Open Consultations
Surveys, Consultations and Representative roles – your voice makes a difference!
By speaking up about your experiences, you can inform decision making and service design, and create positive change for you, other carers and the whole community.
We invite you to have your say in the following open opportunities. If you wish to raise a specific issue, you can email the Advocacy team below.
This October let’s make the time.
Mental Health Week ACT 2025 (5–11 October) is a chance to reflect, connect, and explore the everyday ways we support our own wellbeing, and the wellbeing of those around us.
Under this year’s theme, The Art of Wellbeing, we’re inviting everyone to take part in a week of free events and activities. From creative workshops to poetry, music, storytelling and more — the program will celebrate community connection, lived experience and the many ways we nurture our mental health.
We’ll also be announcing the recipients of the ACT Mental Health Sector Awards on World Mental Health Day – Friday 10 October, recognising the individuals and organisations making a real difference in the mental health space.
🗣️ ACT Mental Health Carers Survey 2025 – Open Now
If you care for someone living with mental ill health, we want to hear from you.
Your voice = change for carers.
This survey helps us measure how well mental health services include and respect carers – and your feedback is the evidence we need to advocate for real change.
- Tell us how hospitals, GPs and services have supported (or overlooked) your role.
- Help guide the improvements that matter most.
- Every response helps.
👉 Complete the Survey here – https://bit.ly/46yH1W0
Together, we can build a community where mental health is supported, and carers are seen, heard and valued.
Nobody understands the challenges of being a carer better than carers. Your lived experience is vital when governments and service providers seek to make changes that impact you and the people you care for.
The Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS) is currently reviewing the financial supports available to foster, kinship, and permanent/guardian carers, and they want to hear directly from carers in the ACT.
What’s involved?
Join a one-off online workshop to share your views and experiences with the current carer payment system.
Carers who participate will receive a $90 voucher in thanks for their time.
How to get involved:
- Fill out the expression of interest form: [Insert full hyperlink]
- Learn more on the Safe and Supported webpage
- Or contact AIFS directly:
- Phone: (03) 9214 7987
- Text: 0437 147 968
- Email: OOHC-carersreview@aifs.gov.au
Help shape a better future for carers by making your voice heard.
The Chief Minister’s Inclusion Awards celebrate Canberrans creating change and opportunities for people with disability.
Do you know someone living with disability who is a leader in your community?
Whether it’s at work, part of a community project, or just one person making a difference, nominate them now before they close!
If you are looking to improve your knowledge and skills on what an Equally Well approach to health care looks like in practice, this new MHPOD course could be for you.
This FREE short course explores some of the evidence about the physical health needs of people living with mental health conditions, including the specific risk factors, illnesses, and strategies mental health workers can use to support people living with mental health conditions to achieve positive health outcomes.
Learning Objectives
- Recognise the increased likelihood of people living with mental health conditions experiencing co-occurring physical conditions.
- Recognise the opportunities that mental health workers have to ‘nudge’ consumers to access freely available vaccination and health screening services.
- Identify the heightened risk of metabolic syndrome in individuals with psychosis spectrum disorders.
- Increase awareness of the strategies, resources, and frameworks available to support people with co-occurring physical and mental health conditions.
To start the course you need to create an account and start the topic.
Follow the link below or visit the website mhpod.gov.au.
Australian research company Catalyst recently conducted a large-scale consumer study on home care. Over 5,000 Australians gave their views, including 200 carers. However Catalyst is seeking more carers to be involved in its annual home care, retirement living and aged care surveys. If you’re interested in being part of this data collection, you can register to receive the surveys.
ReachOut are conducting an online research survey for parents/carers in Australia to tell us (confidentially) about the key issues you are concerned about, how they might impact the health and wellbeing of your child/ren, and how you might like to be supported to tackle these issues.
ADACAS and Advocacy for Inclusion have started a project to find the best ways to support parents with disabilities. The project will also look at the things that make it harder to be a parent with a disability.
Researchers at University of Queensland’s Centre for Clinical Research are working to improve neuropsychological assessments for earlier and more effective diagnosis of dementia in Parkinson’s disease.
In the first stage of the research, they are hoping to engage as many people as possible with Parkinson’s disease or who are caring for someone with Parkinson’s, that have taken part in cognitive or neuropsychological testing related to Parkinson’s disease.Reimbursement for participation will be provided by the researchers.For more information, visit https://clinical-research.centre.uq.edu.au/pdcognicare
The Mental Health, Justice Health, and Alcohol & Drug Services (MHJHADS) Division of Canberra Health Services (CHS) are reviewing how they currently support and treat people with co-occurring moderate to severe substance use disorders and moderate to severe mental illness, or co-occurring needs.
