The Andrews Labor Government has today announced the governance board for the 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 in Melbourne will be the first of its kind in Australia – bringing together people with lived experience, researchers and health professionals to lead critical improvements in the mental health system.
The Collaborative Centre will provide treatment, care and support to adults, lead cutting-edge research and serve as the ‘engine room’ for reform across the mental health sector and its workforce.
The new board is made up of contemporary and innovative thinkers who will bring a range of professional and personal experiences. This diversity of experience will help the board to set strong strategic direction of the Collaborative Centre in its early stages and into the future.
The board will get started in September 2022 and will include Chair Terry Laidler, Deputy Chair Maria Katsonis, Phong Nguyen, Sheree Lowe, Fionn Skiotis, Lisa Brophy, Steve Moylan, Gerard Naughtin, Gill Callister and Amelia Walters.
A priority for the board will be to progress the strategic selection process to establish the Collaborative Centre’s health and academic partnerships.
Unique legislation to establish the Collaborative Centre passed Parliament in November 2021. The legislation allows the Collaborative Centre to begin operation and is intended to be proclaimed in September 2022.
In the year since the Royal Commission’s final report was delivered, new services have opened, and more Victorians than ever are getting the help they need.
The Labor Government delivered a record $3.8 billion in the Victorian Budget 2021/22 to kick start Victoria’s vital mental health reform – the largest investment in the history of the state.
This year’s budget builds on that with $1.3 billion to continue the work of rebuilding Victoria’s mental health system – including $5 million towards the establishment of the Collaborative Centre.
As stated by Minister for Mental Health, Gabrielle Williams
“This appointment of the Collaborative Centre Board is another key step in our 10-year journey to transform the way we deliver mental health treatments and support in Victoria.”
“The centre will be at the heart of a rejuvenated mental health system and its board brings outstanding skills, knowledge, diversity and lived experience to help guide these critical reforms that will change lives and save lives.”
