National Reconciliation Week: Register for CheckUP’s QPHCN event

National Reconciliation Week is a time of reflection, celebration, and learning for all Australians. It serves as a reminder of the importance of acknowledging the shared history, cultures, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This year, CheckUP is proud to invite you to attend our Queensland Primary Health Care Network (QPHCN) event on Thursday 1 June, which will provide our stakeholders with an opportunity to learn, engage and contribute to the reconciliation process.

You can join us either online or in-person from 10am at the Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council training rooms in South Brisbane.

CheckUP’s QPHCN event

CheckUP is committed to working respectfully and effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities. The QPHCN event is an integral part of our ongoing reconciliation journey and efforts to promote equitable health outcomes for all Australians.

To kick off the event, we have arranged a captivating cultural performance from the renowned Nunukul Yuggera Aboriginal Dance Company.

Leading the event will be Kieran Chilcott, CEO at Kalwun Development Corporation Limited and CheckUP Board Director. Kieran will facilitate a Q&A session with Lynette Anderson, our dedicated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Lead. Together, they will shed light on the meaningful work we are undertaking to improve health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and foster a staff culture that embraces diversity, promotes understanding and supports reconciliation.

Additionally, we are excited to have Edward Mosby, a respected psychologist and founder of Wakai Waian Healing, set to join us. Ed is a CheckUP Outreach provider who will be sharing valuable insights on healing and mental wellbeing within the context of reconciliation.

Further enriching the event will be a panel discussion featuring members of the CheckUP Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee, Rona Scherer and Rhonda Skibasaki. Kieran, who is the Committee’s Chair, will lead the discussion, providing an opportunity for diverse perspectives to be shared.

Last but not least, we have invited guest speakers representing organisations with Reconciliation Action Plans. They will discuss the important work their organisations are undertaking to foster reconciliation.

Following the event, attendees will have the opportunity to network while enjoying light refreshments.

Why attend our event?

Reconciliation is a journey that requires active participation from individuals, communities and organisations alike. It’s about fostering respectful relationships, acknowledging past injustices, and taking steps towards healing and understanding. National Reconciliation Week offers a platform to engage in meaningful conversations, cultural events, and actions that promote unity, respect, and equality.

Cultural immersion: Immerse yourself in diverse cultural experiences, including a didgeridoo performance and delicious food. Among the post-event refreshments will be desserts from Kuppibunda Kitchen that feature Indigenous ingredients.

Knowledge and understanding: Listen to thought-provoking Q&A and panel discussions. There will be an opportunity to ask speakers questions.

Practical strategies: Gain practical strategies and ideas for promoting reconciliation in your organisation by listening to presentations from organisations with Reconciliation Action Plans.

Networking opportunities: Connect with like-minded individuals, healthcare professionals, community leaders, and advocates who share a passion for reconciliation. Build meaningful relationships and explore opportunities for collaboration.

Ticket and registration information

CheckUP members and Outreach health service providers can attend for FREE. Non-members can attend face-to-face for $50 or virtually for just $20.

Don’t miss the chance to be part of this significant event. Registering is quick and easy! Simply visit the Eventbrite page and follow the registration instructions – https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/queensland-primary-health-care-network-qphcn-event-reconciliation-tickets-469690546067.

For the work of generations past, and the benefit of generations future, let’s choose to create a more just, equitable and reconciled country for all.

Announcing the launch of CheckUP’s newly redesigned website

CheckUP is thrilled to announce the launch of its new website!

With a user-centric approach in mind, CheckUP’s new website features enhanced navigation and a modern, intuitive design. Visitors can effortlessly explore various sections, including our health services, health workforce programs, training offerings and events. In addition, the website hosts engaging content such as articles, publications, and resources.

Brisbane-based agencies Thirteen Digital and Driven are behind the design and development of the site. We thank them for their work on the project.

We invite to explore our new website today, so you can learn more about our work and how you can work with us to create healthier communities.

Act now: Apply for a grant to support community mental health

Looking to make a positive impact on mental health in your community? Do you have a great idea for a Queensland Mental Health Week event?

