Context and aim: Since 2008, the Western Australian Act Belong Commit® mental health promotion campaign has been underpinned by a partnership program using a social franchising approach. This study explores the value of formalised partnerships with organisations from a variety of sectors to create supportive environments for mental health promotion.

Methods and analysis: A formal licensing system was introduced in 2021 to protect the brand and support organisations to embed the message and promote mentally healthy activities at the local level. The social franchising model builds the capacity of organisations to adopt (embed the framework), adapt (to make relevant to their audience and setting) and innovate (extend the campaign in new ways). This enables the campaign to reach priority population groups and builds mentally healthy settings and communities for people to engage with. Mixed methods evaluation includes: a biannual Qualtrics survey (activities undertaken and partners’ response to the campaign support resources); digital analytics (partner campaign communications and content tracking), and Computer Assisted Web-based Interviews (n=601).

Outcomes: The number of sub-licensed partner organisations increased from 302 in January 2021 to 597 in October 2025, including 119 schools and 80,000 children. There has been over 50,000 partner-led community events and activities during that time. Between 2024-2025 partners have actively engaged in sharing Act Belong Commit messages on social media (1,050 shares) and utilising the partnership portal (13,000 visits). Community awareness and engagement of partner activities is high (14,781 visits to the online Activity Finder) and 48% of people who are aware of the campaign recall local community events.

Future actions: Engaging diverse organisations in mental health promotion through a campaign based formal licensing system has been successful in extending the campaign message and creating supportive environments. Targeted recruitment of organisations servicing vulnerable population groups is a future priority.

Context and Aim:
Mental health promotion often focuses on clinical interventions, while the social dimensions of wellbeing—such as connection, belonging, and purpose—receive less emphasis. This student-based conceptual paper explores social prescribing as a preventive approach to mental health in Australia. It aims to highlight how linking individuals with non-clinical community supports, like volunteering, creative programs, or physical activity, can strengthen mental resilience and reduce the onset of psychological distress.

Methods and Analysis:
This framework was developed through a synthesis of Australian and international literature, including findings from the UK’s NHS Social Prescribing model and emerging Australian pilot initiatives. Using the Social Determinants of Health and Salutogenic theory as guiding lenses, this conceptual analysis examines how social prescribing can be integrated into preventive mental health promotion across primary care, community, and educational settings.

Outcomes:
The conceptual model identifies key benefits such as reduced loneliness, increased social capital, and improved sense of belonging. It also highlights system challenges, including referral pathways, workforce capacity, and awareness among health professionals. The paper emphasises the potential for community connectors—trained facilitators who link individuals to local programs—to bridge the gap between clinical and social support systems.

Future Actions:
Future student and practitioner collaborations could evaluate the scalability of social prescribing frameworks across Australian contexts. Embedding these approaches within mental health policies and Primary Health Networks could create more connected, preventive systems that value social wellbeing as much as clinical care.

Context and aim: Improving population mental health will require greater investment in prevention, yet the level of community support for such efforts is unclear. This study aimed to examine the attitudes of Australian community members and population health professionals about the prevention of mental health problems, particularly depression and anxiety conditions.

Methods and analysis: A probability-based panel provider recruited 6,142 Australians aged 16-75+ to complete an online survey. Survey items were developed to assess attitudes about prevention of physical and mental health problems, and support for government action on prevention of mental health problems. Community responses were compared with those of 73 Australian population health professionals who completed a subset of survey items.

Outcomes: 80.9% of community respondents rated mental health as a top Australian government priority to prevent health problems. 14.6% of community members thought that mental health problems were not preventable, 24.3% were not sure, and 61% agreed they were preventable, with younger adults being more positive. 79.5% of community members agreed that the Australian government should play a role in preventing mental health problems in the population and 64.7% thought mental health funding should be spent equally on prevention and treatment. Community members thought that the most important age groups to focus on were adolescence and young adulthood and the most important areas were healthy housing, mental health promotion in schools, and reducing socioeconomic inequality. Professionals favoured greater attention to prevention in childhood and focusing on reducing child abuse and neglect as prevention targets.

