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VMHPAA backs heritage listing of key LGBTIQA+ sites in Sydney
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.

Shane Warren
Apr 93 min read


World Health Day: Health Means Mind and Body
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.

Shane Warren
Apr 61 min read


World Autism Awareness Day: Moving from Awareness to Acceptance and Inclusion
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.

Shane Warren
Apr 12 min read


International Transgender Day of Visibility: Visibility, Respect and Inclusion Matter
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.

Shane Warren
Mar 302 min read


World Bipolar Day: Understanding, Respect and Support Matter
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.

Shane Warren
Mar 293 min read


VMHPAA raises consultation integrity concerns with Minister Butler regarding National Standards consultation
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

Shane Warren
Mar 202 min read


International Day of Happiness: Joy, Hope and Connection Matter to Mental Wellbeing
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.

Shane Warren
Mar 202 min read


VMHPAA Honours Eid al-Fitr and the Wisdom of Community, Compassion and Reflection
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.

Shane Warren
Mar 192 min read


Harmony Day: Diversity, Inclusion and Respect Strengthen Communities
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

Shane Warren
Mar 182 min read


Neurodiversity Celebration Week: Celebrating Different Minds, Strengths and Ways of Being
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.

Shane Warren
Mar 152 min read


World Sleep Day: Rest Is Not a Luxury, It Is Essential to Mental Wellbeing
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.

Shane Warren
Mar 132 min read


Vocationally trained practitioners are essential to Australia’s mental health care and must be protected
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.

Shane Warren
Mar 123 min read


It’s time for peak bodies to collaborate, not compete
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.

Shane Warren
Mar 112 min read


Live member Q&A webinar Thursday 12th March at 9:00am re National Standards Consultation
Join our webinar to help cut the confusion on this important issue
susansandya
Mar 101 min read


World Obesity Day: Ending Stigma. Supporting Whole-Person Wellbeing.
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.

Shane Warren
Mar 32 min read


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

Shane Warren
Mar 22 min read


Acceptance, Dialogue and the Spirit of Mardi Gras
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.

Shane Warren
Feb 282 min read


As Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade Approaches
As the Parade draws closer this Saturday, we know the energy will lift even further. Mardi Gras is a powerful reminder of visibility, resilience and belonging for LGBTQIA+SB communities and allies.

Shane Warren
Feb 252 min read


International Day of Love: Honouring Love in All Its Forms
On the International Day of Love, often marked as Valentine’s Day, VMHPAA recognises that love is broader than romance. It is found in friendship, family, community, self-compassion, and the quiet commitment we make to care for one another.

Shane Warren
Feb 132 min read


International Epilepsy: Day of Awareness, Inclusion and Mental Health Matter
On International Epilepsy Day, the Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association of Australia (VMHPAA) stands with the millions of people worldwide living with epilepsy, as well as their families, carers, and communities.

Shane Warren
Feb 82 min read
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