Mental Health Drug and Alcohol September 2025 Newsletter
Latest Events: Macquarie Hospital Carer Forum - p5 Wear it Purple Day - p13 Rewards & Recognition Awards - p6-11 MHDA Research Conference - p14-16 Rehab Psychiatry Forum - p17
Feature: Activity-Based Funding - p33-36
Regular items: Compliments - p3-4 Latest Events - p5 News in Brief - p42 Education - p45
Upcoming Events: Mental Health Month - p19-26 Global Peer Support Day - p27 Gathering of Kindness - p28
www.nslhd.health.nsw.gov.au Facebook: www.facebook.com/NSLHD.MHDA Email: NSLHD-MHDANewsletter@health.nsw.gov.au
Andrea Taylor, MHDA Director ’ s Report
Welcome to the September edition of the Mental Health Drug and Alcohol (MHDA) Newsletter.
We also pause to honour and farewell two cherished members of the MHDA family: Peter Fleming and Dr James Telfer. Peter was a guiding mentor and a cornerstone of our disaster development teams, while Dr Telfer was a deeply respected psychiatrist whose work in the inpatient unit transformed countless lives. Their legacies will continue to inspire us. May they rest in peace. On 14 August the Rehab Psychiatry Forum led by Dr. Nicolas Burns brought together 35 attendees for a day of collaboration and knowledge exchange. These forums continue to foster innovation and shared learning across our services. Congratulations to Ducan Gill, Maria Pinn, Louise Keane and Samantha Lee who recently graduated from the THRIVE leadership program. Their commitment to developing leadership and management capabilities is commendable and reflects our investment in future leaders. October marks Mental Health Month and Global Peer Support Celebration Day. Our MHDA MH Champions have been working diligently to organise a range of events and activities. On Global Peer Support Celebration Day, we will honour our incredible consumer and carer peer workers. In addition Carers week will be hosting events including Carer Trivia Night and NSLHD Carer Network one year anniversary. Looking ahead, the MHDA Recovery Oriented Practice Forum will be held on 5 November facilitated by the esteemed Helen Glover and ROPC. This forum promises to be a valuable opportunity for learning and reflection. Also in November we look forward to the Gathering of Kindness, a powerful initiative that fosters compassion, respect and connection in healthcare settings. Finally a reminder that NSLHD Digital Health Services will be transitioning eMR to the cloud on 14 October. Please refer to the memo and ensure your teams are prepared. Thank you all for your continued dedication and care. Together we are building a stronger, kinder and more resilient MHDA community. Andrea
As we move into the final quarter of the year I am proud to reflect on the energy, compassion and innovation that continues to define our work across MHDA. The past few months have been filled with meaningful events, achievements and moments of connection that highlight the strength of our community and the dedication of our staff. On August 29, MHDA staff proudly celebrated Wear It Purple Day, standing in solidarity with our LGBTIQ+ community. Across services, staff wore purple clothing to raise awareness and foster inclusivity. It was heartening to see such strong participation and commitment to creating safe and supportive environments for all. On 27 August we hosted the MHDA Research Conference which welcomed over 100 participants and showcased 25 submissions. This year ’ s conference marked the highest attendance ever; a testament to the growing interest in research and evidence-based practice. A sincere thanks to the organisers, presenters, mentors and academic leaders who made the event such a success. On 17 September we came together to celebrate the Rewards & Recognition Awards honouring the outstanding contributions of our staff. Congratulations to all the finalists and winners. Special thanks to the R&R committee who navigated a last-minute venue change with grace and professionalism, ensuring a memorable and well- executed celebration. Macquarie Hospital hosted its first Carer Forum since the onset of Covid-19, welcoming 13 carers to a valuable day of sharing, learning and connection. These forums are vital in amplifying the voices of carers and strengthening our partnerships in care. Our MHDA Executive came together for a leadership development sessions focused on team building, strategic goal setting and navigating challenges. This initiative reinforces our commitment to cultivating strong, collaborative leadership that drives excellence in service delivery.
Page 2 | NSLHD Mental Health Drug and Alcohol News | September 2025
Compliments
To ACACIA clinician from Hayley Bowen, ACACIA team leader. "Wanted to share some lovely feedback in EMR written by a mental health team member from a client of Nicola Cleary ’ s – big praise from a young person who has been engaged with multiple services for many years! Said she has always had trouble with therapy but wants to continue to see Nicola from ACACIA. Reports that she enjoys the sessions and wants to get her drinking under control." To Lauren Ashe (NUM) and the entire Allied Health team (NSRMHS): “ I also wish to express my profound gratitude for the exceptional care provided by Lauren Ashe, NUM, and the entire allied health team, including the dietitian and occupational therapist, as well as the nursing staff. Their dedication and advocacy for … have been invaluable, and we are extremely thankful for the high quality of care they consistently deliver. ” To Sharon Bruning on her first day of covering the HKH CP Team Leader role from a staff member: “ Again, I ’ m soooo happy and grateful to have you with us! You are so lovely and caring. We are very lucky to have you on board. ” From one of the referrers at SDECC about Dr Jarrod Bradley: “ Just wanted to give you feedback on the new psychiatrist – He is really good with young people! Can we keep him? ” To Lyndal Sherwin & Recovery of Practice team from a Recovery of Practice Forum participant: “ I imagine you must be busy organising this year ’ s Care Planning event, and I ’ ve been reflecting on how much last year ’ s co-design training impacted me. At the time, I was working in a clinical role at BCHC, and attending that training turned out to be a real turning point. It gave me the courage to find my way back to peer work and to explore opportunities for co-design. I even went out and bought KA ’ s resources afterwards, holding onto the determination to make it happen. A year later, I ’ m now in a lived experience role supporting other survivors, and I feel so fortunate to be supported by Carrie, whom I also first met at that training. Looking back, I can see so clearly how much that day helped set me on this path. I really appreciate the heart, vision, and hard work you put into organising such inspiring events. They don ’ t just share knowledge, they plant seeds that grow in unexpected and life-changing ways! Having worked in community mental health settings, I ’ m also really excited to see the district strengthening comprehensive care planning. Survivors often share how difficult it is to repeat their stories across different services, so I can see how valuable it will be to have more consistent, holistic planning across service streams. I just wanted to encourage you and let you know how much this work is appreciated. ”
To Christine Cronin and the OTP team from a client
To IDAS—two lovely handwritten notes from their patients: “ Thanking the “ loveliest nurses and carers ” highlighting the are they received and staff ’ s “ unwavering compassion ”. To Sharon from two clients from the NB community program: “ Thank you for all your help, Sharon, it has been really good to come here. ”
“ Thank you for being so kind, you are one of the good ones ”.
