Mental Health Association Central Australia

01/05/2026

We share our deepest condolences to the family of Kumanjayi Little Baby and acknowledge the sadness and heaviness being felt across our community at this time.

Central Australian Aboriginal Congress has established a community debriefing space at the Mparntwe Health Hub today Friday 1 May from 9am. This space is open to family members, community and the volunteers who were part of the search party.

Please take care of yourselves and each other. Support is available if you need it:
• 13 Yarn – 13 92 76
• Su***de Call Back Service – 1300 659 467
• Lifeline – 13 11 14
• Kids Helpline Official – 1800 55 1800

29/04/2026

There was such a lovely vibe at the Carers’ Morning Tea last Friday at Yaye's Cafe ☕✨

Around 25 carers joined us to share breakfast and coffee, connect with others, and take a well-deserved moment for themselves. The morning included a hands-on clay activity facilitated by Central Craft, where everyone created their own unique pieces, along with wellbeing bags to take home. It was a beautiful morning of connection, creativity, and community 💛

Hosted by MHACA in collaboration with Carers NT, Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia NT, and the Alice Springs Hospital Carer Peer Support Representative, the morning tea was a chance to acknowledge the work and resilience of people caring for others.

23/04/2026

MHACA reconnects with the Tennant Creek community 💛

We had a great time back in Tennant Creek reconnecting with community and sharing a BBQ at Peko Park, hosted by the Marlungku-Kari Child and Family Centre (Julalikari Council Aboriginal Corporation).

Community members shared their experiences and the challenges of accessing mental health training and support in the region. We heard a strong message about the importance of consistent programs and continued advocacy for better services in Tennant Creek.

MHACA will be back on Wednesday 20 May 2026 to deliver a FREE safeYARN su***de prevention training at the Marlungku-Kari Child and Family Centre. All community members are welcome to attend, call (08) 8963 2187 to book your spot.

Thanks for having us!

23/04/2026

CRANK IT! is coming to headspace Alice Springs. Learn hands-on skills to repair and maintain your bike in a relaxed, supportive environment.

Starts April 30
Every 2nd Thursday, 3pm - 6PM
headspace Courtyard
4 participants per session
Registration forms at headspace reception

22/04/2026

Want to know how to help someone experiencing a mental health crisis?

MHACA is delivering the Standard Mental Health First Aid 2-day training.

📅 Wednesday 24 and Thursday 25 June 2026
🕣 8:15am–4:30pm
📍 DoubleTree by Hilton, 82 Barrett Drive, Alice Springs

🎟 Register at https://events.humanitix.com/standard-mental-health-first-aid-24-25-june-2026

Learn how to recognise when someone may be experiencing a mental health problem or mental health crisis and how to provide support until professional help is available.

Training is FREE for pensioners, higher education & VET students, and Centrelink recipients.

***dePreventionTraining

Standard Mental Health First Aid training teaches participants how to provide initial support to another adult who may be experiencing a mental health problem.

21/04/2026

Registrations are open for the Central Australian Su***de Prevention Forum 2026.

📍 DoubleTree by Hilton, 82 Barrett Drive, Alice Springs
📅 Day 1 – Wednesday 10 June 2026 (8:30am–4:00pm)
📅 Day 2 – Thursday 11 June 2026 (8:30am–4:00pm)

This annual event brings community members, professionals and leaders together to share knowledge and strengthen su***de prevention and postvention. There will be:
• Guest speakers
• Lived experience presentations
• Aftercare supports
• Safety planning group activity
• Learnings from su***de prevention training
• Interactive workshops
• Self-care activities
• Networking opportunities

The forum is free to attend, but places are limited. We encourage you to register for both days to get the most out of the program, although single-day attendance is welcome. Register at https://events.humanitix.com/central-australia-su***de-prevention-forum-2026

The forum is hosted by the Mental Health Association of Central Australia (MHACA) in partnership with Central Australian Aboriginal Congress, with support from the Northern Territory Government and DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs.

