Welcome to what is looking to be an exciting 2024 in mental health reform! 

We hope you had an opportunity for some rest and respite during the end of year holiday period. Following a Christmas shutdown period, the MHCC team returned in early January. We are excited to share a few updates with you, our valued members. 

Firstly, you may be wondering who I am!  

My name is Vicky, and I have joined MHCC as the Director of Engagement & Partnerships. I bring 20 years’ experience recruiting leaders for the NGO, government, and commercial sector, and my role at MHCC spans member engagement, government relations, and partnership development.  

Over the coming weeks, I will be having conversations across our membership base to learn about your services, and how we as your peak body can best add value through advocacy, communications, events, and other resources. I am excited to get to know you and your team and look forward to hearing your perspectives about critical issues facing our sector.  

I will be onboard until Melanie returns from parental leave in July 2024, and will be available Monday to Thursday. I will be in touch in the coming weeks; however you can reach me on vicky.choice@mhccact.org.au  

Now for some other updates. 

Our submissions: Our team is working on submissions to ACT inquiries into loneliness and social isolation, as well as climate change and a just transition. We are also finalising our pre-budget submission. 

We are excited to work with the government on the issues we raise, while highlighting the value and needs of the community mental health system, and articulating our vision of how the ACT’s mental health system could be funded to work better. We would love your input to bolster our position and shape a positive outcome, and we encourage you to contribute to our submissions, or by creating your own. If we can help in any way, please contact the team on 0493388756. 

Expression of Interest for ACTHD and MHCC Outcomes Advisory Panel: We are inviting members of our community to express their interest in joining the ACTHD and MHCC Outcomes Advisory Panel. This panel plays a crucial role in shaping outcomes and performance frameworks. If you possess technical expertise, evaluation experience, or have worked in NGOs delivering mental health services, or bring other key skills, we encourage you to read the draft Terms of Reference and submit your Expression of Interest by COB, Tuesday 6 February. Your perspectives will contribute to the development of innovative and effective outcomes frameworks. 

Upcoming Member Meetings: As mentioned, I will be connecting with as many members as possible during the next 6 months. I look forward to meeting you to better understand your needs and challenges, so keep an eye out for the coffee invite! 

– Vicky Choice, Director of Engagement and Partnerships MHCC ACT