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Compliments
To Rebecca Tunks, Runa Antony and the Ryde Acute Care Team: “ I highly recommend you all for being instrumental in helping me hold it together over the past two weeks. Rebecca stayed on the line with me the other night and even called the ambulance on my behalf. I honestly didn ’ t think I ’ d make it through the night. Now, I ’ ve been confirmed for an admission to Odyssey and I ’ m feeling very hopeful. You all—and Mission Australia—did the heavy lifting. Runa (Antony), thank you so much. RCMH has been incredibly supportive in keeping me safe. ” To Simon Hill and the HKH Mental Health Team—especially AOT: “ My family member who recently died, had been a Patient of the Mental Health Team for over 30 years - both as an Inpatient & Outpatient.
Their treatment, medically & on a personal basis as an Outpatient has always been of the highest order.
When they first became a Patient, Michelle Young as their Social Worker was exemplary in her professional care for them, and a great help to me in learning to understand how to manage a young person with Schizophrenia. Although no longer personally involved in their treatment, she called me after learning of their death, and was, as always sensitive to the situation and of great comfort to me.
Which brings me to the present and to the splendid Assertive Outreach Team at Pennant Hills.
Hornsby Hospital is to be congratulated for this remarkable Team. Calls were taken & messages replied to promptly. Everyone I had dealings with was extremely professional but personable & helpful. They gained my family member ’ s trust, & kept it. No easy task, as previously they had resisted such supervision. Their last years were lived peacefully thanks to their unique care & insight into … as a person. My family member really wanted them in their life.
I know that this is a difficult & complex Profession, so please pass on my sincere gratitude to all of the Team.
On the night that … died, Deeptii, their Case Worker and her two Colleagues {Lucy Southwell and Elizabeth Keville|. were of immense help to me in an unexpected & ghastly situation. Their care for me was exceptional, and the shock was as profound for them as it was for me. But they were professional, highly sensitive and protective.
Please convey my sincere gratitude to all concerned. ”
The compliment portal is a great way to provide recognition to colleagues, team or volunteers. The compliment portal can be found on the NSLHD Intranet Please send submissions for the Compliments pages to: NSLHD- MHDANewsletter@health.nsw.gov.au
Submissions will be edited for clarity and privacy.
To Cristina Cullen NB Community Programs Team
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Latest Events
Macquarie Hospital Hosts First Carer Forum Since Prior to COVID-19 ~ Georgie McBride, Wellbeing Unit
On Tuesday, 5 August 2025, Macquarie Hospital proudly hosted its first Carer Forum since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Thirteen carers attended the event, representing four inpatient units across the hospital. The forum offered carers a valuable opportunity to engage with staff in a relaxed, non-clinical environment, access relevant information, and connect with fellow carers. It provided a supportive space for sharing experiences, building community, and recognising the vital role carers play as tireless advocates. Centred around the theme United We Care, United We Share , the program included a Q&A session with MHDA staff (both hospital-based and community), inspiring recovery stories from Carer Peer Workers, and a Self-Care segment featuring local services and resources. The event was warmly received by attendees, and planning is already underway for the next Carer Forum.
Page 5 | NSLHD Mental Health Drug and Alcohol News | September 2025
MHDA Rewards & Recognition Awards 2025
The 2025 Rewards and Recognition Awards were held Wednesday, 17 September to honour the outstanding contributions of our dedicated staff. On behalf of the Rewards and Recognition Committee, sincere thanks to everyone who took the time to nominate and celebrate their colleagues. This year an incredible 224 nominations were received; an inspiring testament to the culture of appreciation and excellence across our service.
Congratulations to all the finalists and winners! The day was filled with celebration, entertainment and heartfelt moments that truly reflected the spirit of our community.
A special commendation goes to the remarkable Rewards and Recognition Committee who demonstrated exceptional agility and teamwork under pressure. When a power outage at Hornsby forced a last minute venue change, the committee swiftly secured a new location, arranged catering and coordinated logistics all within hours. Their seamless execution ensured the event ran without a hitch. Kudos to the committee for their resilience and professionalism!
The Rewards and Recognition committee aka Superheroes! L-R: Noel Meredith, Jenna Frost, Natasha Sharma, Tracey Hiscox, Roksana Detheridge, Janet Edmond, Anne Bajuk, Samantha Lee, Larissa Moyes, Jane Millar and Grace Maroon.