To inform this work, MHJHADS want to hear from people who may be experiencing, or have previously experienced, co-occurring needs, including their carers and/or family members.
Please provide your input via the survey: Co-occurring Needs Work Plan: Public Consultation (office.com)
If you would prefer to talk someone, please contact the Service and Transformation team at chs.mhjhadsserviceandtransformation@act.gov.au.
Got a fresh idea for a youth-led project or know someone who does?
Youth InterACT Grants are now open!
Up to $2,000 is available to support projects that engage, connect and celebrate the diversity of young people aged 12 to 25 in our community.
Organisations and individuals are welcome to apply.
Applications close 3pm, Wednesday 8 October!
A federal parliamentary committee is looking into the recently announced Thriving Kids Initiative – which aims to support children with mild to moderate developmental delays and neurodivergence outside the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) through mainstream settings such as schools, general practice and allied health services.
The committee wants to hear from carers and families about their experiences with current support services for children with mild to moderate developmental delays or autism, what’s working well, what’s missing, and how services could better work together to support carers and children. Carers can make a submission or complete a feedback survey by visiting the Inquiry into the Thriving Kids initiative – Parliament of Australia website.
Closing Date: 15 September 2025
When: 4th Wednesday of the month, 1-3pm (Usually one hour, online)
The Policy Review Panel reviews final drafts of policies, procedures and guidelines from any area of Canberra Health Services. Documents may provide guidance to staff on sensitive or higher-risk topics and procedures. Each reviewer is assigned 2-3 documents to review, with the consumer representatives able to choose what they consider most important to review.
This would suit a consumer who enjoys reviewing documents and providing feedback and comments. Panel members do not need to have expertise in the subject matter of the documents, they’re there to check that the documents provide clear, applicable guidance for any staff using them, including people who may be new to their roles. The review panel would like to have multiple consumer representatives sitting on the panel and providing feedback.
To nominate for this opportunity, please complete the nomination form here.
To learn more, please visit the Consumer Opportunities page on our website.
What do parents really need?
This is your chance to share your parenting experience.
The Parenting Today survey is a landmark national survey that captures the experiences, strengths, and support needs of parents and carers across Australia.
This survey will deliver rich, contemporary data to inform policy, programs and investments that support families where it matters most.
Anyone who is a parent or carer to a child aged up to 18 years can participate and share what it is like to be a parent in 2025.
It’s expected to take about 10-20 mins – please participate and share our Canberra perspective!
Survey closes 14 Sept.
As you may be aware, Capital Health Network (CHN) and the ACT Health and Community Services Directorate (HCSD) are currently partnering to develop the 2025-2030 ACT Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Regional Plan (the Regional Plan). The Regional Plan aims to improve mental health and suicide prevention in the ACT and region by identifying specific areas of community need, as well as opportunities to address these needs in a coordinated and systemic manner.
To ensure that this work is informed by local needs and meets current community priorities, we would like to invite you and/or your organisation to review part of the currently drafted Regional Plan via an online survey. This survey is open to all individuals and organisations in the Canberra region who engage with or have an interest in mental health and suicide prevention activities. We encourage you to forward this email onto any relevant individuals, teams, or networks who may wish to participate in consultation.
We will also be providing further opportunities to engage in the development of the Regional Plan. If you don’t already receive them, we encourage you to join the mailing list for CHN’s newsletters to be notified about future consultations relating to the Regional Plan. In addition, this survey replicates the consultation from an in-person Regional Plan developmental workshop held on 29 July 2025. If you or your organisation attended this event, we continue to welcome your input on the Regional Plan – however, please note that topics will be repeated and no new information is being provided via this survey, and any feedback already provided at the workshop will be reviewed for the Regional Plan alongside other consultations.
We anticipate that the survey will take approximately 15-30 minutes to complete. Please note that due to technical limitations, this survey may not function as intended on mobile devices. For the best experience, we recommend using a browser on a personal computer/desktop or tablet to open the survey.
This survey closes at 5:00pm on Wednesday 13th August, 2025. Please contact mhsp@chnact.org.au if you experience any technical difficulties with the online survey, or if you have any further questions or concerns. Thank you for your interest in this project and we look forward to hearing your input!
Details: Delirium can be a serious and distressing condition, yet research on delirium care is limited. People who have experienced delirium (or are at increased risk of delirium) along with their carers, are being asked to help identify the research questions related to delirium that they feel are most important to address. Feedback will be used to determine future global delirium research priority areas.
