Services coming together to provide better mental health outcomes for our rural and remote communities.
Discover the most innovative and implementable tools by leading experts in one convenient location.
Wednesday 8th to Friday 10th November, 2023 | Commercial Club Albury, NSW |
Suicide rates have increased in regional Australia, up from 15.5 deaths per 100,000 in 2020, while rates in capital cities have fallen from 10.3 deaths per 100,000.
33% of FIFO workers report 'high' or 'very high' levels of psychological distress.
There has been an increase in probable serious mental illness amongst rural young people from 20.9 per cent to 27 per cent.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, 62.2 per cent of whom live in rural areas, have twice the suicide rate of non-Indigenous people in Australia.
Statistics: health.gov.au, ReachOut, Suicide Prevention Australia
The stats don’t lie.
The unfortunate truth is that people living in rural areas face many barriers to accessing mental health care services. Rural locations see limited practitioners and professional services spread too thin. Combine this with an increase in demand for services over recent years and rural communities are at a disadvantage when it comes to seeking care.
But this is not news to you. You, more than most understand the real issues facing our rural communities.
So, what do we do about it?
Join the Rural Mental Health Conference as we explore the now and the future of mental health prevention and treatment in our rural communities.
At the Rural Mental Health Conference, you and your peers will explore the real issues which are impacting our rural communities right now. Then, be a part of planning how we overcome these obstacles and lend your voice to creating a positive path towards greater prevention and treatment of mental health in our rural communities.
In 2023, our conference theme is:
Justice and equity: Issues and solutions for Rural and Remote Mental Health
Mental Health Academic, Department of Rural Health, University of South Australia
Lee lives and works in country SA providing lifelong experience and understanding of those residing in rural and remote areas. Lee, from a nursing background currently works for the University of SA with the Department of Rural Health as a mental health academic. She is committed to involving people with a lived experience of health services in rural areas in all levels of decision making.
Lee is involved in several networks including the Upper Eyre Local Health Cluster, Country SA Primary Health Network, and the Whyalla Suicide Prevention Network since its inception. Lee is passionate about ensuring people in rural and remote areas receive equitable access to quality services to meet their needs.
M Soc Sci (Hons), Farmstrong NZ
Gerard has worked as Farmstrong Programme Director since it began in 2014. He has led (along with the small team) the programme through its various phases of partnership establishment, scoping, design, launch in 2015 and continued growth and development.
Gerard also chairs Governance Groups of other NZ mental health programmes within manufacturing, construction and NZ Rugby. He also provides advice to Scotland as they establish their Farmstrong programme.
Prior to Farmstrong Gerard spent five years as CEO of the Alcohol Advisory Council of NZ (with a mission to reduce harms from alcohol misuse), and five years leading NZ’s national mental health campaign Like Minds, Like Mine.
Commissioner, Mental Health Commission of New South Wales
Catherine Lourey was appointed NSW Mental Health Commissioner in 2017 and brings over 30 years’ experience leading and delivering major strategic and complex mental health projects at the state and national level. She has held positions at the local health district, state government and federal government levels, understands the systemic issues people and services face when accessing and providing support, and is a passionate supporter of lived experience being at the core of mental health reform. She is deeply committed to improving the lives of people living with mental health issues and strengthening the communities that support them, and has recently led the development of Living Well in Focus 2020-2024, the updated NSW strategic plan for community recovery, wellbeing and mental health in NSW.
Associate Professor of Law, La Trobe University Law School
Dr Chris Maylea is a social worker, lawyer, and Associate Professor of law at La Trobe University. He has experience in mental health services as a social worker and manager. Associate Professor Maylea’s work sits at the intersections of health, welfare and the law, and is underpinned by human rights and social justice. He is the author of over 80 peer-reviewed publications and commissioned reports. He previously managed and evaluated mainstream Aboriginal and child and family community mental health services in regional areas and has served as Chair the Victorian Mental Illness Awareness Council (VMIAC).
Chief Executive Officer, Mental Health Australia
Carolyn commences as the CEO of Mental Health Australia in April 2023. She has significant experience in mental health policy development and reform, strategy development and execution, and service delivery. She has a track record of leading through transformations and change.
Prior to Mental Health Australia, Carolyn was the Chief Strategy Officer of Beyond Blue, where she led the development of Beyond Blue’s 2023 – 2028 strategy; the development and execution of Beyond Blue’s policy reform agenda; the development and implementation of Beyond Blue’s brand strategy; and the design and initial implementation of Beyond Blue’s business transformation.
Carolyn serves as a Director of Prevention United, a national mental health promotion charity. Carolyn is driven by a determination to improve mental health and wellbeing through innovative approaches, and bold policy reform.
Our mission at RMHC is to connect you with the most advanced and adaptable mental health service solutions which you can use right away in your rural community. You will walk away from this conference knowing it was the most valuable and inspiring two days in your year, and it has equipped you with the skills and ideas you need to make big changes – for yourself, your clients, and your community.
Yes! The Rural Mental Health Conference is for you, if you’re looking for:
Application based presentations to leave you with practical tools to create immediate and positive changes. | |
Networking with like-minded multi-sector professionals to discover best practice solutions. | |
Inspiration from current research, top professionals and community leaders in rural mental health. | |
A platform to share your research, services, and case studies with the leaders in rural mental health. | |
A space to collaborate with and support likeminded professionals and services to deliver better outcomes to rural communities. | |
A break away from your every-day to think bigger, creatively and strategically. |
Join us and walk away from the event connected, inspired and excited by your sector, it’s professionals and its future.
RMHC will explore the theme: Justice and equity: Issues and solutions for Rural and Remote Mental Health.
As a presenter you will share your latest research, findings, ideas and insights with the rural mental health community. This is your chance to lend your voice to the current challenges faced by the sector and provide real-world case studies, solutions and new approaches to creating safe, thriving communities. This opportunity comes up once a year so please take this as your moment to apply to present now.
Partner with RMHC23 and expand your organisation’s connection to our conference delegates including rural allied and mental health care professionals, rural community leaders and the decision makers leading the way in changing the face of rural mental health.
Showcase (and show off) the programs, services and initiatives which can help make all rural communities and the mental health care workers who support our rural communities safer. Our team can assist in creating custom partnership packages designed for your specific goals, so reach out today.
3 DAY PROGRAM
Early Bird Pricing Ends 29/09/2023
Please fill in your details below to begin your registration.
3 DAY PROGRAM
Early Bird Pricing Ends 29/09/2023
Please fill in your details below to begin your registration.
3 DAY PROGRAM
A saving of $440 per person
Please fill in your details below to begin your registration.
The 2023 Rural Mental Health Conference will be held at the Commercial Club Albury.
Networking Function
Date: Thursday 9th November 2023
Time: 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Cost: Included in your delegate registration. $66 for guests.
Catering: Drinks and canapes will be provided.
Accommodation at Atura Albury (1min walk from the Commercial Club) can be booked during registration.
Deluxe King Room | $162 |
Deluxe King Room with breakfast for one | $184 |
Deluxe King Room with breakfast for two | $206 |