MHDA Director Andrea Taylor
MC Anthony Ackroyd
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Congratulations to our Winners
Collaborative Team of the Year:
Governance Support Unit, MHDA Directorate
L-R: Mayuri Parmar, Simone Hlavka and Mahitha Ramakrishna (pictured with Claire Harris) (Not pictured: GSU members Melanie Stuart, Ling Wei, Jane Retalic, Alison Meynink, Helena Tosello)
Inclusive Practice:
Santhea Chandramohan, Consumer Peer Worker (pictured with Lyndal Sherwin )
Wellbeing Champion:
Samantha Freestone, Consumer Peer Worker ( pictured with Sarah Eldridge Smith)
Unsing Hero— Macquarie Hospital:
Claudia White (Pictured with Anne Bajuk)
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Congratulations to our Winners
Unsung Hero - Child and Youth Mental Health Service:
Ffion Jones (pictured with Ayisha Chitakunye)
Support Service of the Year: MQH Environmental Services Team (Kerrie-Anne Pryke and Olga Fontes
Collaborative Team of the Year Consumer/Carer Nominated:
Felicity Smith, Aliyah Kavuzlu and Jack Chau (pictured with Claire Harris)
Unsing Hero— Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Mental Health Services:
Staff Member of the Year Non-Management: Stephen Sanderson Staff Member of the Year Carer/Consumer Nominated: Anup Talwar
Putri Rahma (pictured with Adam Johnston)
Page 8| NSLHD Mental Health Drug and Alcohol News | August 2025
Congratulations to our Winners
In Special Recognition For Service Beyond the Call of Duty:
Dr James Leeder (pictured)
•
Xue Zhang (not pictured)
•
Research, Quality Improvement and Innovation: Professor Natalie Cutler (pictured with Alicia Duffy)
Unsung Hero— North Shore Ryde Mental Health Service:
Sophia Krivacic (pictured at right with Sheila Nicolson)
Unsung Hero—Drug & Alcohol:
Larissa Moyes (pictured with Kingsley Waterson)
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Congratulations to our Winners
Manager of the Year:
Regan Runnalls (Pictured with Mark Joyce)
Unsung Hero—Older Persons Mental Health Service:
Dr Mark Yates ( pictured with Andrew Clement )
Unsung Hero—Northern Beaches Community Mental Health Service:
Caitlin Boyle (pictured with Antoin Cullen)
Unsung Hero—Mental Health Drug and Alcohol Directorate/District-Wide Services:
Mahitha Ramakrishna (pictured with Mark Joyce)
Page 10| NSLHD Mental Health Drug and Alcohol News | September 2025
The Entertainment
If you thought your hips were safe, think again! The Inangaro Paradise Dance Group brought a dazzling display of rhythm and colour. The groups talent was undeniable and their energy infectious. So infectious that they were able to get the staff twirling, shimmying and showing off their dance moves. Maybe next year their should be a category for best staff performance! Thank you again to the wonderful and thor- oughly entertaining Inangaro Paradise Dance Group.
Page 11| NSLHD Mental Health Drug and Alcohol News | September 2025
Farewell to Samara
Timothy Yeap
The Psychiatry Training Centre for Northern Sydney & Central Coast recently held a morning tea to farewell their Education Support Officer, Samara Osman ( pictured with Anne Maree Driver, Admin Officer, and Dr John Wardell, Director of Train- ing, of the Psychiatry Training Centre).
MHDA Executive Leadership Development
The MHDA Executive and Service Directors participated in 3 days of leadership development facilitat- ed by ECI Partners during July, August and September. The days provided a wonderful opportunity for team building for the Executive. The group was able to refocus and set goals for the next 3-12 months and plan ways to manage the challenges on the horizon in 2026. The team will continue to “ Strive and Thrive ”, and “ to serve our community and provide the best possible person-centred, holistic care sustainably. ”
L-R: Back row - Mark Joyce, Dr Pradeep Jarabandahalli, Sheila Nicolson, Anne Bajuk, Marc Evans, Ayisha Chitakunye, Jeanine Smith, Kingsley Waterson, Leanne Frizzel Front row – Andrea Taylor, Elizabeth Penman, Alicia Duffy, Antoin Cullen
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New Aboriginal MHDA Shirts / Wear It Purple Day Michelle Meadham—Aboriginal MHDA
MHDA celebrated Wear it Purple Day by pulling out their purple clothes and wearing it with pride to support and celebrate our LGBTQI+ community. Just in time for Wear It Purple Day, the Aboriginal MHDA shirts have been restocked, bringing renewed access to a collection that proudly celebrates Aboriginal culture and identity. Featuring vibrant sleeve designs and rich colours, each shirt reflects traditional Aboriginal art and storytelling of the NSLHD local areas.
L-R: Teahne Lyon (Snr Aboriginal MH Care Navigator), Angel Ralph (Aboriginal MH AOD Worker), Michelle Meadham – (Manager, Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Services), Chris Curry (Aboriginal MH SEWB Peer Work- er),
L-R: Glen Bowcock, Manager MHDA Information, Elizabeth Penman, MHDA Director of Allied Health &Clinical Programs, Michelle Meadham, Manager Aboriginal &Torres Straight Is- lander Services, Diane Paul, CNC MHDA, Alicia Duffy, Director of Governance Operations Unit, Andrea Taylor MHDA Director.
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MHDA Research Conference
Mahitha Ramakrishna - Quality Manager
The Annual MHDA Research conference was held on 27 August 2025 with over 100 participants attend- ing in person at the Kolling Auditorium, Royal North Shore Hospital. We had over 25 submissions includ- ing 10 posters, 9 research presentations, and 6 Quality improvement presentations from across all MHDA sectors. The event was a success with great networking opportunities for all, and attendance from key NSLHD Executive as well. The winners are listed below under each service and the judging panel noted that it was a difficult decision to make as the quality of presentations were very high across the board. This is MHDA ’ s 12 th annual conference and has had the most attendees we have seen since it commenced which reflects MHDA ’ s commitment to research and finding novel ideas for therapeutic in- terventions across our services. A huge thank you to our professors and mentors for inspiring our young and emerging researchers.
