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MAKING A DIFFERENCE TO THE MENTAL HEALTH OF AUSTRALIA FOR 65 YEARS When Francis Macnab founded the institute, he began a quiet revolution in how mental health is perceived and treated. I join a long and distinguished group of people who continue this tradition – they include our chair, Professor John Catford, deputy chair, Professor Lyn Littlefield OAM, and their committed council and committee members. Under the leadership of Professor Kathryn von Treuer, we have entered an exciting new phase of growth and innovation. As we look to the future, we are committed to expanding our reach and strengthening community wellbeing. Your generosity enables us to work across Australia, Papua New Guinea and the Asia–Pacific region. Thank you again for supporting our work.Prof Frank Oberklaid AM Chief Patron Give a gift that changes lives. Visit cairnmillar.org.au/donate
Since the institute’s earliest days, St Michael’s Uniting Church has provided steadfast practical and financial support for our work and goals. That commitment to improving the mental health and wellbeing of people in need continues today through the Mingary/Cairnmillar Counselling Service at 120 Collins Street. This vital community service exists thanks to the generosity and dedication of individuals who have volunteered their time, raised funds, left bequests, or contributed to our Trust Fund. Their support enables us to provide free counselling sessions through our community clinics, help little kids and their carers through The Big Tent program, and sustain many other meaningful initiatives and projects. Give a gift that changes lives. Visit cairnmillar.org.au/donate THE POWER OF GENEROSITY
$399Cairnmillar is proud to have sponsored the Community Impact Awad at the ACA Counselling Excellence Awards, held in May. CELEBRATING OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS IN COUNSELLING AND THERAPY Give a gift that changes lives. Visit cairnmillar.org.au/donate A WOMAN’S POSTCODE SHOULD NOT DEFINE HER HEALTH CARE At a recent community health forum, the barriers limiting women’s access to healthcare took centre stage. Drawing on her regional background, Professor Kathryn von Treuer underscored the inequities many women face, noting that “a woman’s postcode should never determine the quality of her healthcare.” Community representatives examined the persistent gaps in women’s health outcomes, highlighting the need for timely, affordable services across diverse communities. The discussion also explored the broader implications of women’s health for workforce participation, caring responsibilities, economic security, prevention, and the development of integrated care models. The evening recognised the profound impact of counselling in strengthening communities and transforming lives. The awards celebrate counsellors, educators, leaders and advocates whose dedication, innovation and commitment continue to advance the profession and create meaningful change. We extend our congratulations to all award winners. The community Impact Award was presented by our Dean, Prof, Linda Byrne.
$399PROGRAMS DESIGNED FOR TODAY’S LEARNERS Give a gift that changes lives. Visit cairnmillar.org.au/donate THE CAREER THAT CHANGES LIVES PSYCHOLOGY • COUNSELLING • TRAUMA Australia is facing a significant shortage of mental health professionals, creating an urgent need for skilled practitioners who can support individuals, families, and communities. A career in psychology or the broader health sector offers the opportunity to make a meaningful difference at a time when demand for expertise has never been greater. Our programs are designed to equip students with the knowledge, practical skills, and real‑world experience required to step confidently into this expanding field. Whether embarking on a first degree, pursuing a career change, or seeking to upskill, students learn from experienced educators in a supportive environment focused on success. This commitment to quality is reflected in our outcomes. Over the past five years, our students have reported an average satisfaction rate of 82 per cent — well above university sector benchmarks. Our professional development programs continue to excel, achieving an average evaluation score of 4.68 out of 5. Together, these results highlight our dedication to preparing the next generation of mental health professionals and contributing to a stronger, more resilient Australian community. Two new qualifications launched recently expand the pathways available to future practitioners: Bachelor of Psychology and Counselling (Online) Graduate Diploma of Trauma‑Informed Care These programs reflect the growing demand for flexible, high‑quality online study options. The Bachelor of Psychology and Counselling (Online) is accredited by both ACA and APAC, and the Diploma of Counselling is now accredited by ACA, ensuring your learning meets recognised professional standards.
Give a gift that changes lives. Visit cairnmillar.org.au/donate At this year’s graduation ceremony, Professor Catriona Davis McCabe encouraged our students to dream large, congratulated them on their achievements, and thanked their families and friends for the support that brought them to this moment. She welcomed the graduates into the profession and emphasised the important role they will now play in their chosen fields and areas of specialisation. OUR GRADUATES ENCOURAGED TO DREAM LARGE Professor Davis McCabe is a valued member of our staff and a former President of the Australian Psychological Society, the peak professional body for psychology in Australia. Over the past 15 years, she has worked as an academic in both the UK and Australia, coordinating postgraduate psychology programs and training the next generation of psychologists. She is also an active researcher whose work has been published in peer‑reviewed journals, contributing to the advancement of psychological knowledge and practice. CHANGING THE LIVES OF LITTLE KIDS AND THEIR CARERS The Big Tent Program is widening its reach and impact thanks to the generosity of donors who believe in bettering the lives of young children. Support from both loyal and new donors is helping the program grow in meaningful ways, enhancing its ability to support children, their families, and the early childhood professionals who look after them. Every contribution helps increase the program’s capacity to deliver a professional, evidence- based support program where it is most needed. How contributions create change Greater support for children and families: The program now reaches more children with additional needs and those who have experienced trauma, offering them safer, more nurturing environments. Stronger wellbeing for early childhood professionals: Participants consistently describe the program as emotionally and professionally transformative. Many report renewed hope, increased satisfaction, and improved wellbeing. Reduced psychological stress: The program provides tools and support that help educators manage the emotional demands of working with vulnerable children, reducing burnout and strengthening resilience.
