Media Release

The Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association of Australia (VMHPAA) acknowledges recent correspondence from the Tasmanian Department for Education, Children and Young People regarding the Draft National Standards for Counsellors and Psychotherapists.

The Productivity Commission’s recent review of the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement confirms what many of us working in the community already know all too well: the agreement, while well-intentioned, has failed to deliver real outcomes for the people it was meant to support.

Take Your Dog To Work Day... Far more than just an excuse for cute selfies and furry office visitors, this day reminds us of the power of companionship, emotional support, and unconditional love, qualities our dogs offer freely and without judgment.

On this World Refugee Day, the Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association Australia (VMHPAA) joins the global community in honouring the courage, resilience, and strength of refugees who have fled war, persecution, and torture in search of safety and dignity.

A growing wave of concern is building across Australia's mental health sector as thousands of vocationally trained counsellors face the risk of exclusion under the draft National Standards for Counsellors, recently released by the Department of Health and Aged Care (DoHA).

This Men’s Health Week, the message is clear: Health is not a luxury or a look... It’s a lifestyle of self-awareness, self-care, and showing up for yourself and those around you.

The Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association of Australia (VMHPAA) has submitted a formal response to the Department of Health and Aged Care regarding the Draft National Standards for Counsellors and Psychotherapists.

On this Global Day of Parents, the Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association Australia (VMHPAA) joins the world in recognising the vital role that parents play, not just in shaping future generations, but in quietly carrying the emotional, physical, and mental loads that keep families together.

As June marks the beginning of Pride Month, the Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association Australia (VMHPAA) calls on all Australians to reflect, celebrate, and recommit to a society where every person, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, is seen, valued, and safe.

Today, the Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association Australia (VMHPAA) joins communities across the nation in solemn recognition of National Sorry Day, honouring the Stolen Generations and acknowledging the ongoing impact of colonisation on First Nations peoples.

The Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association Australia (VMHPAA) acknowledges the concerns raised by recent scrutiny of Victoria’s mental health reform progress, following revelations that despite the collection of over $1.1 billion through the Mental Health and Wellbeing Payroll Levy, the availability of acute mental health beds remains grossly inadequate.

Today, the Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association Australia (VMHPAA) proudly recognises Pansexual Visibility Day, celebrating the breadth and diversity of identities within the LGBTIQA+SB community and reaffirming its commitment to inclusive, affirming mental health care.

On IDAHOBIT – the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia, the Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association Australia (VMHPAA) is calling attention to the essential, often unseen work of vocationally trained youth workers, peer support practitioners, and counsellors who provide grassroots mental health support for LGBTQ+ individuals - especially in moments of deep pain, isolation, and crisis.

As Australia observes National Prevention Week, the Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association Australia (VMHPAA) is proud to shine a spotlight on the essential role of vocationally trained professionals in delivering early intervention and prevention strategies that protect the mental and physical wellbeing of individuals and communities.

On this International Nurses Day, the Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association Australia (VMHPAA) honours the extraordinary commitment, skill, and compassion of nurses across the country and around the world.

The Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association of Australia (VMHPAA) is proud to announce the appointment of Philip Armstrong as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately.

Strong Minds Start Young: VMHPAA Marks Children's Mental Health Awareness Day with a Call for Early Support and Systemic Change

Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month: VMHPAA Calls for Mental Health Action to Support Survivors

The Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association Australia (VMHPAA) is proud to announce and celebrate that our esteemed Public Officer and General Counsel, Martin Taylor, has been elected as the Mayor of the City of Whittlesea.

On International Workers’ Day, the Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association Australia (VMHPAA) stands in solidarity with the essential workers who build, grow, fix, and move our world forward.