About TheMHS Learning Network Inc.

TheMHS Learning Network (pronounced “themes”, and an acronym for ‘The Mental Health Services Learning Network’) is an international learning network for improving mental health services in Australia and New Zealand. TheMHS Learning Network is a registered charity run by a volunteer Board.

TheMHS Learning Network events bring together people from across Australia and New Zealand to stimulate debates that challenge the boundaries of present knowledge and ideas about mental health care and mental health systems.

Our Vision

Communities where everyone enjoys the right to wellbeing, self-worth, belonging, and purpose

Our Mission

To create inclusive and forward-thinking spaces that connect, educate, and inspire action that lifts the quality of mental health in our communities

Our Values

Curious

Dedicated to learning, growth, and challenge

Courageous

Willing to lead, speak up, and question norms

Collaborative

Actively inclusive of diverse voices and perspectives

Compassionate

Grounded in kindness and respect

Strategic Priorities 2025-2027

Expand learning to challenge assumptions and spark new thinking We will intentionally bring together and partner with, diverse voices from within and beyond the mental health sector to expose our network to fresh ideas, frameworks, and ways of working that stretch thinking and inspire progress.
Grow a vibrant, future-ready mental health community We will connect diverse people and ideas across sectors and systems to foster collaboration, spark new approaches, and strengthen the capability and wellbeing of our workforce.
Position TheMHS as an agile, thriving, sustainable organisation. We will commit time, energy and resources to create fit-for-purpose leadership, governance capability and staffing to sustain our organisation in a rapidly evolving local, regional and global environment.

Our People

TheMHS Board Members

Taimi Allan
Shannon Baptist (Treasurer)
Barbara Disley
Kerry Hawkins
Stephanie Kershaw
Vanessa May
Vivienne Miller
Alan Rosen
Tully Rosen
Megan Still
Stephen Suttie (Chair)
Rob Warriner (Secretary)

Get to know our Board

TheMHS Association Members

De Beckman-Hoyle
Louise Birrell
Tom Brideson
Maria Cassaniti
Cath Chapman
David Codyre
Lynne Dunbar
Priscilla Ennals
Michelle Everett
John Farhall
Roger Gurr
Paula Hanlon
Tim Heffernan
Sharon Lawn
Julie Millard AM
Fiona Orr
Ingrid Ozols
Melissa Petrakis
Sadie Robertson
Lyndal Sherwin
Michael Smith
Simon Stafrace
May Su
Maree Teesson
Marianne Wyder

TheMHS Learning Network Staff

Jane Austin
Executive Director
ed@themhs.org

Alexis Linton
Events and Operations Manager
info@themhs.org

Merissa Lam
Events Coordinator
awards@themhs.org

Our Indigenous Acknowledgement

TheMHS Learning Network acknowledge the Wangal people of the Eora Nation as the traditional owners of the land on which our office is located.

We also acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands in the location that our annual conference takes place across Australia and New Zealand.

The Wharerātā Declaration 2010 and the Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Declaration 2015 have also been adopted by TheMHS Learning Network and inform our deliberations.

http://www.healthinfonet.ecu.edu.au/acknowledging-country
http://www.healthinfonet.ecu.edu.au/map-aboriginal-australia

Help close the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health gap by pledging support for the Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Declaration. Individuals and organisations are encouraged to make the pledge, which has been organised by the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Leadership in Mental Health group.

More information about the Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Declaration and Pledge can be located at http://natsilmh.org.au/

The Uluru Statement from the Heart

TheMHS accepted the Uluru Statement from the Heart in September 2022.

The Uluru Statement

The Voice

TheMHS Learning Network Incorporated wholeheartedly supports a First Nations Voice to Parliament.

The Voice Statement

The Voice Resources