To assist communities in getting their ideas up and running there are one-off grants of up to $3000 now available through the Queensland Mental Health Week Community Events Grant Program. But you need to hurry because applications to this program, funded by the Queensland Government through the Queensland Mental Health Commission, close next week at 5pm on Friday 26 May 2023.

Queensland Mental Health Commissioner Ivan Frkovic said Queensland Mental Health Week events can provide a safe and supportive environment for people to come together, share experiences and learn about mental health and wellbeing.

“Through awareness and education, these events can help break down stigma surrounding mental health challenges and encourage people to seek help when they need it,” he said.

“Queensland Mental Health Week events foster a sense of community connection and inclusion, helping people feel supported and less alone—which can be especially important during times of increased community distress.”

Mr Frkovic emphasised the importance of prevention and early intervention to reduce the incidence and impact of mental illness in Queensland.

“Making time each day to focus on the building blocks of mental wellbeing—getting healthy, continue learning, show kindness, connect more, take notice and embrace nature—build healthy habits that help you stay well,” he said.

CheckUP administers the Queensland Mental Health Week Community Events Grant Program on behalf of the Queensland Mental Health Commission and in 2023 there will be a total funding pool of over $100,000 available for distribution.

CheckUP CEO Ann Maree Liddy explained that the grants offset event expenses, such as engaging specialists for workshops or seminars, so people are getting quality information about looking after their mental wellbeing.

“Many Queensland Mental Health Week events link with local mental health services and focus on wellbeing education and mental health first-aid, while community events emphasise inclusion and diverse opportunities to get involved,” Ms Liddy said.

“The whole community can benefit from discussions about good mental health, so we hope to see grant applications come in from every corner of Queensland.”

Queensland Mental Health Week will be held from 7-15 October, encompassing World Mental Health Day on 10 October, with the theme ‘Awareness, Belonging, Connection’.

For more information, including grant program guidelines and application information, visit www.qldmentalhealthweek.org.au.

For 24/7 crisis support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14, or the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467. In an emergency, call 000.

-ENDS-

Media enquiries:

Lisa Maynard, Marketing and Communications Manager, CheckUP
P. 07 3105 8308 E. lmaynard@checkup.org.au

Communications and Engagement team,  Queensland Mental Health Commission

P. 07 3244 9253 E. media@qmhc.qld.gov.au

Six building blocks of mental wellbeing

• Get healthy: Be active, eat well and get enough sleep.
• Keep learning: Challenge your mind and seek out new things.
• Show kindness: Giving brings joy to other people and strengthens your own mental wellbeing.
• Connect more: Develop relationships, stay connected and care for each other.
• Take notice: Be mindful. Stay in the moment. Experience the world around you.
• Embrace nature: Step outside and connect with the natural world.

Safe media reporting

Visit the Mindframe website at www.mindframe.org.au for advice on how to support safe media reporting, portrayal and communication about suicide, mental ill-health, and problematic alcohol and other drug use.

Sponsor Queensland Mental Health Week 2023 and make a meaningful impact

Queensland Mental Health Week is an annual initiative dedicated to promoting positive mental health, reducing stigma, and recognizing the invaluable contributions of the mental health and community sectors. As we gear up for this year’s event, we invite you to partner with us and help make Queensland Mental Health Week 2023 a resounding success. By becoming a sponsor, your organisation can play a crucial role in increasing mental health awareness, fostering a sense of belonging, and facilitating connections across communities throughout Queensland.

Sponsorship opportunities

Our prospectus for 2023 outlines a variety of sponsorship opportunities to suit different budgets and objectives.

• Major Sponsor – $20,000 per annum (ex GST)
• Mental Health Supporter – $5,000 per annum (ex GST)
• Prize Sponsor – $1,000 per annum (ex GST)

Download the prospectus here.

We understand that every organisation is unique, so we are more than willing to work with you to customise a package that aligns with your specific needs and goals. This allows you to maximise your brand exposure while making a genuine difference in the lives of Queenslanders.

