First Nations Co. acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of these lands never ceded. We acknowledge the continued custodianship and protection of country and culture. We acknowledge the cultural knowledge that sustains country, culture and community. We honour our old people and thank them for their leadership, their guidance and their legacy. This is, was and always will be, Aboriginal land.
Shaping a Mentally Healthier NSW – With You, For You
The NSW Mental Health Commission is developing a new, statewide Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy to guide the future of mental health across New South Wales. This ten-year Strategy will shape how the mental health system operates, while also addressing the broader social, cultural, and community factors that influence wellbeing across our state.
To ensure this Strategy reflects the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities most impacted, First Nations Co. has been engaged to lead the consultation and engagement process with First Nations people. We are working alongside individuals with lived experience, families, carers, service providers, and communities to ensure their perspectives are at the centre of this reform.
Overview of the Project
The new Strategy will be led by the NSW Mental Health Commission and will:
- Strengthen access to mental health care and supports
- Address systemic issues across hospital, community, and online services
- Tackle stigma, suicide prevention, and broader wellbeing needs
- Promote collaboration across government, community, and lived experience sectors
This work builds on existing reforms such as Living Well in Focus 2020–2024, Shifting the Landscape for Suicide Prevention in NSW 2022–2027, and other national and state initiatives.
Our Role – Leading the Engagement
First Nations Co. is proud to be leading this statewide consultation process for and with First Nations people. Our team brings deep experience in community-led, trauma-aware, and culturally responsive engagement. We are committed to:
- Creating safe, accessible spaces for First Nations people to share their experiences
- Elevating the voices of people with lived experience and those who support them
- Ensuring every region and community in NSW has the opportunity to contribute
Purpose of Engagement
We want to hear from First Nations people:
- With lived or living experience of mental health issues or suicidal distress
- Families, carers, kinship groups, and those impacted by suicide
- Service providers, community-managed organisations, peak bodies, and frontline workers
Your insights will help shape a Strategy that improves lives, builds stronger services, and promotes wellbeing across the state.
How You Can Contribute
There are several ways First Nations people can be part of this process:
- Complete the Online Survey
Open to all First Nations people. It takes 10–15 minutes. - Submit a Written Response
Respond to consultation questions individually or as an organisation by emailing connect@firstnationsco.com.au - Join a Virtual Consultation
First Nations Co. will be conducting community consultations, stakeholder interviews, and workshops across NSW. We’ll be in touch with selected stakeholders, but you can also express interest via completing the EOI form.
What’s Next?
Your contributions will directly inform the final Strategy. The Mental Health Commission will also develop an Outcomes Framework to track progress and accountability over time.
As the project continues, we will:
- Analyse all submissions and consultation findings
- Identify common themes, strengths and service gaps
- Test ideas and recommendations through further consultation
- Share updates and outcomes via this platform and our network
