CheckUP works with partner organisations and health providers to create healthier communities and reduce health inequities through a range of initiatives.
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View allCarole Cooper Consulting
Carol Cooper
As we prepare for CheckUP’s next Queensland Primary Health Care Network (QPHCN) forum on 4 September 2025, CheckUP is proud to highlight the perspectives of one of our valued partners and event sponsor, Carole Cooper Consulting.
Carole previously led the People & Culture function for global ASX-listed company Flight Centre, sat down with us and shared her thoughts on mental health at work.
Carole highlighted the importance of discussing mental health challenges openly to ensure people can access support.
“The trend that I have noticed over the last five years has been the rising rates of anxiety and depression in the workplace… hiding away from it and not acknowledging it is actually making it worse for people.”
With healthcare workers on the front line, their self-care can often be neglected.
“Particularly in the healthcare sector, is burnout and compassion fatigue… people working in healthcare, they are always caring for other people. And they generally, I find in my experience, don’t care for themselves as much.”
“I have certainly found in the work that I’ve done with organisations that have a complete work-from-home system in place, people are finding it really lonely, and it obviously is impacting their culture.”
Carole’s insights shine a light on the need for intentional communication, connection, and community-building, particularly with remote and rural work, plus virtual environments.
These challenges—burnout, disconnection, and rising mental health concerns—underscore the importance of early intervention and open dialogue. As Queensland Mental Health Week approaches, the QPHCN forum offers a timely opportunity to spark meaningful conversations and strengthen support networks across the sector.
Carole’s message is clear: workplaces must foster environments where people feel safe, supported, and empowered to thrive.
“For your lunch break, schedule a time to go for a walk. I know it sounds really simple, and we are so busy that we just barely eat lunch… but make the time. And as leaders, we need to really support our people in doing that.”
The 2025 Queensland Mental Health Week theme is ‘Connect for Mental Health’. Download the QPHCN event flyer
Meet Carole Cooper
Carole Cooper
With more than 25 years of experience across business and People & Culture, Carole Cooper is recognised as one of Australia’s leading experts in cultural transformation with a particular focus on challenging workplaces not delivering on potential.
Her clients say they:
To find out more, or to connect with Carole, please visit www.carolecooperconsulting.com