MHDA : Best Research Presentation: Evaluation of the Let ’ s talk about Voices (LTAV) toolkit; Alicia Fer- nandes, Janelle Mackee, Haylee Zink and Lyndal Sherwin
D&A Winning Poster: Oral Health status and Oral Health-related quality of life: cross sectional study of clients in an Australian Opioid Treatment Program; Dr Grace Wong and Bonny Puszka
Winning Poster Audience Vote: Optimising Hepatitis C Detection and Treatment: The National HCV Point of Care Testing Program at NSLHD; Erica Martin
MQH Best Quality Improvement Presentation: Bright Smiles and Clear Minds in Tarban House; Thidar Htun
Most Consumer / Carer Focused Presentation: From Forums to Frameworks: Co-Designing a Consumer Advisory Group at Macquarie Hospital; Karen Klarnett and Sarah Mithoefer
NSRMHS Professor ’ s Award: Psychotherapeutic Investigation and Management of Functional Neurologi- cal Disorder (FND); Dr Kelsey Josling and Dr Ralf Ilchef
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MHDA Research Conference
Mahitha Ramakrishna—Directorate Governance Unit
Winners of the Best Research Presentation and Consumer / Carer focussed presentation:
L-R: Janelle Mackee, Alicia Fernandes, Karen Klar- nett and Sarah Mithoefer
Conference attendees selfie (with thanks to Matthew Barry, Macquarie Hospital, front)
Research Conference judging panel:
Sarah Mithoefer, A/Professor Mark Montebello, Conjoint Assoc. Professor Natalie Cutler, Carer Peer Worker Peter Heggie, Ling Wei, Paul Tyne
Winner of the Professor ’ s Award:
Dr Kelsey Josling Pictured with A/Prof Mark Montebello and Conjoint A/Professor Natalie Cutler
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MHDA Research Conference
Mahitha Ramakrishna
Clockwise from top: Winner of the Best Poster:
Oral Health status and Oral Health-related quality of life: cross sectional study of cli- ents in an Australian Opioid Treatment Pro- gram; Dr Grace Wong and Bonny Puszka Winner of Best Poster Award: Audience Vote: Optimising Hepatitis C De- tection and Treatment: The National HCV Point of Care Testing Program at NSLHD; Erica Martin Winner of Best Quality Presentation: MQH Bright Smiles Clear Minds, Tarban House; Thidar Htun (accepted by Mbalia Lamin)
Poster entries from NBCMHS
L-R: LeeAnne McGrath, Amy Jackson, Jane Millar, Antoin Cullen
Page 16| NSLHD Mental Health Drug and Alcohol News | September 2025
Rehab Psychiatry Forum
Mike Heenan—Ministry of Health MH Branch
The Rehab Psychiatry forum was held on 14 August 2025, organised by Dr Nicholas Burns, Clinical Lead, NSW Health Rehabilitation Psychiatry, in conjunction with Macquarie Hospital, Northern Sydney. The event ran from 09:00am to 13:00pm and attracted approximately 35 attendees, providing a great opportunity for face to face collaboration. Unfortunately, the planned tour of the campus was scuppered by torrential rain.
There were three main discussion points for the day: • Two speakers presented on pharmacological management of complex psychosis:
An update on guidelines for management of treatment resistant schizophrenia. Professor Dan Siskind, Clinical Academic Psychiatrist, Metro South Addiction and Mental Health Service, and Professor of Psychiatry, University of Queensland Judicious Prescribing: Navigating Polypharmacy in Rehabilitation: Gabrielle Hansen, Senior Clinical Pharmacist Bloomfield Hospital, WNSWLHD Group discussion of the NSW Mental Health Rehabilitation Model of Care Framework was led by: Dr Andrew McDonald, Clinical Director of PCLI, NSW Deborah Hoban, Statewide Rehabilitation Coordinator, Mental Health Branch, Ministry of Health, NSW • Two speakers discussed contemporary research projects of interest to rehabilitation psychiatrists: Multi-centre cognitive remediation trial by Professor Julaine Allan, Charles Sturt University Bloomfield non-acute services review by Dr Anna Noonan, Research Fellow, University of Sydney School of Rural Health
Some thoughts from the forum attendees:
What did you find most valuable about the presentations? "Morning presentations were reassuring with regard to my own practice, as they reinforced my existing approach to treatment" "Range of topics " "Informative knowledgeable presentations, inspiring experiences " "Igniting enthusiasm to do better"
"Identifying relevant resources /tools" "Stimulated thought and discussion " "Discussion on Clozapine"
What topics would you like discussed in future meetings? "More discussion around polypharmacy. A more nuanced discussion of treatment resistant illness involving options beyond clozapine alone, noting that many rehab consumers are already on clozapine in addition to other agents and still present a management challenge" "Psychological therapies in treatment resistance " "Management of comorbidities with severe persistent mental illnesses (e.g. ADHD, substance use disorders) ” "Managing treatment refractory schizophrenia be" "Integrating drug and alcohol treatment in mental health rehab " "Treatment for treatment resistant consumers" "Bench marking tools"
There are plans to hold another forum in 2026 on site at a different rehab inpatient campus.
Page 17| NSLHD Mental Health Drug and Alcohol News | September 2025
THRIVE Leadership Program
Congratulations to Duncan Gill, Louise Keane, Maria Pinn and Samantha Lee for completing the THRIVE Leadership Program.
The THRIVE program is a multi-day course designed to help staff who are new to leadership positions develop their leadership and management skills. The program also involves the completion of the Hogan 360, with this being a tool to allow peers, staff and managers to rate your performance across various domains, thereby identifying strengths and areas for improvement. Finally, in addition to the useful course content, the program also involved the allocation of an experienced coach to work with us on an individual basis to develop our management skills, with this aspect being invaluable. I would thoroughly recommend the program to any staff who are moving into leadership positions and who wish to hone their leadership skills.
