MEDIA RELEASE
29 September 2025
For immediate distribution
Queenslanders unite to shine light on mental wellbeing
Communities called to connect as Queensland Mental Health Week returns this October
Queenslanders are being urged to come together in support of connection, community, and wellbeing as Queensland Mental Health Week (QMHW) returns from 4–12 October 2025.
Funded by the Queensland Government through the Queensland Mental Health Commission, this statewide movement aims to bring Queenslanders together to spark conversations, strengthen connections, and bring the importance of mental wellbeing to the forefront.
The week comes at a pivotal time, with demand for mental health support rising across Queensland, particularly in regional and remote communities. Almost half of Australians (43%) are expected to experience a mental illness in their lifetime, with one in five affected every year (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2022).
Behind every statistic is a friend, colleague, teammate, or family member – a reminder that mental health touches all of our lives.
Queensland Mental Health Commissioner Ivan Frkovic said the week is a vital opportunity to foster understanding and connection around mental health.
“Mental health and wellbeing are essential for every Queenslander,” Mr Frkovic said.
“We all experience ups and downs, and over 40% of Australians are estimated to experience mental illness at some point in their lives.
“Good mental health and wellbeing helps us live fulfilling lives, build strong relationships, and navigate challenges, but it takes effort and it’s something we need to work at and protect.
“By practicing the six building blocks of wellbeing – get healthy, keep learning, show kindness, connect more, take notice, and embrace nature – we can all support our mental health and wellbeing.
“This Queensland Mental Health Week, I encourage you to get involved – host or support a local event, take some proactive steps to look after your wellbeing, and check in with those around you – it can make the world of difference.”
James Hill, a mental health advocate with lived experience, said sharing stories openly is key to building empathy and encouraging people to seek support.
“Anyone can experience mental ill-health – it doesn’t discriminate,” Mr Hill said.
“The more we talk about it, the more we create safe environments for people to reach out for help. Initiatives like this show that mental health is something we all share a role in, and they remind us how powerful connection and understanding can be.”
From workplace wellness mornings to coffee-and-chats, Queenslanders are being asked to make mental health visible in their own communities by hosting and registering events.
This year, the impact of QMHW will be strengthened by $150,000 in community grants, awarded to grassroots organisations across the state. More than 150 community-led events are being supported, from wellbeing expos and art exhibitions to workshops, festivals, and morning teas.
Queensland Mental Health Week is a reminder that communities thrive when people connect – and that no one should ever feel alone when it comes to mental health.
For more information or to register an event, visit: qldmentalhealthweek.org.au/events/register-event
ENDS
Media Contact
Alexandra McGuckin | alexandra@inthemaking.com.au | 0499 055 880
Samantha Borland-Smith | sam@inthemaking.com.au | 0447 688 450
About QMHW
Queensland Mental Health Week (QMHW) is an annual statewide awareness week held during October that aims to raise awareness of mental health and wellbeing, increase understanding of mental health challenges, and reduce stigma around mental health.
QMHW 2025 runs from Saturday 4 October to Sunday 12 October 2025 to align with World Mental Health Day, celebrated annually on 10 October. This year’s theme is Connect for mental health.
QMHW is funded by the Queensland Mental Health Commission, on behalf of the Queensland Government, and in 2025 is being delivered by CheckUP through strong cross-sector collaboration.
Safe media reporting
Visit the Mindframe website for advice on how to support safe media reporting, portrayal and communication about suicide, mental ill-health, and alcohol and other drug use.
Support services
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Lifeline | 13 11 14 | lifeline.org.au/gethelp
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Beyond Blue Support Service | 1300 224 636 | beyondblue.org.au
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MensLine Australia | 1300 789 978 | mensline.org.au
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13YARN | 13 92 76 | 13yarn.org.au
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SANE Australia Helpline | 1800 187 263 | sane.org
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QLife (LGBTIQA+) | 1800 184 527 | qlife.org.au
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Kids Helpline | 1800 551 800 | kidshelpline.com.au