Participation is via this survey
A Canberra Health Services has undertaken a review of the Older Persons Mental Health Services (OPMHS) and the below documents are currently out for consultation:
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Consultation Paper to integrate older persons inpatient and community based services under an independent OPMHS program area
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OPMHS Model of Care
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Older Persons Mental Health Community Team (OPMHCT) Operational Procedure
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OPMHCT Consumer Welcome Information Document
If you wish to provide feedback on any of these documents, please contact mhcarers@carersact.org.au for further information
The Territory Health Infrastructure Consumer Reference Group (HICRG) is seeking new members to provide input and advice to the planning and design of health facilities in the ACT. The reference group is made up of carers and consumers, and participates in 4-6 meetings each year to provide advice to health infrastructure project teams about the needs of patients, carers and visitors.
To apply, carers can complete the online Territory Health Infrastructure Consumer Reference Group (HICRG) Nomination Form. For more information, please read the HICRG-Information-Sheet.pdf or contact HCCA on yelenaminasyan@hcca.org.au or 6230 7800.
Young carers aged 15-29yrs are invited to participate in the ANU’s Listening Together research project by doing an online survey about what good listening looks like and how you think people can listen to you better. There is a long survey (approx 20-40mins) and a short survey (approx 10-20mins) to choose from. For more information about the project visit the Listening Together website.
Canberra Health Services is seeking feedback on a new procedure: Clinical Risk Screening, Assessment and Care Planning.
If you have comments or questions, or would like more information, please email mhcarers@carersact.org.au.
The Canberra Health Services (CHS) Division of Mental Health, Justice Health, and Alcohol & Drug Services (MHJHADS) has undertaken a review of the CHS Sexual Safety Procedure.
If you would like to provide feedback on this procedure, contact mhcarers@carersact.org.au for further information.
Carers Australia is seeking your ideas for National Carers Week 2025 (12 to 18 October), in particular, who you would like to see sponsor it. The idea is for these corporate sponsors to offer financial recognition to carers during Carers Week through deals or discounts. For example, a big supermarket chain, department store, DIY shop, or even an entertainment provider or accommodation company. Whatever your idea, Carers Australia are eager to hear it. Email your ideas to communications@carersaustralia.com.au with the subject line “NCW 2025 partnership ideas”. Feel free to send it to the Carers ACT Policy & Advocacy Team (carer.advocacy@carersact.org.au) if you prefer and we will share the ideas for you – or cc us into your email so we can support your ideas.
Expressions of Interest (EOIs) are open for members of the Autistic and autism communities (including carers of people with autism) who are interested in supporting the implementation of the National Autism Strategy and the First Action Plan. To learn more about the strategy, action plan and how to be involved in a reference group or working group, visit the National Autism Strategy EOI Website.
Mental Health Justice Health and Drug and Alcohol Services (MHJHADS) invite you to provide feedback on proposed transition of North Canberra Hospital (NCH) mental health services to Mental Health, Justice Health, and Alcohol & Drug Services (MHJHADS).
If you would like to provide feedback, please contact mhcarers@carersact.org.au
The Canberra Health Services (CHS) Division of Mental Health, Justice Health, and Alcohol & Drug Services (MHJHADS) has undertaken a review of the Electroconvulsive Therapy Neurostimulation – Adults and Children 12 years of age and over Procedure.
If you wish to provide comment on this procedure, please contact mhcarers@carersact.org.au for futher details
Close date: 1st May 2025
The Canberra Health Services (CHS) Division of Mental Health, Justice Health, and Alcohol & Drug Services (MHJHADS) has undertaken a review of the Non-urgent escort and transport of consumers of MHJHADS Procedure.
If you would like to provide feedback please email mhcarers@carersact.org.au for further information.
The Canberra Health Services (CHS) Division of Mental Health, Justice Health, and Alcohol & Drug Services (MHJHADS) has undertaken a review of The Choice and Partnership Approach, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) Community Teams Procedure.
If you are interested in providing feedback please contact mhcarers@carersact.org.au.
Canberra Health Services (CHS) is reviewing the Adult Mental Health Rehabilitation Unit and the Day Service to assess how well they support consumers and their carers. If you have experience as a carer or family member with one or both services, your feedback is highly valued.
This review will explore:
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How well these services meet the needs of consumers and carers
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What is working well
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What could be improved to better support carers and families
How to Get Involved:
If you would like to provide your feedback, please contact Mental Health Carers Voice on mhcarers@carersact.org.au
Carers of people with disability are being asked to participate in a survey about how you and/or a person you care for finds, understands and uses information about health and health care – and what would make it easier for you to get the information you need. Participants must be over 18yrs, have accessed ACT Health Services and be living with disability or be the carer of someone with disability. The survey can be completed online by visiting 
Participants can also contact the Health Care Consumers Association on 6230 7800 or via dhlproject@hcca.org.au to complete the survey in-person or over the phone.
For more information about this project, please visit HCCA.