Duncan Gill, CYMHS & RYDE
Maria Pinn CYMHS & RNS)
“ The Thrive program has run alongside my secondments into various leadership roles, providing a carefully struc- tured pathway for growth. From the outset, it focuses on self-analysis, which re- vealed to me the importance of understanding both strengths and weaknesses in shaping the kind of leader we become. Through this process, I ’ ve not only gained deeper insight into myself but also developed a greater appreciation for how others work. This has enabled me, as a leader, to empower those around me in their own journeys. Thrive has been an invaluable springboard into leadership, and I would high- ly recommend it to anyone considering or already work- ing in leadership roles. ”
Samantha Lee, EO to MHDA Director
Louise Keane D&A, RNS)
Page 18| NSLHD Mental Health Drug and Alcohol News | September 2025
Upcoming Events
Mayuri Parmar - Engagement Manager
Mental Health Month 2025
October marks Mental Health Month 2025 with the inspiring theme “ Taking Steps on Your Well- being Journey ”. It is a time to pause, reflect and recommit to the small meaningful actions that support mental health, both individually and collectively. Our MH Month Champions have been working hard behind the scenes to organise a vibrant calendar of events and activities that bring this theme to life across MHDA. A key highlight of the month will be Global Peer Support Cele- bration Day, where we honour the invaluable contributions of our consumer and carer peer work- force. On this day there will be the virtual launch of the NSW Peer Workforce Framework which is a significant milestone in strengthening peer-led care and embedding lived experience at the heart of our services.
For events and activities in your sector contact your MH Month Champions below
Sector
MH Month Champion
OPMHS
Andrew Clement
NSR/LNS
Paula Hanlon / Chheng Hoang
NB
Sarah Sweeny
HKH
Contact Service Director
D&A
Contact Service Director
CYMHS
Contact Service Director
MHDA Directorate
Mayuri Parmar
Page 19| NSLHD Mental Health Drug and Alcohol News | September 2025
Mental Health Month 2025 Sector Events
Mayuri Parmar - Engagement Manager
MHDA Directorate Activities
Each service will receive a kit full of posters, cards and colourful craft supplies to create their own well- being wall. Staff members and consumers are encouraged to share the steps they will take on their own wellbeing journey.
Coffee vouchers are available for those who participate. See your sector MH Month Champion or Service Director for more information.
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Mental Health Month 2025
Macquarie Hospital Activities Please be advised that the 2025 Macquarie Hospital Spring Walk will be held on Tuesday 30 Septem- ber, from 10:00am– 11:30 am, meeting outside the Wallace Wurth building.
This is in keeping with the 2025 Mental Health Month theme “ Taking Steps on Your Wellbeing Journey. ”
This event forms part of the combined NSLHD initiatives Spring into Action, Steptember, and the launch of Mental Health Month. As part of the initiative, please encourage and support consumers to attend the walk, including those who may require assistance with unescorted leave or mobility needs. Discounted small coffees will be available for staff who bring a reusable cup, and free coffees will be provided for consumers at the Pic- colo Me Café.
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Mental Health Month 2025
Macquarie Hospital Activities
Activity
Location
Date/Time
Spring Walk Art Exhibition
MCQH Grounds
30/9
NSECC
7/10 at 2pm
Recreational Centre Open Day Crafting Corner: DIY Soaps, Badges & Wellbeing Tree
Rec Centre
10/10 at 11am-2pm 14/10 at 10am-12pm
Outlook, outside outlook
Healthy Morning Tea/ Picnic
Outlook Warami
17/10 at 10am-12pm 21/10 at 10am-12pm 24/10 at 12pm-1:15pm
Pamper Day
Open Art studio for staff
Art Therapy room
Power Your Path: Exercise session for staff
WBU Gym
28/10 at 12-1pm
We are excited to be holding this year ’ s Consumer Exhibition for Mental Health Month on Tuesday 7 October from 2pm. This is a consumer-led exhibition, and we would love to extend the invitation to both consumers and peer workers to exhibit their artwork. If you or the people you work with are interested, please note that completed artworks will need to be submitted by Monday, 15 September at the latest. For your convenience, I ’ ve attached an entry form to provide details about each artwork (please feel free to leave any sections blank if not applicable). Please note the exhibition will run until March 2026. It would be wonderful to showcase the creativity and expression within our community, and I would greatly appreciate your support in sharing this invitation with consumers and peer workers you may be working with.
“ Circles of Resistance ” by Michelle Horsey
“ Pineapple Queensland and PNG ” by Sam Wong
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Mental Health Month 2025
Macquarie Hospital Activities
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Mental Health Month
Ryde Activities
Mental Health Month Picnic Day
Ryde Consumer Services Invites you to our picnic day (support workers, family & pets welcome) Date: Wednesday 29 th October Where: DarvallPark Chatham Rd, Denistone BYO:BBQ or Picnic food and drinks, cutlery and plates We will provide tea/coffee/sugar/milk
Join us Consumer’s Room Ryde Commuity MH Centre Movie 1: 10am-12pm Movie 2: 12.30pm-2.30pm BYO snacks & lunch Enquiries: Paula Hanlon 0413451073
You can cook your own BBQ or Michael is happy to do it for you
Don ’ t forget to email articles and pictures from your events to: NSLHD- MHDANewsletter@health.nsw.gov.au
Please include names and positions of staff in pictures and be sure to gain permission to share.
December newsletter submissions must be received by 30 November 2025.
All submissions will be edited for clarity and privacy.
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Mental Health Month
Northern Beaches Activities
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Mental Health Month
North Shore Activities
Page 26| NSLHD Mental Health Drug and Alcohol News | September 2025
Launch of the NSW Peer Workforce Framework
On Global Peer Support Celebration Day, Thursday 16 October 2025, 2:00pm, the NSW Ministry of Health will launch the NSW Peer Workforce Framework.