Future actions: There was strong support for prevention of mental health problems as a government priority to improve the health of Australians. Findings can support advocacy for greater investment in prevention and the areas that community members and professionals agree should be a priority.

In 2018, when planning for our 4-year Integrated Health Promotion plan, it was identified through higher mental health statistics in Greater Bendigo and absent mental health promotion initiatives, that more was needed to be done to improve the overall health and wellbeing of our community. As a result, the #5Ways campaign was developed.

Positive mental health and wellbeing is linked with healthier lifestyle choices, improved sleep, and increased pro-social behaviour to name a few. Knowing that health promotion aims to strengthen existing capabilities to provide increased power and control at a population level, resilience was a major focus. There was strong evidence of effective interventions providing improved outcomes across a range of preventable diseases and health behaviours across the life-course that directly aligned to IHP outcome measures.

Initially, the #5Ways was a weeklong campaign in March with each of the 5 days focusing on one of the 5Ways. However, over the years, this program has grown to now include:
Improve personal skills: bringing a Smiling Mind workshop locally, resource packs for how to maintain your mental wellbeing resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic, whole-school campaigns directly linking to the Achievement Program and integration with other health promotion initiatives.
Strengthen community action: annual 5Ways Action Calendar (previously undertaken in partnership) and leading a ‘Give’ campaign in partnership with local coffee shops - giving away 1 free coffee a day for a month, utilising social media to sharing the message.
Creating supportive environments: implementing 5ways messaging and strategies internally - including posters, resources, mental health month linked initiatives and regular CEO promotion as well as running an annual community workplace wellbeing competition.

We plan to utilise the recently launched Victorian Wellbeing Strategy to better integrate our current initiatives and create direct alignment. Moving forward, how do we share our knowledge to support others increasing their work in this space and not recreate the wheel?

Context/ Aim
The mental health of young Australians has declined substantially over recent decades, reflecting global trends. Key protective factors, such as social connection, leisure, and exercise, are often dependent on access to safe and inclusive public spaces. This study investigates the relationship between proximity to recreational spaces and mental health among adolescents, with the aim of informing future research and practice utilising place-based levers for prevention.

Methods
Data were drawn from 2,015 Year 10 students in New South Wales (mean age = 15.74; 43.3% female). Survey responses (capturing mental health outcomes [psychological distress, mental wellbeing], sociodemographic characteristics [gender, school affluence, family affluence, geographic remoteness], and behavioural factors [screen time, physical activity]) were linked to Government spatial data detailing recreational facilities and transport. Given the exploratory nature of this study, a staged analysis approach was used with linear regression models investigating: 1) Unadjusted associations between counts of each recreational facility type (community, cultural, greenspace/ blue space, sports grounds, and youth centres within participants’ home postcode and school radius) and psychological distress/ mental wellbeing 2) Associations adjusting for sociodemographic factors and public transport availability, 3) Associations adjusting for sociodemographic, transport, and behavioural factors , and finally, 4) A fully adjusted model for each outcome, including all recreational facility types.

Outcomes
Preliminary results show that while several associations were found in unadjusted models, in adjusted models home proximity to youth facilities was significantly associated with lower psychological distress. In the fully adjusted model, both youth facilities and green/blue spaces showed independent associations with reduced distress. Recreational facilities around schools were not significantly related to outcomes.

Future Actions
These findings underscore the importance of equitable access to diverse, youth-oriented public spaces. Future research should explore how young people engage with these environments and how specific design features influence psychological outcomes, to inform urban planning and health policy.

Abstract: The Grit and Resilience Festival: A Community-led celebration of Connection and Mental Wellbeing.