Mental Health, Justice Health and Alcohol and Drugs Service (MHJHADS) is calling for feedback on Supporting the Lived Experience (Peer) Workforce in the MHJHADS Division to Thrive. If you are interested in providing feedback, please email mhcarers@carersact.org.au for further information.
Carers ACT is hosting a Carer Collective Focus Group on February 25th from 10am-11:30am in Holt, seeking carer feedback on the accessibility of Canberra’s playgrounds. The group will discuss how well new and upgraded playgrounds are working for carers of children with disability or additional support needs and what improvements could be made. For more information, or to register, visit Carers ACT Events Portal
The Canberra Health Services (CHS) Division of Mental Health, Justice Health, and Alcohol & Drug Services (MHJHADS) has undertaken a review of the attached End of Life and Palliative Care for Detainees at Alexander Maconochie Centre Guideline. If you would like to provide feedback on the guideline contact mhcarers@carersact.org.au for further details.
Canberra Health Services are currently consulting on the new Community Healthcare Settings – Recognising and Responding to Physiological and Mental State Deterioration Guideline. If you are interested in providing feedback please email mhcarers@carersact.org.au for details.
Canberra Health Services invites feedback on a consultation paper: Supporting the Lived Experience (Peer) Workforce in Mental Health, Justice Health, and Alcohol and Drugs Services (MHJHADS). Share your insights before the 7th February 2025 deadline. Interested? Email mhcarers@carersact.org.au for further information.
Canberra Health Services is reviewing the Sharing Information with Carers – Mental Health Adult Inpatient Units Procedure. This is a critical step toward ensuring carers are recognised, supported, and included in mental health care decisions.
If you are interested in providing feedback please contact mhcarers@carersact.org.au for more information.
Nominations are open for the annual ACT Nurses (and Midwives) Excellence awards and carers are encouraged to contribute to the ‘public nomination for consumer recognition’.
You can nominate a nurse or team who you feel has provided exceptional service over the past year – either to you or the person you care for.
Visit ACT Nurses and Midwives Excellence Awards – ACT Government for more information.
The Living Well in the ACT Region Survey has been monitoring wellbeing and quality of life in the ACT region since 2019. The data gathered informs the ACT Wellbeing Framework Dashboard, providing an important tool for tracking how carers and the broader community are faring across the region.
This year’s survey, conducted by University of Canberra researchers and supported by the ACT Government, is open from 11 November to 20 December 2024. It covers six key themes, including health and wellbeing, social connection, cultural diversity, and the impacts of the rising cost of living. Completing the survey takes about 20–30 minutes, and participants are eligible to enter a prize draw with prizes totaling $3,000.
Complete the survey now via this link.
For more information, or to access reports from past surveys, visit the regional wellbeing survey website here. If you need assistance, email regionalwellbeing@canberra.edu.au or call 1800 981 499 (Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm).
The Canberra Health Services (CHS) has undertaken a review of the Incident Management – Clinical Policy and Procedure. If you would like to provide feedback on this procedure contact mhcarers@carersact.org.au for further information
The Canberra Health Services (CHS) Division of Mental Health, Justice Health, and Alcohol & Drug Services (MHJHADS) has undertaken a review of the Justice Health Services Model of Service: Alexander Maconochie Centre & Bimberi Youth Justice Centre
If you wish to contribute to this review the Model of Care, please contact mhcarers@carersact.org.au for further details
Carers are being asked to participate in the 2024 ANU-ALIVE National Lived-Experience Priorities Study for carers, family and kinship group members of people living with mental ill-health. The study invites anyone (aged 16 and over) with experience supporting someone with mental ill-health, to share what matters to them in mental health research.
People who have accessed gastroenterology services (e.g. endoscopies, colonoscopies, treatments for gastrointestinal cancers, digestive or liver disorders etc.) and/or their carers are being invited to help Canberra Health Services develop an Integrated Model of Care for Gastroenterology.
Participation would involve participation at three workshops
Workshop 1: Current State (scheduled for 6th December)
Workshop 2: Vision and Design Principles (scheduled for 31st January 2025)
Workshop 3: Future State workshop (to be scheduled)
For more information or to register your interest in participating, please contact Julie.Lee@act.gov.au or david.boothey@act.gov.au
The Canberra Health Services (CHS) Division of Mental Health, Justice Health, and Alcohol & Drug Services (MHJHADS) has undertaken a review of the Initial Management, Assessment and Intervention for a Person Vulnerable to Suicide Procedure.
If you would like to provide feedback, contact mhcarers@carersact.org.au for further information.
The ANU School of Medicine and Psychology (SMP) is seeking carer representation for a newly established advisory group which aims to provide a community perspective to the activities of the SMP, including medical and psychology education, research and service.
