The Andrews Labor Government has today opened expressions of interest for the governance board of the groundbreaking new Victorian Collaborative Centre for Mental Health and Wellbeing – a key recommendation of the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System.
The purpose-built facility will be built in Melbourne, forming a critical part of the state’s new approach to mental health – bringing together people with lived experience, researchers and health professionals to lead critical improvements in the mental health and wellbeing system.
The Collaborative Centre will provide treatment, care and support to adults and older adults, lead interdisciplinary research and serve as the ‘engine room’ for reform across the mental health sector and its workforce as the system is rebuilt from the ground up to deliver better mental health care for all Victorians.
The Government is seeking candidates who are dedicated to building a new mental health and wellbeing system, and who have the skills to set the strategic direction of the Collaborative Centre in its infancy and for years to come.
Unique legislation to establish the Victorian Collaborative Centre for Mental Health and Wellbeing passed Parliament in November 2021.
The legislation ensures people with lived experience of mental illness or psychological distress are represented at every level of the Collaborative Centre, including on its Governance Board, as part of an innovative co-director model of executive leadership.
The Labor Government delivered a record $3.8 billion in the Victorian Budget 2021/22 to kickstart Victoria’s vital mental health reform and ensure work begins immediately to make sure all Victorians get the treatment and care they need when they need it, close to home.
Expressions of interest for the independent board of the Victorian Collaborative Centre for Mental Health and Wellbeing will close on 8 February 2022. For more information, visit boards.vic.gov.au.
As stated by Minister for Mental Health James Merlino
“We’re searching for best and brightest leaders in the mental health field – including people with lived experience of the mental health system, researchers and health professionals to fill these vital roles on the board.”
“This Collaborative Centre will be the engine room of Victoria’s new mental health and wellbeing system – a system that is more responsive, compassionate, and connected to all Victorians, no matter where they live.”