The benefits of sponsorship

By partnering with Queensland Mental Health Week, your organisation demonstrates its commitment to supporting mental health and wellbeing, a cause of increasing significance in today’s world. With almost half of all Australians experiencing a mental health condition at some point in their lives, sponsoring this initiative enables you to showcase your social responsibility while reaching a diverse audience. This audience includes mental health professionals, advocates, individuals seeking support, community group volunteers, teachers, and professionals from various sectors.

Your sponsorship not only expands the reach and impact of Queensland Mental Health Week, but can (if you choose to become a Major Sponsor) demonstrate tangible support for vulnerable and at-risk communities through contributions to the Grant Program.

By aligning your brand with this highly recognised and celebrated mental health initiative, you not only make a positive impact but also enhance your brand exposure through extensive marketing channels. These channels include social media, print and online advertising, and email newsletters.

Collaboration and tailored initiatives

As a sponsor, you will have the opportunity to collaborate with CheckUP to develop tailored content and initiatives that align with your company’s values and mission.

Join us in making a difference!

Don’t miss the chance to support this important cause and showcase your brand’s commitment to mental health and wellbeing. By sponsoring Queensland Mental Health Week 2023, you contribute to a greater awareness of mental health issues and help break down barriers in communities across Queensland.

Contact us today to discuss sponsorship options and be a part of this impactful event. Together, we can create healthier communities!

Queensland Mental Health Week grants available to connect communities and strengthen mental wellbeing

More than $100,000 worth of grants are being made available to help organisations across the state host Queensland Mental Health Week events that raise awareness of mental health, bolster belonging, and create connections.

Funded by the Queensland Government through the Queensland Mental Health Commission and administered by CheckUP, the Queensland Mental Health Week Community Events Grant Program provides the opportunity for eligible organisations to apply for up to $3000 to assist with event costs. Applications to the program opened today (26 April) and will close on Friday 26 May 2023.

Queensland Mental Health Commissioner Ivan Frkovic said it was important for everyone to take steps every day to look after their mental health and wellbeing.

“Good mental health and wellbeing boosts our resilience, helps us manage the everyday stresses of life, and benefits individuals, families and communities—but it’s something we all have to work to maintain,” Mr Frkovic said.

“The grant program enables organisations to improve mental health and wellbeing through community awareness and engagement, education and understanding, and inclusion of people living with mental health challenges along with those who support them.

“The Commission has been proud to support communities to run events during Queensland Mental Health Week over many years, and we look forward to another round of engaging activities that help people participate in, and feel connected to their communities all across Queensland.”

CheckUP CEO Ann Maree Liddy said she hoped to see grant applications come in from every corner of the state, urging non-profits, businesses and local councils in regional, rural, and remote communities to apply.

“It is also important for us to embrace diversity through valuing and supporting people with different experiences, backgrounds and cultures, so the grant program considers the needs of groups vulnerable to great risk of mental health challenges,” she said.

In 2023 Queensland Mental Health Week will be held from 7-15 October with the theme ‘Awareness, Belonging, Connection’.

Ms Liddy said the theme had resonated strongly with Queenslanders last year and that she hoped to see many organisations once again embrace the “ABCs of mental wellbeing” when planning Queensland Mental Health Week activities.

“‘Awareness, Belonging, Connection’ is simple but it covers so many of the important factors that contribute to good mental health and wellbeing. It speaks to the importance of understanding the things we need to maintain and boost our mental wellbeing, why we need to look out for one another, and the vital role connections and community play,” Ms Liddy said.

For more information, including grant program guidelines and application information, visit www.qldmentalhealthweek.org.au.

For 24/7 crisis support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14, or the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467. In an emergency, call 000.

-ENDS-

Media enquiries:

Lisa Maynard, Marketing and Communications Manager, CheckUP
P. 07 3105 8308 E. lmaynard@checkup.org.au

Communications and Engagement team, Queensland Mental Health Commission

P. 07 3244 9253 E. media@qmhc.qld.gov.au

About the theme

Awareness is about understanding the things we need to maintain and boost our mental wellbeing and knowing when we need to reach out for help and where to get it.

