In Focus: Consumer Partnership & Lived Experience
Celebrating Our People and Community
Recognising excellence, inclusion, safety and workforce achievements across MHDA
Lived experience leadership, partnership and innovation driving better outcomes.
Director’s Report
As we move into the middle of the year, this edition of the newsletter highlights the many ways MHDA staff, consumers, carers and partners continue to strengthen care, capability and connection across the district. A strong theme throughout this month is the importance of partnership and voice. Across MHDA, we continue to see the value of lived experience leadership and meaningful consumer participation in shaping education, workforce development and recovery-oriented care. I would particularly like to acknowledge the recent contribution of one of our SUPPS consumers, who alongside staff, presented to midwives at Royal North Shore Hospital as part of psychosocial education training. Initiatives such as this demonstrate the importance of consumer perspectives in building compassionate and trauma-informed practice. This edition also highlights the recent launch of the NSLHD Aboriginal Health Plan 2026–2029 and the district-wide People Plan 2026–2028. These important strategic plans will continue to help guide and influence our work across MHDA, reinforcing our shared commitment to culturally safe care, workforce wellbeing, inclusion and community partnership.
I would also like to congratulate the teams and staff featured throughout this edition who continue to demonstrate innovation, collaboration and excellence across our services. From the Coral Tree Conference bringing together clinicians and educators from across the state, to our Peer Workforce project being recognised as a finalist in the NSLHD Quality and Improvement Awards, these achievements reflect the expertise, passion and commitment of our workforce. Across the district, there also continues to be a strong focus on safety, wellbeing and workforce connection. Initiatives such as the World Hand Hygiene Day Roadshow provided opportunities for staff to engage in practical and creative activities that promote infection prevention, teamwork and safe care environments. These initiatives, alongside ongoing education and collaborative practice forums, help strengthen both workforce capability and consumer outcomes. Thank continued dedication, professionalism and care. The work happening across MHDA every day reflects the strength of our workforce and our shared commitment to improving outcomes for consumers, carers and our broader community. Sheila Nicolson Acting Director of Mental Health Drug and Alcohol you for your
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Consumer Partnership & Lived Experience
At MHDA, we value the voice of lived experience in shaping services, education and recovery-oriented care. These stories highlight the impact of consumer leadership, partnership and peer workforce initiatives across the district. Consumer Voice Strengthens Midwifery Education At the recent psychosocial training day for midwives at Royal North Shore Hospital, our SUPPS (Substance Use in Pregnancy and Parenting Service) team partnered with a consumer to highlight the importance of lived experience, compassion and trauma-informed care when supporting women and families navigating substance use, pregnancy and recovery. Supported by SUPPS Midwife Specialist Alana Robertson, the presentation provided midwives with valuable insight into the consumer experience and the importance of safe, non- judgemental and person-centred care. The session received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with staff reflecting on the impact of hearing directly from a consumer perspective:
We would also like to acknowledge the courage and generosity of our consumer in sharing her story, alongside the ongoing dedication of clinicians supporting recovery journeys across SUPPS and Drug and Alcohol Services.
Peer Workforce Project Named Quality Awards Finalist
Congratulations to Paula Hanlon, Peer Worker at Ryde Community Mental Health Service, and the Planning for Recovery project team, who have been named finalists in the Excellence in the Provision of Mental Health Services category at the 2026 NSLHD Quality and Improvement Awards.
The project focused on strengthening peer workers’ confidence and capability in supporting recovery planning and person-centred care. The initiative highlighted the important role peer workers play in recovery-oriented practice and improving consumer outcomes. The nomination recognises the team’s commitment to innovation, collaboration and lived experience leadership across MHDA. 3
We did
You said
Service Reminder: Please continue to report on the “You said, we did” actions. This helps to demonstrate how consumer feedback helps to continually improve the care and support we provide. 4
Innovation & Excellence
Coral Tree Conference 2026 Brings Together Statewide Expertise The 2026 Coral Tree Conference on Child Behaviour and Family Intervention was held on Monday 4 May at the Northern Sydney Education and Conference Centre, bringing together over 130 clinicians, academics, educators and service leaders from across NSW and interstate. Professor Mark Dadds, from the University of Sydney, delivered the keynote presentation, offering a thoughtful reflection on 35 years as a scientist-practitioner in clinical child psychology. A highlight of the day was the workshops developed and presented by Coral Tree staff, showcasing the team’s approach to family intervention, child-centred practice, relationship repair, working with fathers, working with schools, and supporting families experiencing high-risk behavioural challenges.
