Media Release

The Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association of Australia (VMHPAA) is heartened by the Federal Government’s progress toward a national anti-bullying strategy for schools, including proposals for consistent standards across jurisdictions, faster school responses, and better support for students, families, and educators. Recent reporting indicates ministers are moving on measures such as clear response timeframes, teacher training, and nationally consistent guidance i

The Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association of Australia (VMHPAA) marks World Menopause Day by endorsing the 2025 global theme set by the International Menopause Society - Lifestyle Medicine - and urging employers and services to embed practical, evidence-based supports for people experiencing peri-menopause and menopause.

The Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association of Australia (VMHPAA) marks the International Day for Tolerance by urging communities, workplaces, and services to go beyond “putting up with” differences and move toward acceptance creating cultures where people feel safe, respected, and able to belong.

The Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association of Australia (VMHPAA) welcomes the Federal Government’s Final National Standards for Counsellors and Psychotherapists (October 2025), noting significant progress toward fair recognition of vocational pathways and proportionate quality assurance across the workforce. 

Today, the Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association of Australia (VMHPAA) joins the international community in recognising Global Handwashing Day, a reminder that good hygiene is essential not only for physical health, but for mental wellbeing too.

Today, the Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association of Australia (VMHPAA) proudly recognises National Coming Out Day - a day to celebrate the courage it takes to live authentically and to stand in solidarity with all members of the LGBTIQA+ community.

Today, the Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association of Australia (VMHPAA) joins the global community in recognising World Mental Health Day - a day to unite around awareness, action, and empathy for all people navigating mental health challenges.

Today, the Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association of Australia (VMHPAA) joins the global community in recognising World Sight Day - a day dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of eye health and advocating for accessible vision care for all.

Today, the Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association of Australia (VMHPAA) proudly celebrates World Teachers’ Day - a moment to recognise the teachers, trainers, and educators who dedicate their lives to shaping minds, nurturing growth, and inspiring hope.

Today, the Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association of Australia (VMHPAA) joins the global community in celebrating the International Day of Older Persons — a time to recognise the invaluable wisdom, resilience, and contributions of older generations who continue to shape our families, communities, and collective story.

The Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association of Australia (VMHPAA) is backing National Safe Work Month this October and endorsing Safe Work Australia’s 2025 campaign theme - safety: every job, every day - urging employers to give equal weight to psychological and physical safety in every role, on every shift.

This October, the Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association of Australia (VMHPAA) marks Global Diversity Awareness Month by celebrating the strength that cultural, linguistic, and identity diversity brings to families, communities, and workplaces and by calling for practical steps that make care genuinely inclusive every day of the year.

The Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association of Australia (VMHPAA) today welcomed the Australian Government’s Independent Review of Health Professions Regulation (July 2025), calling it “a sensible reset” that prioritises public safety while recognising the full health workforce, registered and non-registered alike.

The Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association of Australia (VMHPAA) extends its heartfelt support to all riders, families, and communities participating in the 2025 Wall to Wall Ride for Remembrance.

Today on World Suicide Prevention Day, the Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association of Australia (VMHPAA) joins the global call to raise awareness, break stigma, and build a culture of hope, connection, and prevention.

Today, on International Literacy Day, the Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association of Australia (VMHPAA) celebrates the transformative power of literacy, not only as an educational right, but as a cornerstone of mental wellbeing, self-empowerment, and community connection.

Today, the Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association of Australia (VMHPAA) joins communities across the nation in proudly celebrating Wear It Purple Day - a day dedicated to affirming and empowering LGBTIQA+ young people.

The Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association of Australia (VMHPAA) has welcomed recent correspondence from the Hon. Andrew Giles MP, Federal Minister for Skills and Training, and the Hon. Steve Whan MP, NSW Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, both acknowledging the important role of vocationally trained counsellors in Australia’s mental health workforce and the Association’s advocacy around the Draft National Standards for Counsellors and Psychotherapi

The Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association of Australia (VMHPAA) has welcomed correspondence from the NSW Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, the Hon. Steve Whan MP, in response to concerns about the Draft National Standards for Counsellors and Psychotherapists.

The Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association of Australia (VMHPAA) has lodged a formal submission to the NSW Government’s consultation on the new Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy.