On 27 May 2021, the first day of National Reconciliation Week, the House Select Committee on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention will hear from Mr Tom Brideson, CEO of Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia – the national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander social and emotional wellbeing, mental health and suicide prevention leadership body.
The theme for National Reconciliation Week 2021, More than a word. Reconciliation takes action, is fitting as the Committee turns its focus to identifying impactful measures to support mental health reform, suicide prevention, and improved wellbeing.
Chair, Dr Fiona Martin MP, said 'The Committee looks forward to hearing from Gayaa Dhuwi to develop a better understanding of issues around accessibility to culturally-appropriate mental health services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. The Committee is particularly interested in how the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health workforce can be strengthened to meet urban, rural and regional demand.'
On 3 June 2021, the Committee will continue its engagement with national peak bodies, holding a public hearing with Mental Health Australia and Suicide Prevention Australia – two organisations representing and promoting the collective interests of the mental health and suicide prevention sectors.
Public hearing details
Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia
Date: Thursday 27 May 2021
Time: 10:00 am to 11:30 am AEST
Location: Committee Room 1R5, Parliament House, Canberra
Mental Health Australia and Suicide Prevention Australia
Date: Thursday 3 June 2021
Time: 10:00 am to 12:00 am AEST
Location: Committee Room 1R5, Parliament House, Canberra
The hearings will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/liveand the public hearing programs will be available on the Committee website.
