contributions
Our newsletters are published quarterly. To be included in the Spring edition, please submit your content by 29 September 2025.
Social content
Have something for socials? You can send it through anytime.
Click the Submit Item button below and follow the prompts or email us at tspcn@reltas.gov.au.
We look forward to hearing from you!
World Suicide Prevention Day - Get involved | Hobart event
A TSPCN member has expressed interest in hosting a stall for World Suicide Prevention Day in the Elizabeth Street Mall, Hobart - but we need your help to make it happen.
This is a member-led opportunity, and your involvement is key. If you’re interested in helping to plan the event in the lead-up or are available to assist at the stall on the day, we’d love to hear from you.
To express your interest or find out more, please get in touch.
World Suicide Prevention Day - Share your events | Statewide
Are you hosting a World Suicide Prevention Day event? We'd love to hear from you!
This year's theme, Change the Narrative, aims to inspire individuals, communities, organisations and governments to engage in open and honest discussions about suicide and suicidal behaviour.
By initiating these vital conversations, we can break down barriers, raise awareness and create better cultures of understanding and support. If you have an event planned, please let us know. We'd love to share your events with our network.
As they celebrate 5 years of weekly social activities for men, the Men Care Too North West Mates Collective marked National Men's Health Week in June with the premier of their self-produced short film about mateship titled 'Great Mates'. The video features men talking about how they got involved and some of the benefits gained from being part of the mates collective which includes The Man Walk, Mr Perfect and Men Care Too. Watch the short film by either clicking the link below or the image above.
Former AFL star Justin Koschitzke is set to visit Smithton this August as a keynote speaker for a community event. Presented by community group Stronger Together in Circular Head (STiCH), the event is part of a broader mission to break down stigma, encourage open conversations, and build stronger, more connected communities in the region.
The event is open to the public and everyone is welcome. Use the link below to purchase a ticket or find tickets available on Humanitix.
On Friday 20 June, over 23,000 Tasmanians slipped into their brightest shorts, braved the cold, and most importantly braved the conversation.
Shorts Day 2025 was a powerful reminder that mental health matters, and when we come together, we can create real change. From offices and classrooms to construction sites, kitchens and community hubs, we saw people across the state (and beyond) show up, start meaningful conversations, and help break down the stigma surrounding mental health.
If you haven’t seen it yet, or want to relive the spirit of the day, check out the official Shorts Day campaign video by clicking the link below or clicking on the image above!
The Mental Health Council of Tasmania have recently launched the Take a minute app.
The Take a minute app has been developed in Tasmania, for Tasmanians! It empowers you to stay on top of your mental health and wellbeing through a series of fun, easy activities. The app helps you focus on the people, places and things you have in your life that give your mental health and wellbeing a boost - using your own photos!
Out Of The Shadows Walks are happening around Tasmania in September.
The Out Of The Shadows Walk enables those whose lives have been touched by suicide to connect with others and feel comfortable to have a conversation about it. We walk together because no one should have to walk through the darkness alone. You can walk to remember a loved one or to show support for those experiencing emotional distress. Everyone is welcome.
Current walks planned:
- Hobart: Friday, 5 September 2025. Gather at 5.45am for a 6am walk – starts at Parliament Lawn.
- Launceston: Wednesday, 10 September. Gather at 5.45am for a 6am walk – starts at the Rotunda in City Park.
- Burnie: Friday, 12 September 2025. Gather at 5.30pm for a 7pm walk – starts at Burnie Park.
- Smithton: Wednesday, 10 September. Gather at 6pm - starting at the CHArts popup art gallery; 59 Emmett Street.
Please follow our social media to get more updates as we get closer to the events.
If you know of a local Out of the Shadows Walk near you, please share it with us at the Tas Suicide Prevention Community Network so that we can also share this with our broader community.
Roses in the Ocean's community led Safe Spaces
Expressions of Interest open
We invite community members with a lived experience of suicide to submit their interest to open a community-led Safe Space in their local community.
With 13 Community-led Safe Spaces now operating across the nation, you could also become a part of the network, supporting your community to create and lead the safe spaces that meet their local needs.
Ask R U OK? Any Day because life happens every day.
Whilst R U OK? Day is our National Day of Action (Thursday 11 September 2025), we encourage you to Ask R U OK? Any Day of the year because a conversation could change a life.
There are loads of resources available on the R U OK? Day website and we have community ambassadors who you can request to come and speak to your group, community or workplace.