Professor Mark Dadds Delivery the keynote presentation
Leah Plunkett, Katie Welsh, Carol McLaughlin, Tamar Karkour, Theodora Johnston, Chathu Mabotuwana, Jane Bray, Matt Symond, Cait Lonie, Laura Wheatley, Kath Mairet, Mia Mijoo Kim, Aarthi Pathmanandavel, Susanne Lundback, Andrew Bartle
The event reflected Coral Tree’s growing role as a statewide hub for clinical learning and collaboration. Attendees represented a wide range of CYMHS teams, education partners, non-government services, and six universities, with several teams travelling from Melbourne to attend. The strong attendance and engagement throughout the day highlighted the value of bringing together a community of practice focused on improving outcomes for children and families. Building Capability Across Emergency Departments
Coral Tree Family Service thanks all presenters, attendees and partners who contributed to such a successful day.
Our TNP Catherine Smith and CNC Louise Keane, supported by Nurse Manager of Specialty Programs Larissa Moyes, recently presented at the Transition to Specialty Practice Emergency Department education days. The session provided emergency nurses from Royal North Shore, Ryde and Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospitals with education on responding safely and compassionately to presentations related to substance use and withdrawal, while maintaining a trauma-informed approach to care.
The initiative highlighted the value of collaboration across services to strengthen workforce capability, improve patient care and reduce stigma for consumers accessing Drug and Alcohol Services.
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Aboriginal Health Plan 2026–2029
NSLHD Aboriginal Health Plan 2026–2029 Launched
On behalf of Pauline Deweerd - Executive Director Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and Workforce. NSLHD Aboriginal Health Plan 2026-2029 has been launched across the LHD Our Vision : Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experience equitable health outcomes, cultural safety, and holistic wellbeing through community-led decision-making, strong Aboriginal governance, and culturally responsive health services that honour Country, culture, and community. The plan outlines how we, as a wider LHD, want to and will work alongside our Aboriginal consumers, staff and community. This milestone strengthens our commitment to culturally safe, responsive and community‐led care across the district.
Held on National Close the Gap Day, the event united staff, community members and partners in acknowledging our shared responsibility to drive meaningful improvements in health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We would like to ensure that this plan, alongside the LHD's Clinical Services Plan and the NSW Aboriginal Health Plan are considered in the development of any new policies, procedures, guidelines and programs. This should be reflected in supporting Aboriginal Health Impact Statements that are submitted to the Aboriginal Health Service for Endorsement.
Scan here to view
Guiding Principles Pg 7
NSLHD 2026 NAIDOC Awards Nominations Open We invite nominations for the 2026 NSLHD NAIDOC Awards to be announced at the District event on the 7 July 2026. These awards celebrate excellence and leadership across Aboriginal health service
Health CORE values and demonstrate a strong and sustained commitment to Aboriginal health and wellbeing.
improvement, workforce development, community engagement and/or Aboriginal health research, and acknowledges individuals who also embody the NSW
Submission Instructions: Submit nomination forms by email to Evangelene.Morris@health.nsw.gov.au
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Staff, consumers, carers, families and community members across NSLHD will come together throughout July to celebrate NAIDOC Week 2026, as the district continues its commitment to strengthening and supporting the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. This year’s theme, 50 Years of Deadly, marks five decades of NAIDOC Week , a national celebration dedicated to honouring and amplifying Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, cultures, leadership and achievements. For 50 years, NAIDOC themes have reflected survival, resistance, culture and pride. They have celebrated Elders, leaders, artists and communities, while continuing to challenge Australia to listen, learn and act. 50 Years of Deadly is both a reflection and a declaration, recognising the strength, resilience and determination of generations who ensured NAIDOC remained grounded in culture, community and connection. Across the district, services will host a range of NAIDOC Week activities and events, including performances from First Nations Education and NSLHD Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Services, alongside community gatherings, cultural activities, displays and celebrations.
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National Sorry Day 2026
National Sorry Day marks the anniversary of the Bringing Them Home report tabled in 1997, which documented the devastating impacts of the forced removal of Aboriginal and TorresStrait Islander children from their families, communities, cultures and Country. From Sorry to Action On 26 May, MHDA and NSLHD staff came together to mark National Sorry Day 2026 and reflect on the enduring strength, resilience and healing journeys of Stolen Generations Survivors, descendants and communities.
This artwork, Healthy Living, by Uncle Richard Campbell, a Stolen Generations Survivor from the Kinchela Boys Home
This year’s theme, From Sorry to Action, calls for tangible and measurable change within survivors’ lifetimes and highlights the importance of continued commitment to healing, truth-telling and culturally safe care. Staff from our MHDA Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Services attended the commemorations held in the Town Hall at the Ministry of Health building, providing cultural, social and emotional wellbeing support for Stolen Generations Survivors, descendants and community members attending the event. Throughout the day, staff paused to listen, learn and stand together with Survivors and descendants, while acknowledging the deep and ongoing impacts of forced removal across generations. National Sorry Day also marks the beginning of National Reconciliation Week, guided this year by the theme All In . The theme reminds us that reconciliation is a shared responsibility and calls on all Australians to contribute to a more just, equitable and culturally safe future Earlier this year, NSW Health launched the NSW Health Stolen Generations Survivors Action Plan 2025–2030: Towards Health and Healing, the first action plan of its kind in Australia, recognising the strong connection between health, healing and culturally safe support for Survivors and descendants.