Belonging is about looking out for each other, ensuring we feel safe and supported, and understanding that however we feel, we’re not alone, and that there are others going through the same thing.

Connection is about our relationships with our friends, families, and those that we care about, as well as the groups, clubs, and networks around us that we rely on to help keep us happy and healthy, wherever we live, work, or play.

Safe media reporting

Visit the Mindframe website at www.mindframe.org.au for advice on how to support safe media reporting, portrayal and communication about suicide, mental ill-health, and problematic alcohol and other drug use.

QPHCN event will focus on building a strong and sustainable health workforce

If you’re passionate about the health industry and interested in learning more about the state of the health workforce, you won’t want to miss CheckUP’s first Queensland Primary Health Care Network (QPHCN) event for 2023. The event aims to bring together healthcare professionals to explore ways to work collaboratively toward a strong and sustainable health sector.

Scheduled for Thursday 9 March 2023 from 10am-12pm, the event will be held at the Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council (QAIHC) training rooms, Level 1/36 Russell Street, South Brisbane. Attendees can join either in-person or online, depending on their preference.

The event will feature a fantastic line-up of speakers, including Joe Occhino, Assistant Deputy Director-General, Workforce Strategy, Clinical Planning and Service Strategy Division, Queensland Health; Giovanna Castellani, A/Director, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Division, Queensland Health; Brett Hall, A/Executive Director – Workforce Strategy, Department of Employment, Small Business and Training; Karen Lavery, Employer Liaison Officer (ELO), Australian Government Department of Employment and Workplace Relations; Anastasia Woolmer, Business Relationship Manager, HESTA; Sabrina Kerr, Health Gateway Schools Manager, CheckUP; Vicky Meyer, Industry Workforce Advisor – Health, CheckUP; Andrew Legg, Industry Workforce Advisor – First Nations healthcare and social assistance, CheckUP; and Amanda Griffiths, Industry Skills Advisor (ISA) for Health, CheckUP.

This event is sponsored by HESTA and provides an excellent opportunity for healthcare professionals to learn about the latest programs focused on promoting careers in the health industry, funding opportunities to help maximise workforce participation, and more!

David Millichap, General Manager of Engagement and Workforce at CheckUP, will serve as the event’s Master of Ceremonies. Auslan interpreters will be on hand to assist with the translation of speaker presentations.

Following the event, attendees will have the opportunity to network and connect with other healthcare professionals while enjoying light refreshments.

Register now via Eventbrite to secure your spot! CheckUP members and Outreach health service providers can attend for free. Non-members can attend face-to-face for $50 or virtually for just $20.

Meet our team: Mary Graham

Mary joined the CheckUP team as a marketing and communications coordinator in July last year. She works with the team to raise awareness about the important work that CheckUP does and showcase the real-world impact of our programs through various communication channels. In the following Q&A, Mary shares more about herself and her role at CheckUP.

What were you doing prior to coming to CheckUP?
Prior to coming to CheckUP, I spent several years working in the resources and technology industries, where I gained experience in all aspects of marketing. I then made the decision to step away from my corporate career and focus on my family, and during that time, (in between juggling babies and toddlers), I was able to complete a Bachelor of Public Health. I’m excited to be at CheckUP now, where I can combine my previous marketing experience with my interest in public health and health promotion.

What does a typical day look like for you?
As a member of the marketing and comms team my role is varied from week to week. A typical day for me might involve drafting content for our email newsletters or social media channels, developing articles for our Annual Impact magazine (you can read the latest edition here), or helping organise any upcoming events.

What aspect of your role do you enjoy the most?
One of the aspects of my role that I enjoy the most is working closely with the CheckUP team to share the impactful work we do with a broader audience. It’s great to learn about the positive impact that CheckUP’s programs have on communities and individuals, and to be able to help tell their stories through our various communication channels.

What activities do you enjoy when you’re not working?
As I work part-time at CheckUP, I have a bit more free time than most! One day per week, I am lucky to be able to volunteer at a registered charity that supports perinatal mental health – a cause that is close to my heart. In my spare time, I love catching up with friends over coffee or trying out new restaurants in the local area. My children and I have recently enjoyed exploring nature by going on a few bushwalks, and we’re looking forward to doing that more this year.