A presentation by an R U OK? Community Ambassador includes:
- How R U OK? began
- R U OK? vision and mission
- Knowing when and how to ask, ‘are you OK?’
- The 4 steps of an R U OK? conversation
- Tips on how to stay connected
- They will also weave in their personal story throughout the presentation
To request an R U OK? Community Ambassador for your community or workplace event please visit www.ruok.org.au/ambassadors
New resource by Everymind supporting safe, sensitive reporting of child and youth suicide
Public conversations about youth mental health concerns and suicide are important, with awareness and community support needed to create meaningful change. However, the timing, tone and content of these stories are essential to avoid increasing distress, suicidal behaviour or reinforcing stigma.
The way media communicates about child and youth suicide can have a profound impact on young people and the wider community. Access a free guide designed to support safe, respectful communication.
The 2026 National Suicide Prevention Conference has been announced!
Keep an eye on the Suicide Prevention Australia website for updates as more details are released.
We also encourage you to watch out for sponsored bursaries, which can help cover costs - we know attending conferences like this can be expensive.
2025 Rural Mental Health Conference
Wednesday 5 November - Friday 7 November 2025 | Hobart
Rural Mental Health for the Future: Innovations, Collaboration, and Inclusive Approaches.
This year the national conference will be held in Hobart. Gather, learn, conceptualise and strategise together on what needs to happen now and in the future to see continuous positive growth in the services and outcomes for mental health in rural and remote areas.
Entries to Minds Do Matter 2025 closes in less than 3 weeks on August 10th!
The Minds Do Matter exhibition is back for 2025 to promote creative conversations about mental health and well-being. The theme for this year is EMPOWER: Appreciate the little things. Entry to Minds Do Matter is open to all ages and abilities and acceptance into the exhibition is non-competitive.
Exhibitions will be held in the following locations for those who are keen to check it out:
- Launceston - QVMAG Inveresk - 4th October - 7th December TBC
- Devonport - RANT Arts - 3rd October - 14th November
- Hobart - Rosny Schoolhouse Gallery - 26th September - 19th October
TasCOSS conference 2025
Register now for the TasCOSS Conference 2025: Shaping our future together!
Delve into the complex landscape we are currently operating in and explore how we can shape the Tasmanian community services industry and our state’s future, together.
Location: Tailrace Centre, 1 Waterfront Drive, Riverside, Launceston
Date: 12-13 August 2025
Black Dog Ride - Community Grants
The Black Dog Ride Australia Community Grants program is focused on supporting initiatives that help people who suffer from mental illness, help prevent suicide and raise awareness of both mental health and suicide prevention. The aim is to distribute funding to programs that make a cost effective, demonstrable and sustainable difference in peoples' lives.
The following grant opportunities are currently available:
- Just a Farmer Community viewing
- Community Project Grant
- Mental Health First Aid Train the Trainer
- LivingWorks ASIST Train the Trainer
- LivingWorks safeTalk Train the Trainer
Black Dog Ride - State Rides 2025
The Tassie 6 Day Ride is becoming a legendary event attracting riders from throughout the country. The ride concentrates on riding the roads less travelled and staying in regional townships and villages.
There are 6 full ride days from 2nd to 7th October inclusive. Be prepared for all weather riding and challenging roads doing around 300kms each day. Starting from Campbell Town in the midlands of Tasmania and travelling to Hobart for a welcome dinner on the first night. Our next two nights are at Grindelwald near Launceston and then two nights at Scamander. Regional rides will be conducted each day including the final day.
The Statewide Mental Health Services multidisciplinary Grand Rounds, held in collaboration with the Centre for Mental Health Innovation and the Statewide Mental Health Services Education and Practice Development Unit, are open to all health professionals with an interest in mental health.
These CPD-CME Series are held every Thursday from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM via MS Teams and cover a wide variety of topics tailored to clinicians working in the mental health field. Presenters come from diverse clinical backgrounds and often include guest speakers with specialist expertise. Topics are carefully curated based on speaker availability.
The event calendar and the MS Team link to join for the rest of 2025 is available by clicking the link below.
International Men's Day - save the date
Let’s celebrate International Men’s Day (IMD) together. Join Men's Resources Tasmania for the annual IMD breakfast, and then our Inaugural IMD Forum. Our theme is still being finalised, but we’re looking for positive conversations about how together we can grow more support for men and boys in Tassie, and to support men to address the challenges men and boys are facing.
