Rural Mental Health Conference
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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

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15.5/100k

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%

33% of FIFO workers report 'high' or 'very high' levels of psychological distress.

27%

There has been an increase in probable serious mental illness amongst rural young people from 20.9 per cent to 27 per cent.

62.2%

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?

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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.

Let's have an honest conversation about the issues and dive deep into solutions to improve the mental health and wellbeing of our rural communities.

What will I learn at the Rural Mental Health Conference?

In 2023, our conference theme is:
Justice and equity: Issues and solutions for Rural and Remote Mental Health

Supporting the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and communities

  • Optimising service delivery for First Nations populations in rural and remote locations
  • First Nations Workforce, Leadership and Mentorship
  • Sustaining and growing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health social/emotional wellbeing services
  • Growing and supporting the Aboriginal workforce
  • Recognising and redressing racism in mainstream rural mental health services
  • Addressing the social and economic drivers of social and emotional wellbeing with First Nations families
  • Role of family and support networks in First Nations Communities & Working with Community

Inclusive Practice

  • Achieving equity of access for marginalised population
  • Inclusion, safety and belonging for LGBTQIA+, people with disability, and other marginalised groups
  • Supporting the mental health needs of people with an intersectional identity
  • Connecting & designing meaningful solutions with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse people
  • Access and equity for marginalised population
  • Affirmative action, positive inclusion
  • Lived-experience of marginalised and vulnerable groups
  • Challenges and solutions for young people from minority and/or potentially priority populations/groups

Social, Emotional and Cultural Determinants of Mental Health

  • Housing, homelessness and financial stress in rural communities – Redressing Inequality
  • The impact of and responses to trauma and vicarious trauma
  • Social and emotional support for rural farming communities
  • Environmental Hardships ie: drought, floods, bushfires, climate change, pandemics.

Communities Driving Solutions & Engagement

  • Community-based groups’ challenges and opportunities
  • Communities’ role in supporting and promoting awareness, resilience and health
  • The role of volunteer network’s in improving mental wellbeing
  • Proactive communication, building resilience & empowering communities
  • Health access and/or limited access
  • Addressing increased demand of infant, child and adolescent mental health, referrals
  • Innovative partnerships for better mental health
  • Enhancing community connectedness

Future of Rural and Remote Mental Health / New & Innovative Approaches to Care

  • Co-design in planning, implantation and reviews
  • Integrated service models
  • Understanding the needs of young people in rural areas and adapting effective strategies
  • Digital Mental Health
  • Suicide Prevention
  • Innovation in care co-ordination
  • Social prescribing
  • Importance of Data, Research & application of it. What is the latest research? What are the trends?
  • Case studies, evidence-based research. Disseminating research learnings.

Mental Health Workforce

  • Attraction and retention of rural workforce
  • Challenges affecting rural mental health professionals
  • Lived-experience and Peer Workforce
  • New and Emerging workforces

Attend to reflect on current obstacles, brainstorm innovative approaches and explore opportunities to work together as a united sector.

Who will attend the Rural Mental Health Conference with me?

  • Mental Health Leadership, Strategy and Management: CEOs, Directors, Managers and Leaders Mental Health Medical Professionals: Psychologists, Psychiatrists, Mental Health Nurses, GPs, Clinical workers, Peer workers, support workers, Counsellors, Occupational therapists, Clinical workers, Social workers.
  • Rural community leaders.
  • Organisations working and living in rural and remote areas: Resource Sector, Construction, Banking, Lawyers, Retail, Healthcare, Energy, Police, Fire & Rescue, Manufacturing, Tourism and Hospitality.
  • Education and Academia: Professors, Lecturers, Researchers and Students.
  • Government: Policy and advocacy.
  • Senior Management, General Manager of Local Health Districts
  • Senior Management, General Manager, Clinical Nurse, Mental Health Nurse, Registered Nurse of Hospital and health services
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Why should I attend RMHC in 2023?

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.

Is this event for me?

