- Curtin University has received funding to pilot a mental health program in communities impacted by natural disasters
- The program, Crisis to Calm, aims to support young people through disaster
- Healthway's 2025 Open Research Round is now open
The Cook Government has awarded nearly $600,000 to Curtin University to pilot a new mental health program in regional and remote communities,designed to support young people who have experienced the impact of natural disasters.
Curtin University received $578,761 for its Crisis to Calm program through Healthway's 2024 Open Research Round, which was recently approved for funding, supports collaborative and innovative research that addresses critical gaps in health promotion and helps shape future policy.
The program aims to empower young people aged 12 to 18 years through hands-on workshops, so they have the tools they need to navigate the emotional challenges that come with disasters.
Crisis to Calm was co-designed with young people who have experienced disasters to ensure the program is relevant, relatable and grounded in real experiences.
Strong partnerships with key mental health, resilience and recovery agencies will support its successful delivery and long-term impact across WA.
Healthway's 2024 Open Research Round supported eight researchers for projects worth more than $1.5 million, all aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of Western Australians.
The 2025 Open Research Round is now open. For more information and to find out how to apply visit www.healthway.wa.gov.au
As stated by Preventative Health Minister Sabine Winton:
"We know that the mental health impacts of natural disasters can be long-lasting, particularly for young people. That's why prevention and early intervention is key.
"By supporting research and programs like Crisis to Calm, we're helping young people build the skills and resilience they need before mental health challenges escalate.
"This investment is about equipping regional communities with evidence-based tools that will support their recovery and lay the groundwork for better long-term health outcomes."
As stated by Mental Health Minister Meredith Hammat:
"The impacts of natural disasters on regional and remote communities linger long after the news cameras have gone.
"Investing in innovative programs like Crisis to Calm, that could make a real difference in these communities, is an investment in the future of WA."
Successful projects funded in 2024 Open Research Round:
University |
Project |
Funding received |
Curtin University |
Crisis to Calm: Delivering a co-designed mental health intervention for young people in WA |
$578,761 |
Curtin University |
Promoting Generation Z Mental Health: Digital Mental Health Literacy and Peer Support |
$398,555 |
Edith Cowan University |
Influence of social media on body image and perception of disordered eating among Aboriginal young people |
$99,997 |
Curtin University |
Digital Marketing of e-cigarettes: Assessing the impact of the Public Health Act 2023 |
$99,991 |
Curtin University |
Understanding the patterns of social media use in LGBTQA+ young adults |
$98,817 |
The University of Western Australia |
'Falling through the cracks': Supporting young carer wellbeing |
$99,718 |
University of Notre Dame Australia |
Beyond the Burn - avenues to inform, prompt and support smoking and vaping cessation among people with burns injuries in WA. |
$100,000 |
Murdoch University |
Artificial intelligence-assisted equine learning photographic analysis |
$100,000 |
Total |
$1,575,839 |
