Media Release

On International Imposter Syndrome Awareness Day, the Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association of Australia (VMHPAA) recognises the widespread experience of self-doubt that affects individuals across industries, age groups, and stages of life.

The Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association of Australia (VMHPAA) expresses concern regarding the reported closure of a long-standing youth service in Kiama due to council budget pressures.

As communities across Australia and around the world celebrate Songkran, the Thai New Year, the Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association of Australia (VMHPAA) extends warm wishes to all those observing this important cultural and spiritual festival.

Today, Shane Warren, Chair of the Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association of Australia (VMHPAA), formally lodged the Association’s support for the City of Sydney’s current housing consultation, while urging that future housing growth be approached as social, civic and wellbeing infrastructure, not simply as a numbers exercise.

Sydney, NSW - The Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association of Australia (VMHPAA) has formally expressed its strong support for the proposed heritage listing of three significant LGBTIQA+ sites within the Rainbow Precinct - the footprint in and around the Oxford Street - describing the move as an important and overdue act of public recognition.

On World Health Day, the Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association of Australia (VMHPAA) reminds Australians that health is not only physical it is also mental, emotional, and social.

On World Autism Awareness Day, the Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association of Australia (VMHPAA) stands in solidarity with autistic individuals, families, carers, educators, and advocates across Australia and around the world.

The Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association of Australia (VMHPAA) joins communities around the world in recognising International Transgender Day of Visibility a day that celebrates the lives and contributions of transgender and gender-diverse people while also raising awareness of the discrimination many still face. 

On World Bipolar Day, observed on 30 March, the Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association of Australia (VMHPAA) stands with people living with bipolar disorder, their families, carers, and support networks, and calls for greater understanding, earlier support, and stronger action to reduce stigma and discrimination. World Bipolar Day exists to build awareness of bipolar disorder and to challenge the social stigma that still surrounds it.

MEDIA RLEASE / AWARENESS STATEMENT / PUBLIC RESPONSE For Immediate Release 20 March 2026 VMHPAA raises consultation integrity concerns with Minister Butler regarding National Standards consultation The Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association of Australia (VMHPAA) has today written to the office of the Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Health, Ageing and Disability, to raise concerns about aspects of the current Commonwealth consultation on  regulatory options  to su

On International Day of Happiness, the Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association of Australia (VMHPAA) is encouraging the community to pause and reflect on the importance of happiness, hope, and emotional wellbeing in everyday life. The United Nations marks the day each year on 20 March, recognising happiness and wellbeing as universal human goals. 

As Muslim communities in Australia and around the world mark Eid al-Fitr, the Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association of Australia (VMHPAA) extends warm wishes to all who are celebrating and acknowledges the deep spiritual, cultural and community significance of this important occasion. Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, a sacred month of fasting, prayer, reflection and generosity, and is widely recognised as a time of gratitude, family, community and charity. 

As Australia marks Harmony Week, with the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination observed on 21 March, the Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association of Australia (VMHPAA) is encouraging communities to celebrate diversity while renewing their commitment to inclusion, respect, belonging, and action against racism. Harmony Week 2026 runs from 16 to 22 March, and the Australian Government describes it as a time to recognise Australia’s diversity a

As Neurodiversity Celebration Week begins, the Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association of Australia (VMHPAA) is encouraging communities across Australia to recognise, value, and celebrate the diverse ways people think, learn, feel, communicate, and engage with the world.

On World Sleep Day, the Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association of Australia (VMHPAA) is encouraging the community to recognise sleep not as an indulgence, but as a vital foundation for physical health, emotional balance, and mental wellbeing.

VMHPAA will continue to advocate for implementation that is proportionate, realistic, and inclusive including explicit vocational pathways and fair transitional recognition for experienced practitioners. Because Australia cannot build a safer mental health system by removing the people who are currently holding it together.

Australia is in a moment of genuine opportunity and responsibility, as we explore the best way forward to implement the National Standards for Counsellors and Psychotherapists.

On World Obesity Day, the Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association of Australia (VMHPAA) recognises that obesity is not solely a physical health issue, it is deeply connected to mental wellbeing, social determinants, and lived experience.

International Women’s Week is a time to celebrate the extraordinary achievements of women in leadership, education, health, business, family life, and community.

As the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade Parade prepares to walk the streets of the Rainbow Precinct, the Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association of Australia (VMHPAA) reaffirms its strong support for the Mardi Gras organisation and the values it represents.