Mental Health and Wellbeing Act Implementation – Regional Roadshow Round 1

 In August and September 2023, Mental Health Victoria (MHV) conducted five initial Information and Engagement Forums across Victoria.

Referred to as “The Regional Roadshow,” this series of face-to-face forums had the primary purpose of engaging with the community and non-acute mental health sector to support MHV’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Act (MH&WA) – Community and Non-acute Sector Implementation Project. The Regional Roadshow proposal supported ongoing engagement with the mental health sector workforce to deliver information about the legislative changes and to elicit specific workforce needs to increase efficacy of MH&WA implementation.

The five initial sites for the forums included Benalla, Geelong, Ballarat, Brimbank, and Latrobe.

The locations were chosen based on the following criteria:

• Density of community mental health and wellbeing services and Non-Government Organisations (NGOs)
• Proximity to the Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals currently operating
• Demand based on feedback from scoping surveys
• Representation of CALD and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations
• Inclusion and access for regional areas of Victoria.

Amongst the attendees ranged from Lived and Living Experience workers, representatives from NGOs, Interim Regional Bodies, the Area Mental Health and AOD workforces, community organisations, Office of the Chief Psychiatrist, the NDIS workforce, and more.

The enthusiasm and engagement of participants on the days was phenomenal and through this interaction we were able to gather valuable insights into what the community and non-acute sector would like to see be supported through this legislative transition.

We were also thrilled to be accompanied by the Department of Health’s Malitha Perera for most of these events to provide the workforce confidence of the ongoing dedicated efforts the Department are making and the resources available.

During our travels to these areas, we were also lucky enough to have the opportunity to visit various MH&W services that are delivering outstanding initiatives and care in their local areas and develop meaningful relationships with MHV stakeholders and other services.

Due to ongoing demand and the wonderful reception realised through these events, MHV will be conducting a second round of roadshows starting late October. Dates, locations, and other details will be announced shortly. Please keep a look out for these events in our regular eNews. If you haven’t already, please subscribe here.