For more information or to register your interest in participating, contact Laura.gooyers@anu.edu.au
Canberra Health Services has reviewed and updated the Cognitive Impairment (Delirium and Dementia) and Deteriorating Mental State – Adult. If you are interested in providing feedback, please email mhcarers@carersact.org.au for further information.
Foundational Supports will be specific supports available outside the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) to help people with disability, and their carers and families. These supports are being developed in consultation with governments and community. You can contribute your feedback via a questionnaire, by attending an online or in-person consultation, leaving a comment on the online ‘Ideas Wall’ or emailing feedback to foundationalsupports@thesocialdeck.com. For more information about the consultation, visit Foundational Supports | engage.dss.gov.au
The Canberra Health Services (CHS) Division of Mental Health, Justice Health, and Alcohol & Drug Services (MHJHADS) has undertaken a review of the Observation through Therapeutic Engagement in MHJHADS Mental Health Inpatient Settings Procedure. If you would like to provide feedback on this procedure contact mhcarers@carersact.org.au for further information.
The University of Queensland is undertaking research aimed at improving the identification of cognitive disorders in individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD). They are seeking feedback from individuals with PD and their carers through an online survey on a set of recommendations developed through recent focus groups addressing cognitive disorders in PD. The survey can be accessed via https://redcap.link/r1prp1jl.
The Department of Social Services is continuing its consultation on Australia’s draft National Carer Strategy. They are now seeking feedback on key elements of the strategy, such as the vision, principles, objectives and priority areas. You can read the draft strategy, provide feedback through a short survey or find out how to lodge a submission by visiting https://engage.dss.gov.au/national-carer-strategy/
Election ACT is seeking feedback from voters about the accessibility of voting in the most recent ACT election, including feedback on the Low Sensory Voting Centre, the accessibility features of polling places, language and audio options on electronic voting etc. The survey can be accessed via 2024 Accessibility Survey
Senator David Pocock is inviting carers to join a Town Hall event on Wednesday 30 October at the Hughes Community Centre, where he will be talking about the changes the Government is intending to make to aged care and support at home. The event will be from 1:30pm-3pm with lots of opportunity for questions and answers. RSVPs can be made via https://www.davidpocock.com.au/town_hall_october_2024
Canberra Health Services (CHS) Division of Mental Health, Justice Health, and Alcohol & Drug Services (MHJHADS) has undertaken a review of Canberra Health Services (CHS) Division of Mental Health, Justice Health, and Alcohol & Drug Services (MHJHADS) has undertaken a review of Management of Mental Health beds in the general hospital. If you are interested in providing feedback, please contact mhcarers@carersact.org.au for further information.
Canberra Health Services has reviewed and updated the Falls Management and Prevention Procedure. If you are interested in providing feedback, please contact carer.advocacy@carersact.org.au for further information.
Canberra Health Services has reviewed and updated the Falls Management and Prevention Procedure. If you are interested in providing feedback, please email carer.advocacy@carersact.org.au for further information.
Canberra Health Services (CHS) Division of Mental Health, Justice Health, and Alcohol & Drug Services (MHJHADS) has undertaken a review of Children and Adolescent Mental Health Service Adolescent Inpatient Unit Operational Procedure. If you are interested in providing feedback, please contact mhcarers@carersact.org.au for further information.
Closes: 14th October 2024
Canberra Health Services seek your feedback on the procedure – Providing care after death. If you are interested, please email carer.advocacy@carersact.org.au for further information.
Canberra Health Services (CHS) Division of Mental Health, Justice Health, and Alcohol & Drug Services (MHJHADS) has undertaken a review of CHS Missing Patient Procedure. If you are interested in providing feedback, please contact mhcarers@carersact.org.au for further information.
Canberra Health Services (CHS) Division of Mental Health, Justice Health, and Alcohol & Drug Services (MHJHADS) has undertaken a review of Ligature Use, Response Management and Audit Tool. If you are interested in providing feedback, please contact mhcarers@carersact.org.au for further information.
Canberra Health Services (CHS) Division of Mental Health, Justice Health, and Alcohol & Drug Services (MHJHADS) has undertaken a review of Alcohol and Drug Services Model of Care Supported Accommodation Procedure. If you are interested in providing feedback, please contact mhcarers@carersact.org.au for further information.
The Canberra Health Services (CHS) Division of Mental Health, Justice Health, and Alcohol & Drug Services (MHJHADS) has undertaken a review of the Alcohol and Drug Services (ADS) Speciality Services Model of Care. If you are interested in providing feedback, please contact mhcarers@carersact.org.au for further information.