While reconciliation is shaped by the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, it is ultimately the responsibility of non‐Indigenous Australians to lead change - to challenge inequity, advocate for fairness, and embed respect in everything we do.
Scan here to view the Action Plan
Dr Shellie Morris AO Yanyuwa and Wardaman Singer-Songwriter and First Nations languages expert
Susan Pearce AM
Teahne Lyons, Stephanie Slater, Michelle Meadham
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Celebrating International Nurses Day 2026 MHDA Services proudly celebrated
MHDA Services sincerely thank all nominees, winners and runners-up for the care, leadership and compassion they bring to consumers, carers and communities every day.
International Nurses Day on Wednesday, 20 May 2026, recognising the dedication, compassion and expertise of nurses working across Mental Health Drug and Alcohol services. This year’s theme, Empowered Nurses Save Lives, highlights the vital role nurses play in supporting safe, person-centred and recovery- oriented care across our services and communities. The MHDA International Nurses Day Awards acknowledged nurses and teams across a range of categories, including person-centred care, recovery-oriented practice, clinical leadership, innovation, consumer safety and consumer- nominated excellence. Congratulations to all winners, runners- up and nominees recognised across MHDA Services for their ongoing commitment to excellence in nursing care across mental health and drug and alcohol services. The awards recognised the extraordinary care, leadership and compassion nurses bring every day across inpatient units, community teams, CYMHS and specialist programs throughout the district.
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Wellbeing, Safety & Inclusion
Let’s Talk About Falls
April Falls Month was successfully promoted across MHDA services, focusing on raising awareness, engaging staff and consumers, and encouraging conversations about falls prevention. A range of activities were delivered across community and inpatient settings, including morning teas, information stalls, interactive events, and distribution of educational resources. Creative approaches such as balance and sensory activities, along with practical demonstrations, helped All participating MHDA facilities were supported through district funding, coordinated by Margaret Armstrong, NSLHD Falls Prevention Coordinator. Strong collaboration between Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, and Exercise Physiology further enhanced both staff education and consumer awareness. People Plan 2026-2028 NSLHD launch the new people plan, which sets the direction of our workforce over the next 3 years. Focusing on culture, capability, wellbeing and belonging. highlight the risk of falls in an engaging and meaningful way. The People Plan has been shaped directly by the voice of our workforce. Insights from the 2025 People Matter Employee Survey (PMES) clearly told us what is working well across NSLHD, and where we must do better.
Overall, the initiative achieved high participation, increased awareness, and positive outcomes, including one service reporting zero falls. The campaign reinforced that preventing falls starts with awareness and conversation.
Lyndal Hasti, Namuna Khadka, Olivia Choi, Maria Cabuyadao, James Leeder, Sabrina Symonds and Louise Keane
Saimone Fasi, Namggal Dorjee, Apinya Thompson, Corena McLeod,Jo McIlwain
Pride Picnic 2026 North Sydney Council will host the 2026 Pride Picnic on Sunday 14 June at Ted Mack Civic Park from 12pm–4pm. This free, family-friendly community event celebrates and supports our local LGBTIQ+ communities through connection, inclusion and community engagement. NSLHD services are encouraged to get involved and help promote programs, initiatives and supports available across the district. The event builds on NSLHD’s strong representation at the Fusion Pride Picnic earlier this year.
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Prevention in Action
Keeping It Clean: World Hand Hygiene Day at NSLHD NSLHD Infection Prevention and Control has been recognised nationally after winning the
Mae Sia, Clinical Nurse Consultant, NSLHD Infection Prevention and Control & Physical Health (MHDA), acknowledged the collective effort behind the achievement and the strong support of MHDA services, IPAC champions, staff, consumers, stakeholders and industry partners. The campaign highlighted the impact of simple yet effective hand hygiene practices in preventing infections, reducing risk and protecting vulnerable consumers, staff and communities.
Australasian World Hand Hygiene Day 2026 photo competition, an incredible achievement reflecting years of innovation, collaboration and dedication to safer care. Infection Prevention and Control team, the World Hand Hygiene Day (WHHD) Roadshow 2026 was delivered across hospitals and services throughout the district, including strong participation from Mental Health Drug and Alcohol (MHDA) services. The initiative featured education sessions, interactive activities, games and practical learning opportunities Led by the NSLHD designed to strengthen everyday hand hygiene practices in clinical settings.