Context and Aim
In regional communities, mental health promotion often struggles to engage people meaningfully. The Grit and Resilience Festival, held annually in Wangaratta on World Mental Health Day, was created to foster connection, reduce stigma, and showcase local supports in a vibrant, inclusive setting.

Methods and Analysis
The Festival is co-designed and delivered by the Grit and Resilience Program in partnership with different partners each year, but is funded and curated by the Grit and Resilience Consortium, a group of community members and organisations leading this program. Each year, it brings together stallholders from local organisations, clubs, groups, and social connection opportunities. Activities include live music, cultural performances, interactive stalls, and inclusive features like low sensory spaces and welcomers. Data is collected via attendance tracking, feedback surveys, and social media analytics.

Outcomes
Over four years, the Festival has grown from 200 attendees in 2022 to thousands in 2025. In 2024, 88% of attendees reported making new connections, and 87% became more aware of local mental health services. Representation from eight priority cohorts, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, LGBTQIA+ communities, and people with disabilities, was confirmed. Stallholders consistently rated the event highly for its organisation, support, and impact on community connection.

Future Actions
The Festival offers a scalable, low-cost model for preventive mental health promotion. Future improvements include humanistic feedback mechanisms, change of location due to out growing the current space and transport options to increase accessibility. The model is adaptable to other regional settings, with co-design and partnership at its core.

Workplaces are critical settings for preventive mental health interventions, yet efforts to address psychosocial risks are often limited by challenges in real-world implementation. Recent regulatory reforms in Australia require employers to manage psychosocial hazards with the same rigour as physical risks. However, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face disproportionate barriers in meeting these expectations.
This qualitative study explored the experiences of 29 business leaders across NSW, most from SMEs, through interviews and a focus group. Using reflexive thematic analysis, three themes emerged: (1) workplace-level implementation challenges including regulatory complexity, limited resources, and knowledge gaps; (2) macro-level pressures such as broader mental health demands and compliance overload; and (3) a search for contextualised, practical guidance.
Some participants described screening out job applicants perceived to pose a “mental health risk” as a compliance strategy, raising concerns about the unintended consequences of limited support. Others expressed high levels of stress and uncertainty about their own capacity to meet requirements, suggesting a risk of harm to business leaders as well.
Findings suggest that without targeted, industry-specific tools and support, current approaches may not only fail to prevent harm but may also introduce new forms of exclusion. Intermediary organisations such as industry associations may play a key role in bridging this gap by contextualising guidance, sharing practical strategies, and facilitating dialogue between regulators and businesses.
This research highlights the urgent need to adapt psychosocial risk management strategies to meet the realities of SMEs if workplace mental health reforms are to succeed as truly preventive, inclusive measures.

Problem:
Mental health conditions and suicide remain pressing issues across Australia, particularly among young adults and in regional, rural, and remote communities. While initiatives often encourage mental health check-ins, many people are unsure how to have these conversations effectively or what actions to take next. This gap can delay early intervention, increase distress, and reduce help-seeking behaviour (Beyond Blue, 2023; Everymind, 2024).

Methods/Research Findings:
Let’s Talk TACTICS is a structured, preventative communication framework that equips individuals, families, and workplaces with practical skills for initiating, navigating, and concluding conversations about mental health. Research shows that structured, skills-based approaches reduce distress, improve help-seeking, build coping skills, and are more cost-effective than treatment alone (ScienceDirect, 2025; Everymind, 2024; NHS Mental Health Prevention Research, 2024). Over the past 12 months, participants consistently reported that TACTICS is practical, easy to use, and increases confidence and willingness to engage in conversations. Requests for longer workshops highlight strong engagement and demand for extended learning.

Outcomes:
TACTICS has been applied in diverse contexts, including the Rural Financial Counselling Service for succession planning and Telstra for national staff development, demonstrating relevance across personal, workplace, and community settings. Its scalable design enables adaptation to local needs, suitable for workplaces, communities, and professional development programs (ISAT, 2019; WHO, 2020). It will also be presented at the 2025 National Rural Mental Health Conference, underscoring its recognition and value in rural and regional contexts.

