Through passionate advocacy, meaningful collaboration, and strong, supportive networks, we unite mental health providers, allied sectors, professionals, and individuals who believe in a brighter, more inclusive future for mental health and wellbeing in Victoria.

Whether you're delivering care, shaping policy, conducting research, educating communities, or simply wanting to learn and contribute, you are part of a collective movement striving for positive change.

By fostering deep connections, amplifying diverse voices, and championing a system that is accessible, compassionate, and responsive, we can build a more connected, informed, and responsive system that prioritises the mental health and wellbeing for all Victorians. 

Mental Health Victoria (MHV) was established in 2018 to build on the legacy of its predecessor, Vicserv, with a broader vision for mental health and wellbeing across Victoria.

For many years, Vicserv served as the peak body for the community-managed mental health sector, championing those working at the heart of community care. However, in 2016, under the leadership of CEO Angus Clelland, the organisation embraced a new direction—one that recognised the vital role of the entire ecosystem in supporting mental health and wellbeing. This expansion saw MHV grow to represent all mental health peaks, service providers, consumers, carers, and the many organisations and individuals working to create a mentally healthier Victoria.

MHV was shaped through extensive consultation and collaboration, ensuring that its mission truly reflected the needs of the sector and the community. At its core, MHV is about bringing people together—whether they are frontline workers, policymakers, researchers, educators, employers, or advocates—all united by the shared goal of improving mental health and wellbeing for all Victorians.

One of MHV’s first major contributions was the publication of Saving Lives. Saving Money: The case for better investment in Victorian mental health. This report highlighted both the economic and human value of a well-functioning mental health system and played a key role in elevating the urgent need for reform.

The insights from Saving Lives, Saving Money, along with the collective voices of the sector, helped pave the way for the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System. When the Commission released its final report in March 2021, it laid bare a system in crisis and called for bold reforms to ensure mental health care was accessible, effective, and centred on the needs of the people it serves.

MHV’s work is deeply rooted in collaboration, and we know that meaningful change happens when we come together. Through advocacy, research, training, and workforce development, we continue to empower those who wish to learn, contribute or drive meaningful change. By strengthening skills, capacity, and connections, we are helping to build a future where every Victorian can access the support they need to thrive.