Canberra Health Services (CHS) Division of Mental Health, Justice Health, and Alcohol & Drug Services (MHJHADS) has undertaken a review of Consumer, Carer and Community Representative Reimbursement Procedure. If you are interested in providing feedback, please contact mhcarers@carersact.org.au for further information.
Canberra Health Services (CHS) Division of Mental Health, Justice Health, and Alcohol & Drug Services (MHJHADS) has undertaken a review of Supported Accommodation Procedure. If you are interested in providing feedback, please contact mhcarers@carersact.org.au for further information.
Mental Health Carers Voice
Canberra Health Services (CHS) invites you to provide feedback on Consumer Privacy Policy. The policy sets out how CHS safeguards the personal health information of consumers accessing care at CHS, ensuring it is secure and protected from unauthorised access or misuse. Information in the policy aligns with the Health Records (Privacy and Access) Act 1997.
If you are interested in providing feedback, please contact mhcarers@carersact.org.au
On 27 March 2024, the Australian Government introduced into Parliament changes to the NDIS Act 2013 (NDIS Act). The changes in the Bill provide a framework for improvements to the NDIS.
If the changes become the law, there will be a new definition of NDIS support to help participants and providers to understand what NDIS funding can be used for. This will enable more flexible planning and new budget setting arrangements as recommended by the NDIS Review.
The Department of Social Services would like your feedback on draft lists about how NDIS funding can be used.
An exciting transformation is planned for the Canberra Theatre Centre, aligning with the ACT Government’s ambition for Canberra to be recognised as Australia’s arts capital.
It is important to hear your thoughts on how design can:
- create a place where people with a disability can fully participate
- build a place where respect, diversity and inclusion are the forefront of design
- enrich lives and encourage people to attend Canberra Theatre Centre.
Help create a shared vision to enable the future Canberra Theatre Centre to be a universally accessible venue where everyone feels safe and welcome.
When: Monday 5 August, 11am – 1pm, in person, Ainslie Arts Centre
OR
When: Wednesday 7 August, 10 – 11:30am, online
Register your interest to attend.
A Canberra Theatre Redevelopment team member will contact you to understand requirements that assist you to attend. A stipend payment will be made to eligible participants.
Your story, your impact!
Carers, don’t miss the chance to share your experiences through the Carer Wellbeing Survey. Your valuable insights shape the future of support for unpaid carers. Your input will help Carers Australia and the Australian Government better understand your needs and provide the support you deserve. The survey is voluntary, confidential and anonymous.
Let’s create positive change together! Click here to complete the 2024 Carer Wellbeing Survey
Canberra Health Services is seeking feedback on “Restrictive Practices for people NOT detained under the Mental Health ACT 2015”.
If you are interested, please contact mhcarers@carersact.org.au for more information.
Mental Health, Justice Health and Alcohol and Drugs Service is seeking feedback on “Welcome to Dhulwa Information Booklet”.
If you are interested, please contact mhcarers@carersact.org.au for more information.
Currently open is the review of the Dhulwa Mental Health Unit – Operational Procedure.
If you would like to contribute to this review please contact mhcarers@carersact.org.au for more details
Currently open is the review of the Dhulwa Mental Health Unit – Visitors to Dhulwa under the Mental Health (Secure facilities) Act 2016
If you would like to contribute to this review please contact mhcarers@carersact.org.au for more details
Currently open is the review of Dhulwa Mental Health Unit – Prohibited items under the Mental Health (Secure facilities) Act 2016 and Restricted items in Dhulwa
If you would like to contribute to this review please contact mhcarers@carersact.org.au for more details
Consultation is open on the Justice Health Operational Guideline – Alexander McConochie Centre.
If you wish to read and comment on the document please email mhcarers@carersact.gov.au for details.
Join in shaping the future of aged care. The Department of Health and Aged Care invites feedback on the new Aged Care Act. This significant legislation, with its exposure draft released on 14 December 2023, is open for public consultation until 16 February 2024. Your insights are crucial, especially if you’re connected to aged care as a carer or family member. Learn more about how to participate in surveys, webinars, workshops, and send your submissions at Consultation on the new Aged Care Act | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care
The ACT Government is holding an inquiry into the prevalence of loneliness and isolation in the ACT community. Go to Inquiry into loneliness and social isolation in the act for more information.
Carers ACT is writing a submission to the Inquiry, looking at the impacts of loneliness and social isolation on carers. If you want to provide input to our submission, please get in touch via carer.advocacy@carersact.org.au by Friday 9th February 2024.
The ACT Government has identified a large block of land in Curtin suitable to build into a village style dementia care facility. Carers of people with dementia and other stakeholders are being invited to provide their feedback on the various design features of the proposed dementia care facility. Focus Group sessions will be held in November and December, and a survey is available until 7 February 2024. Visit Curtin Dementia Village Site | YourSay ACT for more information.