You are invited to register to attend the virtual event and to promote the launch with peer workers, managers of peer workers, colleagues, HR managers and executive staff in your Local Health District/ Specialty Health Network. Register using the this link: Virtual Launch - Elevating Lived Experience Expertise: A Framework for the NSW Health Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Peer (Lived Experience) Workforce The launch will celebrate the value and impact of the Peer Workforce, and reaffirm NSW Health's commitment to grow, develop and support the Peer Workforce across mental health and suicide pre- vention services. Hear from our panel: • Hon. Rose Jackson, Minister for Mental Health • Dr Brendan Flynn, Executive Director, Mental Health Branch • Jessica Radican, Principal Statewide Peer (Lived Experience) Workforce Officer, Mental Health Branch • Darren Wagner, HETI NSW Peer Workforce Education Lead • Members of our Expert Advisory Group The Framework will guide all NSW Health Organisations The Framework will guide Local Health Districts and Specialty Health Networks of NSW Health to support, develop and grow the Peer Workforce. The Framework will deliver a scope of practice for the Peer Workforce, alongside best practice work- force development strategies and approaches to support the Peer Workforce.
Who should attend the launch? The launch is open to anyone in Australia who is interested to learn more about the Framework.
The Framework will apply to all peer workers drawing from personal lived experience (consumer per- spectives) employed in NSW Health mental health and suicide prevention services.
Where can I access the Framework? Immediately following the launch, the Framework will be availa- ble on the NSW Health website.
Register for the launch to receive an email with the link to the Framework.
Who do I contact? If you have questions about the launch, please contact Jessica Radican, Principal Statewide Peer (Lived Experience) Workforce Officer at moh-tzs@health.nsw.gov.au.
Page 27 | NSLHD Mental Health Drug and Alcohol News | September 2025
Gathering of Kindness Week November
2025 Gathering of Kindness and NSLHD Consumer Forum Friday 14 November 2025
Gathering of Kindness 2025 will take place from 10-16 November, with this year ’ s theme:
One Care, Many Voices – because kindness lives here.
NSLHD has received Ministry of Health funding to support events across its services and facilities. At NSLHD level our focus will be on continuing to evaluate the Partnering with Consumers Framework 2021 – 2026 and planning the annual NSLHD Consumer Advisor Forum on Friday 14 November.
General Managers, Service Directors, Quality Managers and NSLHD Consumer Advisors are currently being asked for input on service-level ideas.
Please email your ideas to NSLHD_ThePatientExperience@health.nsw.gov.au.
Page 28| NSLHD Mental Health Drug and Alcohol News | September 2025
An inspiring day of learning, discussion, and collaboration as we explore the future of inclusive healthcare for older LGBTIQ+ communities.
Our ageing LGBTIQ+ population has fought hard for the right to exist, and now deserves to be well-supported as they enter later life and aged care services. Yet, there remain significant gaps in research, policy, and service deliv- ery. This symposium shines a light on these challenges while celebrating resilience and paving the way for better health outcomes.
Hybrid Event – All Welcome—Register to attend via the link below. Kolling Institute, Level 5, Auditorium Online Via: Microsoft Teams
Feature Speakers Dr. Ruby Grant (she/her) – La Trobe University Dr. Louisa Smith (she/her) – Deakin University
Dr. Meaghan Vosz (she/her) – Southern Cross University Prof. Tinashe Dune (she/her) – Charles Darwin University Prof. Limin Mao (she/her) – University of New South Wales Dr. Brooke Brady (she/her) – University of New South Wales Michael Woodhouse (he/him) – CEO, ACON
Key Themes •
Older LGBTIQ+ Health and Wellbeing
• Fears and concerns in residential aged care • Ageing in community • Dementia and Disability • Ageing with HIV • Intersex health and ageing concerns • Policy Gaps for LGBTIQ+ Aged Care • Community Advocacy and Support
If you have any accessibility requirements or require an interpreter, please email jemma.clifton@health.nsw.gov.au
To attend online, join the meeting here on the day: https://bit.ly/4lvM4us
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Australian College of Mental Health Nurses
The Australian College of Mental Health Nurses (ACMHN) is excited to announce the re-establishment of the Greater Sydney Branch.
The Greater Sydney Branch will provide :
A Local Point of Contact ACMHN branches serve as a forum where members can connect, take part in events, and collaborate on local initiatives. The branch framework ensures that mental health nurses feel supported, in formed, and included.
•
• Elevation of Local Professional Recognition
As a peak body and credentialing authority, ACMHN uses its branches to raise awareness and recog nition of mental health nursing as a specialty. Local branches bring the voice of the profession into communities, highlighting our identity as mental health nurses, our expertise, leadership, and contri butions in mental health care.
• Advocacy Across All Levels of Health and Government
Representation matters, not just nationally, but locally too. ACMHN branches engage with state and territory health sectors and governments including the Ministry of Health, influencing policy, shaping standards, and ensuring mental health nurses play an active role in decision making everywhere.
Getting Involved •
Meetings are scheduled monthly.
• The next meeting is on Wednesday 17 th September 1630-1730 hrs on Teams. Meeting ID: 499 852 746 766 Passcode: XB6MA7LN For more information please get in touch with Euan MacLeay Deputy Chair @ Euan.Macleay@health.nsw.gov.au or Suzy Glover Secretariat @ Suzanne.Glover1@health.nsw.gov.au
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Activity Based Funding. What are they & do they affect me?
David Perabo - ABF Manager
What is ABF? Activity Based Funding (ABF) is the basis of how the Commonwealth Government provides funding to the States and Territories under the National Health Reform Agreement.