The Australian Men's Health Forum - How to help a mate guide
Every month, and every day is a reminder to check in on a mate, especially those who you think might be doing it tough. The second edition of our 'HOW TO HELP A MATE' guide is now available, alongside posters and graphics that support the key ideas in this important and free booklet.
Lifeline Tasmania Training
The Lifeline Tasmania Training and Support team offers statewide community workshops. Training topics include:
CORES run a variety of training workshops for community members and organisations.
Self-Care and Mental Wellbeing Workshop
This two-hour workshop provides participants with the skills and resources to develop an individualised self-care and mental wellbeing plan that encompasses activities to enhance physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual health on a daily basis.
CORES Suicide Prevention Training
This full day training is designed to provide individuals and communities with the essential skills and resources required to identify and respond to a person at risk of suicide and build on a community's capacity to eliminate suicide.
Providing an Inclusive Practice and Community for LGBTIQA+ People
This day training supports participants to understand the different LGBTIQA+ pronouns, the importance of inclusive language, the challenges and discrimination faced by each of the groups, and to identify how their service or community can become an LGBTIQA+ ally.
Understanding Mental Wellbeing for Effective Communication Training
This practical training is designed to provide individuals with the essential knowledge, skills and resources required to recognise factors that impact mental wellbeing and communication and develop strategies to support effective communication.
Your Heart Will Heal: Understanding Loss and Grief
This 4-hour workshop is designed to provide participants with an understanding of loss and grief and an opportunity to gain knowledge, strategies and resources to support themselves and others on this journey.
Free Mindfulness Courses hosted by: Mindfulness Programs Australasia
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction:
Develop skills in identifying early signs of stress.
Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy:
A targeted focus on depression, and prevention of further episodes.
Mind Your Self:
Build emotional literacy for Tasmanian adults who may be experiencing stress.
Courses are held online and in person. Dates, locations and waitlists via the link below.
In a Good Place
The In a Good Place program gives small remote, rural and regional communities across Australia, particularly farming communities, the opportunity to access funds for a broad range of community-driven projects, services, activities or initiatives, which clearly and directly focus on strengthening mental health, social / emotional health and wellbeing. Grants up to $20,000 are available.
Applications close 14 August 2025
TasPorts
Applications open 1 August 2025. Grants up to $5,000 are available, as well as in-kind support for venue hire fees and civic banner installation. All applications should directly benefit communities surrounding our port operations; however, out-of-area applications will be considered for those that align with our key focus areas.
Applications open 1 August 2025.
Bell Bay Aluminium
Applications open 1 August 2025. Bell Bay Aluminium runs an annual grant program, offering assistance to community groups and organisations across Tasmania. Grants of up to $3,000 for organisations to fund projects that have a positive impact on local communities.
Applications open 1 August 2025.
Strengthening Rural Communities - Small & Vital
The Strengthening Rural Communities (SRC) Small & Vital stream gives small remote, rural and regional communities across Australia the opportunity to access funds for a broad range of initiatives that directly and clearly benefit local communities. There are two tiers of Small & Vital funding available. Small grants up to $10,000 are available along with larger leverage grants up to $50,000.
Applications close 17 September 2025
The Department of Premier and Cabinet (DPAC) emails a list of grant opportunities available to the community sector regularly. To get on their email distribution list contact grants@dpac.tas.gov.au. You can also check out some of the grants available on their website.
The Department of State Growth lists and offers grants and loans to community groups, businesses and individuals to assist in professional and sector development in Tasmania.
Healthy Tas Grants
The Healthy Tasmania Fund is a grants program for health and wellbeing in Tasmania. The Fund supports the work of local government and community organisations that are well placed to know their community needs and priorities.
GrantConnect
GrantConnect is the centralised location for Australian Government grants. The system contains information that can be used to search for new Grant Opportunities, find out who has been awarded grants and watch for future programs.
Philanthropy Australia
Philanthropy Australia has a list on their website of useful resources and a list of organisations that may be able to help fund your project.
Council grants
Local councils each provide community grant schemes to support community groups and local activities. See these listed on individual local Council websites.
We acknowledge the individual and collective contributions of those with a lived and living experience of mental ill-health and suicide, and those who love, have loved and care for them.
The Tasmanian Suicide Prevention Community Network acknowledges that we live and work on Aboriginal land, land of the palawa/pakana people of lutruwita (Tasmania). We pay respect to Elders past and present. We honour all those who continue caring for country, sharing stories, and upholding rights.
Here for all Tasmanians