If you wish to contribute feedback to Eating Disorder Residential Treatment Model of Care, please contact mhcarers@carersact.org.au by 1 February for further details.
A 1-hour group virtual interview with seeking your views on challenges, successes and lessons learnt regarding DAP’s service delivery and your views on strengths, opportunities and gaps in community-based mental health ‘crisis’ support services.
ACT Health Directorate Nous Group has been engaged by the ACT Health Directorate to evaluate the Discharge Accommodation Program (DAP) and conduct a broader review good practice, opportunities and gaps for community-based mental health ‘crisis’ support services in the ACT. Contact Carers ACT for more information.
Australia is getting a National Carer Strategy to provide a framework for coordination of carer policy across Commonwealth portfolios including aged care, disability, veterans’ affairs and mental health. Carers from across the country are being invited to join the National Carer Strategy Advisory Committee, which will contribute to developing the strategy.
The Department of Social Services are seeking nominations for carers to join the Advisory Committee through an open EOI process until 29 January 2024. For more information, or to apply visit:
https://engage.dss.gov.au/national-carer-strategy-advisory-committee-expression-of-interest/
Nous Group has been engaged by the ACT Health Directorate to evaluate the Discharge Accommodation Program (DAP) and conduct a broader review good practice, opportunities and gaps for community-based mental health ‘crisis’ support services in the ACT.
Nous Group are asking for three representatives who have experienced DAP to attend a focus group. Contact mhcarers@carersact.org.au if you have current experience of this program as a carer and wish to contribute.
The Canberra Health Services (CHS) Division of Mental Health, Justice Health, and Alcohol & Drug Services (MHJHADS) has undertaken a review of the MHJHADS Safety Plan. If you would like to provide feedback, please contact mhcarersact@carersact.or.au
The Canberra Health Services (CHS) Division of Mental Health, Justice Health, and Alcohol & Drug Services (MHJHADS) has undertaken a review of the MHJHADS Safety Plan. If you wish to provide feedback, please email mhcarers@carersact.org.au for further information.
The Canberra Health Services (CHS) Division of Mental Health, Justice Health, and Alcohol & Drug Services (MHJHADS) has undertaken a review of the Adult Community Mental Health Model of Care.
If you wish to provide feedback on the Model of Care, please contact mhcarers@carersact.org.au for further information.
If you wish to provide feedback on this policy, please contact mhcarers@carersact.org.au for further information.
The Mental Health, Justice Health, and Alcohol & Drug Services (MHJHADS) division of Canberra Health Services has revised the Dhulwa Forensic Mental Health Inpatient Service Model of Care and is now welcoming your feedback. If you wish to contribute to the feedback please email mhcarers@carersact.org.au for details or provide direct feedback via Dhulwa Forensic Mental Health Inpatient Service – Model of Care – Feedback Form or emailing chs.mhjhadsserviceandtransformation@act.gov.au
Quality, Safety, Innovation, and Improvement division of Canberra Health Services are currently reviewing this guideline and invite you to provide feedback on this guideline.
Please email mhcarers@carersact.org.au for details if you wish to participate in this.
As a carer representative, you will play a vital role in providing oversight and leadership in the design, development, and implementation of the project. Your expertise and experience will contribute to establishing the Canberra Hospital Safe Haven and assessing the need for future expansions.
If you’re interested in this work, we would love to hear from you. Please reach out to us at mhcarers@carersact.org.au by Friday, December 8th. Applicants with experience of the Safe Haven in Belconnen are particularly welcome.
The Reference Group is seeking a lived experience carer to contribute to the Review of the mental health needs of the ACT multicultural community (the Project).
If you are interested, please contact mhcarers@carersact.org.au for further details.
The Australian Government is creating a Disability Employment Centre of Excellence to improve employment outcomes for people with disability. A number of options for how the centre will operate have been developed and feedback is being sought from the community, including people with disability and carers.
A committee is examining the proposed Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill 2023 and is welcoming feedback via submissions until December 8th.
The Bill will regulate voluntary assisted dying (also known as VAD) in Canberra. VAD refers to a medical process that gives an eligible person the option to end their own suffering by choosing to administer a medication that causes death.
Carers are welcome to review the proposed legislation and share their views on how this may impact carers with our Policy and Advocacy Team, who will be lodging a submission representing collective carer voices. Please email carer.advocacy@carersact.org.au or phone 02 6296 9900 to share your feedback with the team before November 27th 2023.
Carers can also make their own submission directly to the committee before December 8th by visiting The ACT Legislative Assembly website.