All States and Territories have implemented ABF as a basis for funding all activity streams including:
Acute,
• • • • •
Emergency,
Ambulatory / Community Care, Sub and Non-Acute Care, and
Mental Health.
ABF in its simplest form is a payment for the number and mix of consumers treated, reflecting the workload and resources used, and providing hospitals with an incentive to provide services more efficiently. ABF is designed to create a more transparent and efficient healthcare system by linking funding directly to output.
ABF has been used to fund inpatient (admitted) mental health since July 1, 2013, and ambulatory (non- admitted) mental health July 1, 2025. As part of this process the Independent Hospital and Aged Care Authority (IHACPA) determine the classifications and pricing for funding health services. Some services such as Macquarie Hospital (MQH) and Coral Tree Family Service (CTFS) are still funded historically based on previous years budgets and expenditure. In 2017, the IHACPA introduced a new classification for Mental Health called the Australian Mental Health Care Classification (AMHCC), which applies to both admitted and ambulatory mental health services and is based on routinely collected data, the setting (admitted/non-admitted); Mental Health Phase of Care (previously Focus of Care); Age; Mental Health Legal Status; and Outcome Measure (HoNOS-CA | HoNOS | HoNOS65).
How It Works ABF relies on a classification system that categorizes patient treatments into groups.
• Patient Treatment: A consumer is admitted for a specific reason. • Case Classification: The consumer's diagnosis, Mental Health Phase of Care, age, and other factors are used to assign the case to a specific category. These categories are often called AMHCC end classes. • Cost and Complexity: Each end class is assigned a "weight" that reflects its expected cost and complexity. A simple, straightforward case would have a low weight, while a complex, resource- intensive case would have a high weight. • The Price: A state "efficient price" is set for each unit of weighted activity. This is the benchmark payment for a standard, average case.
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Activity Based Funding What are they & do they affect me?
David Perabo—ABF Manager
Activity Based Funding aims to:
• Encourage Efficiency by supporting health services to be efficient and reduce unnecessary costs while maintaining quality. • Transparency: allows health services to see where funds are going, with the funding being tied directly to the services provided, allowing for better accountability. • Fairness: Funding is distributed more equitably across the system. Health services that serve more complex or sicker populations receive more funding to cover their higher costs. • Focus on consumer needs: Resources are directed towards the most needed services and treatments.
How does ABM (ABF) affect me? ABM can provide clinicians with information where potential service improvements are possible within their service. What is the basis of funding? The basis of funding is the National Weighted Activity Unit (NWAU). A National Weighted Activity Unit (NWAU) is a standard unit used in Australia's Activity Based Funding (ABF) system to measure the volume and complexity of public hospital services, comparing different activities by weighting their resource intensity. An average, or "basic" hospital service, is equivalent to one (1) NWAU, with more complex services receiving multiple NWAUs and simpler services receiving fractions of an NWAU.
For Mental Health, the NWAU varies according to the setting. i.e. admitted or non-admitted (ambulatory).
For an admitted episode of care the NWAU can range from (0.8840 – 8.7667) depending on the complexity and age of the consumer. Additional adjustments to the NWAU are made to account for the length of stay, Indigenous status, and remoteness of the consumer. An adult consumer who has an Acute Phase of Care, moderate HoNOS complexity and a typical length of stay would receive an NWAU = 2.3709. For a non-admitted (ambulatory) contact the NWAU can range from (0.0259 – 0.1004) depending on the complexity, age of the consumer and whether the consumer is present or not present. An adult consumer with an Acute Phase of Care, moderate HoNOS complexity and was present during the contact would receive an NWAU = 0.0467.
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Activity Based Funding What are they & do they affect me?
David Perabo—ABF Manager
How does it affect my day-to-day job? ABF does not impact the day-to-day activities of a clinician.
There is no additional workload as ABM | ABF leverages data routinely collected during the contact with a consumer. Why do I have to collect data? What if I do not complete a contact form or outcome measure? The key building blocks which form the foundation of ABM | ABF and drive budget allocation are, pricing, costing, classifying, & counting. The eMR is the register of activity and the basis of the invoice to the Ministry of Health for funding. If a clinician does not complete a contact form after a contact with a consumer in the eMR, there is no way to identify that the contact occurred and therefore it will be an unfunded activity. If the mental health phase of care and outcome measure is not collected at the required intervals the period of care could be classed as Unknown Phase or Unknown HoNOS and all associated encounters will receive a lower NWAU or no NWAU.
How does Client Related Provider Time (CRPT) relate to ABF | ABM? CRPT captures the amount of time incurred in providing a service to a consumer.
It is used in ABM as part of a suite of performance metrics that reflect the resources involved in providing a service to a consumer. While it does not have a direct impact on the NWAU, non-recording of the contact has a greater impact as it will be “ unfunded ”. Is there training specific to me? Whilst there is no additional specific training required, it is highly recommended that clinicians ’ complete refresher training in the completion of outcome measures on a bi-annual basis to refresh skills and improve the collection and accuracy of the data collected. It is recommended that clinicians utilise the on-line refresher training in the completion of the suite of age-appropriate outcome measures provided by the Australian Mental Health Outcomes Collection Network (AMHOCN) located at All training | Training
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ABF? NWAU? CRPT? What are they?
David Perabo—ABF Manager
The table below is a reference to when the outcome measures need to be completed.
Note: The population reference when completing an Outcome Measure is the WHOLE population NOT just our Mental Health consumers.
When completing the outcome measure, be careful not to minimise scoring, and accurately record the actual issues that need to be improved for recovery.
More information on ABF and ABM More information can be found at the MHDA intranet page: Activity Based Management (ABM) & Activity Based Funding (ABF) in MHDA.
