Assist First Aid

21/12/2025

We’re officially closed for the holidays 🎄

Our team will be back in the office on Monday 5 January.

Wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday season!

15/12/2025

We are deeply saddened by the tragic events in Bondi yesterday. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the victims, their families, the Jewish community, and all affected.

Traumatic incidents like this can leave lasting emotional impacts. Please reach out for support if you’re struggling — talk to trusted people or contact professional services.

For immediate help and resources, visit https://www.mhfa.com.au/resources-support/immediate-help

If you’re supporting someone affected and need some guidance on what will help, you can find the MHFA guidelines on helping those affected by traumatic events here -https://www.mhfa.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Traumatic-Events-Adult-Mental-Health-First-Aid-Guidelines-2019-1.pdf

Take care of yourself and those around you — help is available. 💛

17/04/2025

🐣 We’re Egg-cited for Easter!

Just a heads-up – we’ll be closed from Friday to Monday (inclusive) for a little Easter break!

We’ll be back, bright-eyed and chocolate-fueled, on Tuesday 22nd April.

🐰🍫 Wishing you a hoppy Easter filled with good vibes, great company, and way too many chocolate eggs!

14/04/2025

🌟 Join Our Team as an Administrative Assistant – RTO Support 🌟

Are you a superstar administrator who loves being part of a fun, supportive team—but also thrives working independently? We’re on the lookout for an enthusiastic Administrative Assistant to join our dynamic Registered Training Organisation (RTO)!
In this role, you’ll play a key part in keeping our operations running smoothly. You’ll support our trainers, assist our students, help maintain compliance standards, and keep things organised behind the scenes.

✔️ Strong communication & organisation skills
✔️ Able to work both independently & in a team
✔️ Admin or RTO experience a plus!
✔️ Office-based, Wednesday-Friday

Ready to bring your energy and organisation skills to a role where you’re truly valued?

Send your resume to training@assistfirstaid.com.au and become part of a team that supports, encourages, and celebrates success together!

Send a message to learn more

20/12/2024

My first MHFA class was challenging. I was green, nervous & two of the participants were less than ideal students. They talked incessantly, overshared (sometime inappropriately) & questioned almost everything. They were not intentionally testing my fledgling skills, they were just being themselves. Surprisingly I look back on that class with enormous fondness. It was pretty challenging at the time but I like a bit of pressure, it helps me improve. That’s how diamonds are created right?

As you might have gathered I stuck with it. In fact I’ve just hit a milestone. I’ve just taught my 100th MHFA course. I’m taking a moment to pause & reflect. I have so much gratitude, but before I get to that let’s rewind a little to what got me here. Almost 4 years ago my boss approached me about becoming a MHFA instructor. I leapt at the opportunity. Initially closed borders & suspended MHFA instructor training derailed plans. Things got back on track in Jan 2022 when with 9 other eager participants I qualified as a MHFA instructor (shout out to our teacher Geoff). Since then it’s been full steam ahead. Teaching MHFA has sent my life down a new track. It’s made me happier, healthier & more fulfilled. It’s made me want to help more people &, help people more.

So I’ve said yes to every upskill. Yes to every webinar. Yes to every opportunity. It also inspired me to go further. The same week I taught my 100th course I completed a Grad Cert in Counselling.

Here are some free ranging reflections from my time teaching;
· There is still a lot of stigma. But the desire to change that is growing & attitudes are shifting.
· Many young people have an impressive level of awareness & knowledge. However they still face internal & external stigma & other barriers to getting help.
· It might be a reflection of MHFA participants or my worldview, but I think people are keen to be good humans. Someone wiser than me said people would prefer to be Yoda than Darth Vader. Sometimes they need a little help with how.
· Misunderstandings about mental health conditions & how to help are common.
· It’s possible to have a lot of fun talking about serious issues.
· Online teaching tools are better, but they can still be better. I’m looking forward to when the tech advances further to allow more natural, free flowing conversation. Online offers wonderful accessibility, but teaching face to face is still better.
· A conversation truly has the power to change lives.

I feel so privileged to be an MHFA instructor. Genuinely. I feel deep joy & wonder at the journey I’ve had. I love having conversations about mental health, even the hard ones. I love seeing those ah-ha moments. I love helping people grow & sometimes changing lives.

A village has helped me on this journey. Colleagues, students, the MHFA community, my friends & fam. Thank you all. You made it possible & you made it fun. Bring on the next 100 courses!

Cortney Smyth
Mental Health First Aid Principle Master Instructor.

PS, chocolate cake with buttercream icing can make a great course even better 🐨

19/12/2024

It's beginning to feel alot like Aussie Christmas!
Our office will closed from 23 Dec to 5 Jan.
Have a safe and joyful holiday and we'll see you in 2025🎅🎄

04/10/2024

🎉 Happy King's Birthday Public Holiday! 🎉

We're taking a well-deserved break and will be closed on Monday to celebrate this special occasion. Take a moment to relax, enjoy time with loved ones, and make the most of the long weekend! 👑✨

We'll be back on Tuesday, ready to assist you. Stay safe and have a fantastic day!

12/09/2024

Today, our office team took a well-deserved break to share a cup of tea and check in with one another (ALGEE the mental health first aid Koala joined in too) 💚

On R U OK? Day, we’re reminded of the importance of connection and support. To take a moment to reach out, listen, and show we care.

Remember, it’s okay not to be okay, and a simple conversation can make a world of difference.

How are you checking in with your friends and colleagues today?

Let’s keep the conversation going! 💬✨

20/08/2024

Our team getting into the spirit at the World Triathlon Multisport Championships 2024 Townsville. But you seem to be missing a flag 👊🇦🇺🏆

18/07/2024

🌟 Exciting News! 🌟

We are thrilled to announce our new training room for Mental Health First Aid! This dedicated space is designed to provide a supportive and comfortable environment for learning essential skills.

Join our Mental Health First Aid Master Trainer, Cortney, to gain valuable knowledge and tools to support mental well-being in our community and workplace. Let's make a difference together! 💚

Visit our website for upcoming course dates: https://www.assistfirstaid.com.au/mental-health-training/

27/06/2024

🚨 Exciting News! 🚨 We're thrilled to announce that we're moving to a brand-new office! 🏢✨ Please bear with us as we will be offline for a day or two during the move. Thank you for your patience and understanding! We'll be back online soon, ready to serve you better than ever! 🚀😊

05/06/2024

We’re moving! From 1 July our Sunshine Coast HQ and training centre will be at 22-24 Premier Circuit, Warana.

We’re looking forward to all the extra room (3 training rooms!), great facilities, Carole’s coffee machine and having a river side park just over the road.

Drop by and say hi!