What did you last listen to when you drove/flew somewhere?
I listen to a lot of different podcasts, but one of my current favorites is the Imperfects podcast. In the episodes, they interview interesting people who share their own stories of vulnerability and imperfections. It has a great overall message and I always learn something new.

Meet our team: Alex Wagner

Alex first joined the CheckUP team in January 2022 while he was completing his university studies. After graduating at the end of last year Alex now works across all facets of the Outreach team, helping to support regional coordinators and cooperating with external service providers to ensure information is received accurately and with ease. He also works within the contracting team to confirm that all providers’ information is up-to-date to help improve workflows and confirm compliance. Below, Alex shares some answers about himself and his role at CheckUP.

Alex Wagner CheckUP teamWhat does a typical day look like for you?
Meeting with other Outreach team members, communicating with outreach providers and applying data analytics to ensure contracts are up-to-date and all data we require is compiled efficiently.

How long have you worked for CheckUP? What were you doing prior to joining the team?
I started at CheckUP in January 2022 when I was studying a Bachelor of Business full time at the Queensland University of Technology. I graduated in December of 2022 while working part time at CheckUP and was able to keep my work hours and days flexible around my studying schedule.

What does a typical day look like for you?
Meeting with other Outreach team members, communicating with outreach providers and applying data analytics to ensure contracts are up-to-date and all data we require is compiled efficiently.

What aspect of your role do you enjoy the most?
I enjoy working closely with the other outreach staff to help our providers.

What are 3 words you would use to describe CheckUP?
Friendly, respectful, hardworking.

What activities do you enjoy when you’re not working?
Working out at the gym, playing games, going to the beach and spending time with my friends.

Who did you last listen to when you drove/flew somewhere?
“Smithereens” album by Joji.

Meet our team: Andrew Legg

Andrew Legg commenced work at CheckUP in November 2022 in his role of Industry Workforce Advisor for First Nations Health Care and Social Assistance. Andrew is a Western Kuku Yalanji man of the Kuku Mini clan and the Malanbarra clan of the Yidingi peoples of Far North Queensland. He also shares ancestry to the Malakula Island in Vanuatu.

Andrew has a diverse professional background, having worked in various fields such as entertainment, trade, sales, business management, and human services. He is deeply passionate about working towards positive outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, as well as in areas such as human services, cultural practice and acceptance, the workforce industry, the environment and education.

Andrew is eager to utilise his skillset and knowledge to help identify solutions for businesses and assist them in applying for grants. CheckUP’s Industry Workforce Advisors are currently inviting Expressions of Interest from small to medium health employers across Queensland to access workforce planning assistance and services.

More information about the Industry Workforce Advisor program can be found here.

Q&A with Andrew

What were you doing prior to coming to CheckUP?
My professional background has been in a lot of different areas. Immediately prior to CheckUP, I held roles in restorative justice for criminal youth justice and multicultural affairs; and human services – youth work, disability support and housing and homeless services. I’m now excited to find my place with CheckUP as an Industry Workforce Advisor for First Nation Health Care and Social Assistance.

What does a typical day look like for you?
Wake up, survive another day, sleep and repeat. In all seriousness, my role as an Industry Workforce Advisor can be different every day! My work requires a fair bit of travel, as I’m usually busy meeting with health and social assistance employers or making it out to different communities across Queensland. I also work closely with the other Industry Workforce Advisors, especially my manager Vicky Meyers who is the Health Industry Workforce Advisor.

What aspect of your role do you enjoy the most?
Interacting with communities. Every community is different, and I enjoy working together so we can help those in need achieve positive outcomes.

What are 3 words you would use to describe CheckUP?
Family. Welcoming. Passionate.

What activities do you enjoy when you’re not working?
Anything that stimulates the mind, body and soul (outdoors, food, meditation, entertainment).

Who did you last listen to when you drove/flew somewhere?
David Goggins – Can’t Hurt Me.