Expanding Access to Take Home Naloxone
NSW Health has expanded the Take Home Naloxone
are now eligible to undertake training to provide take home naloxone interventions. Naloxone is a medicine that temporarily reverses the effects of an opioid overdose and can be administered as a nasal spray or injection. NSW Health encourages people who may be at risk of overdose, as well as carers, family members and community members, to access and carry naloxone where appropriate. The expanded program reflects NSW Health’s ongoing commitment to harm reduction, community safety and improving access to timely, lifesaving interventions.
(THN) program, strengthening access to lifesaving overdose reversal medication across services and communities. The program provides naloxone free of charge to people who may experience or witness an opioid overdose, helping reduce harm and save lives across NSW. Recent updates to the Take Home Naloxone Policy (PD2026_007) aim to broaden the reach of the program by enabling more people to receive naloxone and expanding the range of trained staff who can provide it. Importantly, there is now no lower age limit for receiving Nyxoid through the THN program. In addition, staff who have completed accredited first aid, CPR or basic life support training
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Strengthening the Consumer and Carer Voice
Raise It Update
Raise It was launched in Mental Health Drug and Alcohol Inpatient Services in March 2026. This NSW Health and Clinical Excellence Commission initiative has focused on strengthening the consumer and carer voice through the amplification and simplification of consumer and carer escalation of care pathways. The Raise It resources have been designed to support consistent, person-centred practices and reinforce the importance of meaningful consumer and carer engagement in care. A fidelity audit is scheduled for June 2026 to evaluate implementation and identify opportunities for improvement, with further NSW Health audits planned to support ongoing quality assurance. This phased approach will ensure the initiative remains embedded in practice, driving continuous improvement and enhancing outcomes through stronger consumer and carer participation.
Haylee Shakespeare, Suzanne Glover, Lara Leibbrandt, Jennifer Neirinxks
Supporting World-Class Care
Our charity partner, the NORTH Foundation has launched its EOFY Tax Appeal. Behind every person and family supported at Macquarie Hospital is a commitment to compassion and specialist care made possible by generous donors who choose to support vital rehabilitation services. Please make a tax-deductible donation to the NORTH Foundation to help ensure world-class care is available not only for today’s patients, but for generations to come.
Donations can be made at northfoundation.org.au
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MHDA Courses at a Glance for 2026
June
July
August
1 July: Coaching in the Workplace, GradStart 2 Day 2
2 June: MHDA Preceptor Forum
3 August: AIN Buddy Day
4 August: DVRS; Facilitation Fundamentals; Coaching in the Workplace 6 August: Suicide Risk Assessment & Management; Introduction to Perinatal and Infant Mental Health Care
4 June: Supporting Learners; LGBTIQ+ Training
2 July: MHDA GradStart: Block 2 Day 3
14 July : Facilitation Fundamentals Program
9 June: Risk Management Workshop
10 June: Intellectual Disability and MH Care
16 July: LGBTIQ+ Training
10 August: Sexual Safety
20 July: District Orientation; Speaking up for Safety
11 August: Enhancing Skills to Facilitate Recovery
11 June: Assessment Skills
15 June: District Orientation; Speaking up for Safety; Research Process
21 July: MHDA Orientation Day 2; Facilitation Fundamentals; MHDA AIN Skills Day
17 August: District Orientation; Speaking up for Safety
16 June: MHDA Orientation Day 2
22 July: MHDA Orientation Day 3
18 August: MHDA Orientation Day 2
17 June: MHDA Orientation Day 3; Coaching Day 1
23 July: GradStart Program-Practical Skills
20 August: Introduction to Sensory Modulation
18 June: TIC: Trauma Responsive Leadership
28 July: MH Assessment and ISBAMH Assessment and ISBAR
24 August: Reflective Practice Clinical Supervision
19 June: Sexual Safety
30 July: GradStart - Practical Skills
26 August: Coaching in the Workplace
22 June: Suicide Risk Assessment & Management; Voice Hearers
23 June: Coaching Day 1; GradStart Day 1; Leading Teams
24 June: GradStart Day 2; Leading team (Allied Health)
25 June: · GradStart Day 3; Jump Start: PM
29 June: Skills to Facilitate Recovery
Enrolements via My Health Learning Cost: Nil for NSLHD employees All enquriries via NSLHD- MHDAEducation@health.nsw.gov.au
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Please submit any good news stories, compliments, achievements, examples of positive consumer or service outcomes, staff changes, collaborations with other organisations, developments, in services, opportunities for community involvement, papers published and conference presentations. All submissions must be endorsed for submission by the line manager of the person contributing the article and the Service Director.
Please send feedback and articles to: NSLHD-MHDANewsletter@health.nsw.gov.au
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