If you would like a presentation on how ABM and ABF affects your team, please contact David Perabo, ABF Manager MHDA david.perabo@health.nsw.gov.au or (02) 8877 4679.
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Vale Peter Fleming
The MHDA family farewells Peter Fleming who worked in many of our mental health services for a very long time. Many staff members will be affected across the service.
Peter was known to be an amazing mentor to early, and not so early, entry practitioners and for his “ can-do, will-do ” attitude.
He was a corner stone of our Disaster Deployment teams having said yes every time we called him regardless of the disaster – oil tankers on fire, floods in QLD, fires in SNSW. He also said yes to being seconded into some of our rural and regional mental health services at times of ex- treme staff shortages.
A further tribute will follow in our December Newsletter with photos of his life in MHDA.
“ Thank you Peter – I will certainly miss you, your expertise, your ability to engage all, your charm and your wit. ” ~ Andrea Taylor
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Vale Dr James Telfer
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Mental Health News in Brief
Mental Health Regulation
The Mental Health Regulation 2025 commenced on 1 September 2025. The updated legislation ensures that the dignity and privacy of consumers are maintained when completing audio visual assessments under the Mental Health Act. The 2025 legislation ensures that consumers are provided with sufficient, supporting information upon discharge from mental health facilities including details of support groups, and local community legal centres. The legislation has updates to the Electroconvulsive Therapy language, and as a result the prescribed form 5 has been amended to reflect changes and Form 6 has been removed completely, refer to Mental Health Act 2007 forms. Patient Safety Survey Prize Winners 2025 I am pleased to announce that a Mental Health Drug and Alcohol team achieved a high response rate in the recently conducted 2025 Patient Safety Culture Survey (PSCS). This team is therefore eligible for one of twelve $1,000 prizes to be used for resources for their area, staff education or wellbeing. The winning team is: Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Mental Health Service - Inpatient Units -Psychiatric Emergency Care Centre
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InsideOut eLearning Platform
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Courses at a Glance Oct/Nov/Dec 2025
LCD Team
October 2025
November 2025
December 2025
Tuesday, 4 November 2025 MHDA Suicide Risk Assessment & Management Respecting the Difference: Be the Difference Wednesday, 5 November 2025
Wednesday, 8 October 2025 Domestic Violence Routine Screening (DVRS) Respecting the Difference: Be the Difference
Monday, 1 September 2025 Respecting the Difference: Be the Difference Domestic Violence Routine Screening (DVRS) Tuesday, 2 December 2025 MHDA GradStart Block 3 Day One Respecting the Difference: Be the Difference Wednesday, 3 September 2025 MHDA GradStart Block 3 Day Two Leading Teams in the Clinical Workplace - Nursing & Midwifery Effective Communication with Individuals/Team Thursday, 4 December 2025 MHDA GradStart Block 3 Day Three Friday, 5 December 2025 Respecting the Difference: Be the Difference Respecting Diversity: LGBTIQ+ Awareness Training Monday, 8 December 2025 NSLHD District Orientation Speaking up for Safety Training Tuesday, 9 December 2025 MHDA Orientation Day 2 Respecting the Difference: Be the Difference Wednesday, 10 December 2025 MHDA Orientation Day 3
Monday, 13 October 2025 NSLHD District Orientation Speaking up for Safety Training Tuesday, 14 October 2025 MHDA Orientation Day 2 Respecting the Difference: Be the Difference Wednesday, 15 October 2025 MHDA Orientation Day 3
MHDA Recovery Oriented Practice Forum Reflective Practice Clinical Supervision Thursday, 6 November 2025 MHDA Preceptor Forum The Underperforming Staff Member Domestic Violence Routine Screening (DVRS) Navigating Mental Health Act-Balancing Family, Carer and Consumer Rights Monday, 10 November 2025 NSLHD District Orientation Speaking up for Safety Training Wednesday, 12 November 2025 MHDA Orientation Day 3 Monday, 17 November 2025 Respecting the Difference: Be the Difference MHDA Assistant in Nursing (AIN) Strengthening Day Tuesday, 18 November 2025 Coaching in the Workplace-Day 2 Teaching & Learning Series-Supporting Learners Introduction to Sensory Modulation Thursday, 20 November 2025 Respecting the Difference: Be the Difference Sexual Safety in MHDA Tuesday, 25 November 2025 Comprehensive MSE, Narrative Risk Assessment & ISBAR Handover Teaching & Learning Series-Assessment Respecting the Difference: Be the Difference Coral Tree Training: Working with Families to Address Challenging Behaviour in Children Tuesday, 27 November 2025 Respecting the Difference: Be the Difference MHDA GradStart NUM and Community Team Leader Forum 2025
Coaching Conversations-Day 1 Thursday, 16 October 2025 Teaching & Learning Series -Supporting Learners Respecting Diversity: LGBTIQ+ Awareness Training Friday,17 October 2025 Suicide Risk Assessment & Management Respecting the Difference: Be the Difference Monday,20 October 2025 Leading the Team in Clinical Workplace - Allied Health Respecting the Difference: Be the Difference Tuesday, 21 October 2025 Leading the Team in Clinical Workplace- Nursing & Midwifery Speaking Up for Safety Training Thursday, 23 October 2025 Sexual Safety in MHDA Teaching & Learning Series-Assessment Monday,27 October 2025 Speaking Up for Safety Training Respecting the Difference: Be the Difference Tuesday, 28 October 2025 Enhancing Skills to Facilitate Recovery Wednesday, 29 October 2025 Health Educator Symposium 2025 Thursday, 30 October 2025 Comprehensive MSE, Narrative Risk Assessment & ISBAR Handover
Enrolments via My Health Learning Cost: Nil for NSLHD employees
Enquiries: NSLHD-MHDAEducation@health.nsw.gov.au
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