Country communities the focus of 30th WA Rural and Remote Mental Health Conference
Image courtesy of Mat Beetson
This year's WA Rural and Remote Mental Health Conference puts people at its core – the health professionals delivering care and the country communities accessing it.
WA Country Health Service Executive Director Mental Health Paula Chatfield said the conference brings together mental health professionals, carers and consumers from across Australia.
"Looking Beyond: People, Resilience, and Innovation" is our theme for 2023. It highlights the importance of providing culturally safe and person-centred mental health services to people living in country WA," Paula said.
"The conference is a chance to learn from leading mental health experts and connect with like-minded individuals passionate about rural and remote mental health care."
This year's event is the 30th anniversary of the very first mental health conference established to focus specifically on issues associated with mental health, alcohol and other drugs in regional WA.
"The fact that country mental health professionals have been regularly gathering in WA for three decades is testament to the value our people place on each other's diverse expertise and experience," Paula said.
"Providing mental healthcare across country WA is something we can't, and don't, do alone. For WA Country Health Service, our partnerships with Aboriginal medical services, non-government organisations, GPs, other health service providers and most importantly, consumers and carers, are always front and centre."
The conference features an impressive line-up of speakers, all with unique insights and perspectives on mental health and the issues facing rural and remote Australians.
Researchers, community leaders and people with lived experience of mental illness will share professional and first-hand accounts of adversity and recovery.
Among the keynote speakers are former Rugby League player and welterweight boxer Joe Williams, Deputy Commissioner of the New South Wales Mental Health Commission Tim Heffernan and Auslan interpreter Fiona Perry who affectionally became known as the 'sign language lady' by delivering vital and real time information to WA's deaf communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The WA Rural and Remote Mental Health Conference will be held in Fremantle from 31 October to 3 November 2023. Registrations close 16 October. Visit the conference website for more information.