Griffith Centre for Mental Health

Condolences on the passing of a truly amazing, dedicated and inspirational human.

Vale Professor Graham Martin OAM

Su***de Prevention Australia shares our condolences and respect with the passing of Professor Graham Martin OAM, an incredible leader, researcher, advocate and mentor in su***de prevention.

Graham was an influential figure in the su***de prevention movement in Australia, serving as an early Chair of Su***de Prevention Australia from 1995-2001. During this time, he was a key driver of the Australian National Youth Su***de Prevention Strategy 1995-2000 and then a key contributor to the 2007 LiFE - Living is For Everyone su***de prevention framework.

He was one of the first clinicians and researchers to advocate for the de-medicalisation of su***de and the greater emphasis on the community and social determinants of su***de.

Graham shaped our National Su***de Prevention Conference, as Convenor for six national conferences and was a Life Member of Su***de Prevention Australia and received our Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015.

Graham made formative contributions to the establishment of MATES in Construction as a leading evidence-based su***de prevention organisation in Australia.

His legacy and contributions will live on in our continued research, advocacy and work in su***de prevention across the country. Graham's care and commitment to community-led su***de prevention has shaped programs, services and research for the better.

Excited to have GCMH members at the recent QMHC 2026 Leading Reform Summit — learning alongside our partner mental health services, community organisations, lived experience leaders, and the Mental Health Commission about what the future holds for mental health in Queensland.

Congratulations to our GCMH researchers in the spotlight, with Dr Justin Chapman's work leading the Co-design and Research Translation Alliance in Mental Health (CoRTA-MH) consortium and Dr Erinn Hawkins’ implementation research expanding the Tracking Cube across Queensland to strengthen earlier identification and timely support for child neurodevelopment concerns - both showcased by the QMHC as examples of research driving real reform.

Thank you to the Queensland Mental Health Commission for an inspiring, hopeful, and robust conversation about how we collectively work toward greater equity, access, and outcomes for all Queenslanders. This is exactly the kind of science-to-service partnership that fuels our work at GCMH. School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University Griffith University

Celebrating new knowledge and leadership in domestic and family violence research and practice.

Congratulations to our Centre member, Professor Silke Meyer, on the publication of a new book, co-authored with Andrew Frost:
Domestic and Family Violence: A Critical Introduction to Knowledge and Practice (2nd edition) — published by Routledge.
This important new edition brings together contemporary research, theory, and practice insights to support a deeper understanding of domestic and family violence. The book explores critical issues including coercive control, sexual violence, non-fatal strangulation, evolving understandings of gender and masculinity, diverse experiences of victimisation, and effective responses across service systems.
A valuable resource for students, researchers, practitioners, and policymakers, this book reflects the importance of evidence-informed, compassionate, and holistic approaches to preventing and responding to domestic and family violence.
Congratulations to Silke and Andrew on this significant contribution to the field. 👏 Silke Meyer Griffith University
🔗 Learn more about the book: https://lnkd.in/gXT5kHZx
hashtag Griffith University

Thanks for sharing this work from our researchers Di Farmer MP

Kids with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, or FASD, can struggle right from birth with impulse control, memory and decision making — not because they’re “bad kids”, but because their brains are permanently affected.

And it does mean they’re overrepresented in the youth justice system.

Why is why prevention, early intervention and tailored supports are critical. If we can get in early, we can make a difference to the way that child’s life turns out.

We have some of the best work happening anywhere in the country right here in QLD.

And Meaghan Scanlon and I were very privileged to meet some of the people over the last few months, who are doing that work.

A huge thank you to:
Professor Sharon Dawe and her team at Parents Under Pressure who are evaluating a family-based support process for young children with FASD
Professor Diane Shanley and her team at The Tracking Cube who are expanding their program which provides screening and support for children at risk of FASD.

Meaghan Scanlon MP

For our

Always wanted to attend Themhs and haven't managed to do it yet? Here's a way to help with costs if you are:

Someone with Lived Experience OR
A young clinician from Australia or New Zealand OR
Someone working in the mental health sector in a Pacific Nation (excluding Australia and New Zealand)

TheMHS aims to support as many people as possible to attend TheMHS Conferences. This year, they have a range of bursaries available for those who might not otherwise be able to attend.

Three types of bursaries are available:

Full Bursaries: includes an in-person registration and a travel stipend
Registration Bursaries: includes an in-person registration
Virtual Bursaries: includes a virtual registration

The closing date has been extended - but there's only 5 days left, so don't move this one to the "I'll get to it later" pile, you'll want to do it now.

Applications close 10 May 2026. Link to apply is in the comments.

If you've ever supported someone through a mental health crisis, you'll know the pattern. You're in action mode for weeks or months, trying to hold everything together, and then when things finally settle, you're left with a pile of feelings you haven't had time to process. Associate Professor Marianne Wyder's 2025 research calls this a Relational Response Zone.

Mental Health Carers Australia is hosting a follow-up webinar with Associate Professor Wyder on Wednesday 22 April. The response to last year's session was clear: people wanted to go take more time. So rather than introduce new content, this session is a facilitated conversation using an Action Learning Set format, working through core questions from the research with the group.

Whether you're a carer trying to make sense of your own experience, or someone who works alongside families and wants language for what you see, this webinar could be extremely valuable. If you missed the previous webinar, that doesn't rule you out though. You can review the research paper, a recording of the first session, and a reflective worksheet developed specifically for carers. All of these are available when you register.

🔗Registration Link in Comments 🔗

For our members - closing 17 April!

⚖️National Census of the Lived Experience (Peer) Workforce
The first-ever national census of the mental health and su***de prevention lived experience workforce is now open. If you work in this space, or know someone who does, this is a landmark opportunity to be counted, have your voice heard, and shape workforce development for years to come.
Take the survey 👉 https://ap1.hubs.ly/y0LjsD0

Get involved — a quick roundup of meaningful ways to contribute, connect, and grow across the mental health, First Nations and community sectors.

⚖️National Census of the Lived Experience (Peer) Workforce
The first-ever national census of the mental health and su***de prevention lived experience workforce is now open. If you work in this space, or know someone who does, this is a landmark opportunity to be counted, have your voice heard, and shape workforce development for years to come.
Take the survey 👉 https://ap1.hubs.ly/y0LjsD0

🏡Q Shelter Thrive at Work Summit
A one-day immersive event for anyone working in or alongside Queensland's community services sector. The focus: building healthier, safer, and more sustainable workplaces. Practical, sector-specific, and worth the day.
Find out more 👉https://ap1.hubs.ly/y0LjzV0

🌱NAIDOC Week Grants
In honour of 50 years of NAIDOC Week, grants of $500–$2,500 are available to support activities across Queensland that celebrate the 2026 theme and showcase the richness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture through stories, art, and community activity.
Applications close soon 👉 https://ap1.hubs.ly/y0LjJp0

🎓Future Leaders Graduate Program — First Nations Pathways
The Queensland Government is seeking applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander graduates ready to lead and shape the future of this state. If that's you, or someone in your network — this is worth sharing.
Learn more 👉 https://ap1.hubs.ly/y0LjQD0