***deprevention

21/04/2026

If you or someone you know are in need of some free accessible support for your mental health, check out the new Medicare Mental Health Check In 💚

Medicare Mental Health Check In offers free digital support for your mental health - no referral or diagnosis needed.

To access the free service and talk to a trained professional:
📞 Call 1800 595 212
📞 Available 8:30am-5:00pm weekdays (excluding public holidays).

👉 For more information:
https://www.medicarementalhealthcheckin.gov.au/

20/04/2026

Last chance for the Peer Workforce Census.

We've posted about it a few times now, and if it's been sitting in your "I'll do it later" pile, later is this Friday, 24 April.

A few minutes now contributes directly to the evidence that shapes how peer workers are funded and supported across Australia.

Link in comments.

17/04/2026

Artwork unveiling at the Geoff Miers Roundabout in front of MHACA!

The Alice Springs Town Council invites all community members to attend a live artwork installation by artist Chris Scott (Brushcraft Signs) at the Undoolya Road x Lindsay Avenue roundabout in East Side this Sunday 26 April, from 7am to 9am.

⭐ Event Details ⭐
• Live artwork installation: 7am – 8am
• Official unveiling: 7:55am
• Speeches & ribbon cutting: 8:15am – 8:40am
• Community celebration at the 8CCC Community Radio carpark from 8:40am with hot drinks and nibblies

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Remember, if you need support talk to someone you trust or call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or 13 Yarn on 13 92 76.

15/04/2026

Do you have a passion for communication and have strong marketing skills?

MHACA is seeking a Marketing Officer responsible for delivering MHACA’s public communications and marketing strategies. A key focus for the role is to create and deliver content for MHACA’s marketing channels including social media, website, and E-newsletter. The Marketing Officer will review and edit MHACA’s public documents and develop mental health and wellbeing resources. The Marketing Officer is a member of MHACA’s Health Promotion Team and will assist with planning and facilitation of professional network meetings and community engagement events.

We are looking for someone who has excellent communication, editing, design and content creation skills who can work with flexibly in a dynamic organisation. An ability to easily develop rapport with people from a range of backgrounds is essential.

See the full position description and how to apply athttps://www.mhaca.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/09.04.2026_Position-Description_Marketing-Officer.pdf

SALARY LEVEL: $101,783.76 – 106,393.97 (MHACA EBA/SCHADS Level 5) + 12% super
POSITION HOURS: 38 hours a week. Full-time and ongoing. Contract until 30 June 2027 (with possibility to extend dependant on funding confirmation).

Applications close 4pm Wednesday 22 April 2026, but MHACA reserves the right to interview as suitable candidates apply, so get your application in early.

Do you have a passion for communication and have strong marketing skills? Join our leading Northern Territory community-managed organisation offering psychosocial support services, NDIS services, su***de prevention programs and health […]

14/04/2026

FREE movie screening for .

Women's Safety Services of Central Australia, Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), and Central Australian Women's Legal Service invite you to a free screening of What’s Love Got to Do with It. The film explores themes of love, consent, and relationships, and offers a chance to learn, reflect, and connect with others.

🗓 Thursday 16 April
🕕 6:00pm – 8:30pm
📍 Alice Springs Cinema

Book your ticket at
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/whats-love-got-to-do-with-it-movie-for-sexual-assault-awareness-month-tickets-1985769309460?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl

All attendees will receive a free item from the candy bar. Counsellors will be available if you’d like support, and there will be a Q&A after the film with Dr Gabby Diplock from SARC.

Sexual assault can have serious impacts on mental health, including depression, anxiety, substance use, PTSD and increased risk of su***de. If you or someone you know needs support, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732.

If someone is in danger call 000.

10/04/2026

🎉 MHACA staff and participants came together to celebrate everyone’s efforts on the recent audit with a shared lunch and some fun bowling!

Wishing everyone a great weekend!