Future Actions:
Aligned with the 2025 NSW Suicide Prevention Bill, TACTICS will be scaled to additional communities, embedded into workplace and professional training, and co-designed with local stakeholders to reflect community-specific needs (ISAT, 2019; WHO, 2020). Broad implementation of structured communication skills will promote safer conversations, strengthen resilience, and support mentally healthy settings across Australia.

Learning Objectives:

Understand how TACTICS equips participants with communication skills to prevent mental health crises.

Explore how TACTICS promotes equity in mental health across diverse communities.

Examine how TACTICS supports mentally healthy settings through engagement, awareness, and co-design.

Just as neighbourhood disadvantage gets under the skin, so too can it get into the mind, manifesting as poor mental well-being. Actions to reduce neighbourhood-level socioeconomic inequities in mental well-being hinge on exploring neighbourhood-level mechanisms, such as crime, a social factor disproportionately distributed in disadvantaged neighbourhoods. Evidence of a relationship between neighbourhood crime and mental well-being is emerging, but only from cross-sectional studies. This study examined the contribution of different types of neighbourhood crime to the relationship between neighbourhood disadvantage and mental well-being.

The study used data collected in 2009, 2011, 2013 and 2016 for HABITAT, a multilevel, longitudinal study of mid-aged residents of Brisbane, Australia. Crime data in each study year (crime against the person, social incivilities, unlawful entry) recorded by the Queensland Police Service (QPS) were used as objective indicators of neighbourhood crime. Perceptions of crime and safety, mental well-being, and potential confounders in modelling were self-reported on a mailed survey sent to participants in each study year. Associations between neighbourhood disadvantage and crime with mental well-being were examined using random effects linear regression models, adjusted for neighbourhood self-selection and socio-demographic variables.

Residents with greater concerns about crime and safety in their neighbourhood had poorer mental well-being. This partly explained the relationship between neighbourhood disadvantage and mental well-being. However, objectively measured crime did not contribute to this relationship.

Policies and programs aimed at reducing concerns about crime and safety in disadvantaged neighbourhoods may provide an opportunity to reduce socioeconomic inequities in population-level mental well-being. Action to address neighbourhood crime requires a combination of macro-level policies targeting socioeconomic determinants of crime alongside community-based prevention interventions (e.g. targeted hot spot policing infused with informal social control) and strategies that aim to increase residents’ sense of safety, such as improving infrastructure or creating safer public spaces (i.e., street lighting).

Mental health and wellbeing in Australia are affected by multiple social determinants across the life course. Resultant rates of psychological distress, burnout, and mental ill-health are high and increasing. A systemic response is urgently required but has proved difficult to conceptualise and implement. ‘Health in All Policies’ and similar approaches to intersectoral, healthy public policy have had limited success and siloed approaches remain the norm. Mental ‘health’ policy is stuck within a failing and far too limited biomedical paradigm of individualised diagnosis and treatment. Despite this, mental health promotion has only marginal support in policy and is often limited to small-scale or short-term interventions. This presentation will synthesise insights from the author’s research on wellbeing theory and healthy public policy in areas of primary health care, Indigenous health, health policy, food policy, intersectoral policy, and commercial determinants of health. It will propose and unpack key elements of government, business and community-based action needed to implement a systemic, intersectoral approach to equitable promotion of psychological wellbeing. I will argue that this systemic approach requires integrative thinking across fields of wellbeing theory, political ethics, healthy public policy, community development, and environmental sustainability. The proposed approach will include measures to ensure equity of access to supportive social conditions for wellbeing. I will centre on the ‘wellbeing community’ as a core feature underpinning policy coherence for wellbeing. I will propose strategies to implement this approach incrementally while building public support for wider change.