Yes! The Rural Mental Health Conference is for you, if you’re looking for:

check-solid-green Application based presentations to leave you with practical tools to create immediate and positive changes.
check-solid-green Networking with like-minded multi-sector professionals to discover best practice solutions.
check-solid-green Inspiration from current research, top professionals and community leaders in rural mental health.
check-solid-green A platform to share your research, services, and case studies with the leaders in rural mental health.
check-solid-green A space to collaborate with and support likeminded professionals and services to deliver better outcomes to rural communities.
check-solid-green A break away from your every-day to think bigger, creatively and strategically.
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Join us and walk away from the event connected, inspired and excited by your sector, it’s professionals and its future. 

What do past delegates say about RMHC?

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Presenting at Rural Mental Health Conference

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.

APPLY TO PRESENT

Partnering with Rural Mental Health Conference

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.

LEARN MORE NOW
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Supporters

Industry Events

Preferred Listing Partner

Research Review

Media Partner

AAPI

Partner

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Partner

Registration Options

Save $110 With Early Bird

Virtual

3 DAY PROGRAM

$399 + GST

Early Bird Pricing Ends 29/09/2023

  • Live streaming of all keynote presenters
  • Live streaming of all sessions in the plenary room over three day conference period
  • Virtual presentations
  • Complete online access to audio and visual presentations for 30 days*
  • Over 10 hours towards CPD points
  • Your personalised certificate of attendance

    *Access to presentation recordings (Resource Centre) will be available 5 business days after the conference and will expire 30 days. Options to extend access will also be available.

REGISTER NOW

Please fill in your details below to begin your registration.

Save $110 With Early Bird

In-Person

3 DAY PROGRAM

$1,099 + GST

Early Bird Pricing Ends 29/09/2023

  • All keynote presentations
  • All concurrent presentations
  • Discounted accommodation rates
  • Access to conference app
  • 5 star conference catering package
  • Access to exclusive networking functions
  • Complete online access to audio and visual presentations for 30 days post-event
  • Printed conference materials
  • Over 10 hours towards CPD points
  • Your personalised certificate of attendance
  • Exposure for your organisation
  • Plus, chances to win great prizes!

REGISTER NOW

Please fill in your details below to begin your registration.

Save $440 Per Person

In-Person Group of Three

3 DAY PROGRAM

$2,997 + GST

A saving of $440 per person

  • All keynote presentations
  • All concurrent presentations
  • Discounted accommodation rates
  • Access to conference app
  • 5 star conference catering package
  • Access to exclusive networking functions
  • Complete online access to audio and visual presentations for 30 days post-event
  • Printed conference materials
  • Over 10 hours towards CPD points
  • Your personalised certificate of attendance
  • Exposure for your organisation
  • Plus, chances to win great prizes!

REGISTER NOW

Please fill in your details below to begin your registration.

Stripe

Venue

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.

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Accommodation

Accommodation at Atura Albury (1min walk from the Commercial Club) can be booked during registration.

Room Rates (GST inclusive)
Deluxe King Room $162
Deluxe King Room with breakfast for one $184
Deluxe King Room with breakfast for two $206
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Scholarships

The ANZMHA is awarding 3 in-person and 10 virtual delegate scholarships to attend the 2023 Rural Mental Health Conference in November. Applications for scholarships must be submitted by close of business Friday 22nd September 2023. Please click here to find out the eligibility criteria and apply.
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    • 2020 Resource Centre
    • 2021 Resource Centre
    • 2022 Resource Centre

    Contact

    Please use the contact form to get in touch.
    PO Box 329, Ashmore City, 4214
    +61 7 5502 2068

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    © The Australian & New Zealand Mental Health Association. All rights reserved.

    As an association that is a leader in mental health, we stand beside our First Nations people in both Australia and New Zealand to empower their people and communities to improve their wellbeing. We support our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia and Maori people in New Zealand/Aotearoa and acknowledge the beauty, strength and uniqueness in their people and cultures. We celebrate their diversity and acknowledge that we work, walk and talk on your lands and we thank and pay yindyamarra/whakaute/respect to your ancestors, Elders and people. Our association will work to continue to amplify voices and empower communities to improve the mental health within First Nations people in both countries.