The Office for Mental Health and Wellbeing is seeking a Lived Experience carer expert for mental health and support needs of people from multicultural communities reference group: The reference group will provide oversight and leadership in this area.For further information please reach out to mhcarers@carersact.org.au by Monday 13th November 2023
Representative position open: Safe Haven Expansion Steering Group. Are you a mental health carer looking for an opportunity to get involved in service planning? ACT Health currently has an open position for a lived experience carer representative on the ACT Safe Haven Expansion Project. For further information please reach out to mhcarers@carersact.org.au by Monday 13th November 2023
For comment: Canberra Health Services Guidelines: Forensic Consultation and Intervention Service. If you wish to comment on this guideline, please reach out to mhcarers@carersact.org.au by Monday 13th November 2023
The Department of Social Services is inviting people with autism, and their carers, to help develop a National Autism Strategy. The Strategy will be for all Autistic Australians. It will cover key reform areas including access to services, healthcare, education and employment. It will help to guide a more coordinated, national approach supporting Autistic people at each stage of life.
There are a variety of ways for people to participate, including submissions and in person forums, with one taking place in Canberra on October 10.
The Australian Centre for Social Innovation (TACSI) has been commissioned to support the shaping of the National Mental Health Lived Experience Consumer and Carers, Families, and Kin Peak Bodies. The purpose of these peak bodies is to involve those with lived experience in shaping policies and programs that impact them.
The ACT Health Directorate is currently calling for people to assist them with the Healthy Canberra: ACT Preventive Health Plan 2020-2025. The Plan aims to prevent chronic diseases by supporting people to choose lifestyle behaviours that reduce their risk of developing preventable diseases.
They want to hear about what action you think government can take to reduce chronic disease in the ACT and get your input on the second ACT Preventive Health Action Plan 2023-2025.
You can find out more HERE.
Are you a young Canberran who needs some extra support? Maybe you have used services such as youth drop-in centres, mentoring, counselling or family therapy?
Or are you a parent or carer of a young person in need of support? Or a frontline worker providing family or youth support?
Tell us about your experience of services and programs in the ACT in a short survey.
Join Carers ACT new consultation group and attend when it suits you.
Come along to our first Carers Collective! A chance to bring your caring experiences, ideas, and opinions on a range of topics. Cake and Coffee will be supplied to keep the ideas flowing.
Register by June 12 for our first Carer Collective on Friday 16 June 2023. Read more.
Canberra Health Services (CHS) are seeking carers in the ACT and surrounding region to preview draft creative concepts and share their thoughts through a 1-on-1 interview.
The individual interviews will be conducted over video conference (Zoom) and will be up to 45 mins. You will be paid $80 each for your time and effort. The interview slots will be between between Monday 29 May to Friday 23 June 2023, conducted by CHS’s research agency Bastion Insights.
To register your interest or get more information, please contact Paula.Lang@act.gov.au by Monday 12 June 2023.
Ministerial Advisory Council for Multiculturalism are now open, closing at midnight on 29 May 2023.
The Council will advise the ACT Minister for Multicultural Affairs on the aspirations, needs and concerns and linguistically diverse backgrounds. People from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds with a deep and active connection to community are encouraged to nominate.
Volunteers are an important part of the aged care system freely giving their time, companionship, care, and support.
In 2021 the ACT Government introduced three new laws to make it an offence to:
- abuse a vulnerable person
- fail to protect a vulnerable person from a criminal offence
- neglect a vulnerable person.
To ensure these new laws are effective, the ACT Government is consulting with the Canberra community and key stakeholders on the three offences against vulnerable people to see if the offences are effective and if they can be improved.
Are you interested in changing the Mental Health Act 2015 (ACT)?
Join our consultation forum on April 13th, 2023 from 10:30am-12:30pm in meeting room 2 at 80 Beaurepaire Crescent Holt ACT or online via Teams.
Meet Chief Psychiatrist Dinesh Arya and his team, who will discuss the Act and answer questions.
A discussion paper with proposed amendments to the Act will also be available. These changes include Mental Health Act Order contraventions, transportation assistance for assessments, initial assessments after detention, and conditional release orders by ACAT. Contact mhcarers@carersact.org.au for a copy.
The Multiculturalism Act 2023 was recently established to support the Territory’s continuous growth and improvement as an inclusive city, celebrating our multiculturalism and diversity. Part of the Act enshrines a new Ministerial Advisory Council for Multiculturalism in law. Terms of Reference are now being developed.
The ACT Government believes all Canberrans should have end of life choices that align with their rights, preferences and values.
Consultation is now open to inform the development of a voluntary assisted dying model for the ACT.
Each year, the Carer Wellbeing Survey calls on current and past carers across Australia to tell us about their experiences of being a carer.