$399Cairnmillar is proud to have sponsored the Community Impact Awad at the ACA Counselling Excellence Awards, held in May. CELEBRATING OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS IN COUNSELLING AND THERAPY Give a gift that changes lives. Visit cairnmillar.org.au/donate LOOK LISTEN LEARN A great way to learn about and celebrate our achievements in research, learning, and professional excellence is through our Annual Research and Practice Conference. You can attend the entire event, just part of it, or watch the live stream. It acts as a key platform for showcasing our contributions to psychology, psychotherapy, and mental health. It also highlights our commitment to improving community mental health. The event concludes with a keynote address. Registration and questions: research@cairnmillar.edu.au. Focus Areas: Research presented covers topics such as psychosis, eating disorders, personality disorders, chronic pain, psychotherapy effectiveness, and mental health service provision. Purpose: The conference aims to bridge the scientist-practitioner gap, promoting evidence- based practice and presenting key findings from our research centres. The evening recognised the profound impact of counselling in strengthening communities and transforming lives. The awards celebrate counsellors, educators, leaders and advocates whose dedication, innovation and commitment continue to advance the profession and create meaningful change. We extend our congratulations to all award winners. The community Impact Award was presented by our Dean, Prof, Linda Byrne.
Give a gift that changes lives. Visit cairnmillar.org.au/donate We continue to strengthen our commitment to being an inclusive and connected workplace through a new series of staff and student initiatives led by colleagues with lived experience. Each initiative offers straightforward, practical ways to promote inclusion in everyday interactions. These activities are shaped by staff input and feedback, ensuring they reflect the real needs and experiences of our community. Our aim is to create meaningful opportunities for learning, connection, and allyship. By respecting the diversity of lived experiences within our organisation, we are working to foster a work and study environment that is respectful, welcoming, and inclusive. LIKE TO KNOW WHAT GOES ON IN THERAPY? Two of our staff recently received recognition from their peers at the Australasian Society for Behavioural Health and Medicine Conference in Auckland. Professor Johnathan Mason received his commendation category for his work on decision-making and risk. His ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively was highlighted as a key strength. While Dr Cat Connaughton was recognised in the rapid communication category for exploring the experiences of carers of children with food allergies. Her concise and engaging presentation style helped bring important real-world perspectives into focus. These honours highlight our growing influence in research and reaffirm our commitment to providing high-quality, evidence- based, and socially meaningful scholarship that makes a positive difference in communities across Australia and around the world. Have you had a chance to listen to our podcast, How’s That Working for You? Hosted by Dr. Zoe Krupka, a psychotherapist and Cairnmillar senior lecturer, it offers honest and insightful conversations with mental health professionals and anyone curious about what happens in therapy. The podcast shares helpful tips on handling professional challenges, mistakes, and the everyday realities of clinical work. It also highlights how our work positively influences the community and the voices shaping the future of mental health and social change. All of this is made possible thanks to the support of our donors. INSIGHTS INTO DECISION MAKING AND CHILDHOOD FOOD ALLERGIES BUILDING A MORE INCLUSIVE WORKPLACE
Mental health care workers in Papua New Guinea regularly hear distressing stories of abuse and violence. They work daily with cases involving family and sexual violence, sorcery-related violence, and gender-based violence. This is a serious concern for FemiliPNG staff, as such exposure makes them particularly vulnerable to the cumulative effects of vicarious trauma. These effects build up over time and can affect their personal wellbeing, their relationships, perceptions of others, and their views of the world and themselves. For the past three years, our staff have been travelling to PNG to assist FemiliPNG staff in improving their mental health first aid skills, receiving casework supervision, and developing healthy coping mechanisms. Thanks to the generosity of the McKean Clarke Foundation, Stronger Together continues to make a positive impact on the lives of thousands of individuals, families, and the communities with whom they work. The foundation has also funded scholarships for three Femili PNG caseworkers to study a Diploma of Counselling with the CMI via virtual learning. 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭/𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐬𝐨 𝐟𝐚𝐫: ·23 Femili PNG staff completed Mental Health First Aid training ·30 Femili PNG staff completed counselling training ·4 Femili PNG staff completed clinical supervision training ·29 referral network members completed Mental Health First Aid training ·16 referral network members completed counselling training 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: ttps://lnkd.in/gtyduaS2 The McKean Clarke Foundation is helping us make a difference in PNG Give a gift that changes lives. Visit cairnmillar.org.au/donate Dr. Renzo Vittorino, facilitating training in PNG. Source: Femili PNG.
Give a gift that changes lives. Donate today. Make a secure online donation by scanning the QR code or visit www.cairnmillar.org.au/donate and help us direct more resources where they matter most. A simple, secure and paper‑free way to create lasting impact. Phone assistance is available by calling (03) 9813 3400. Note: All donations over $2 are tax deductible.