Newly appointed regional mental health coordinators will be based on campus in Rockhampton and Mackay, giving them a 'neutral space' as they deal with dozens of agencies in the community.

CQUniversity's Institute for Health and Social Science is looking forward to hosting the new coordinators, as Institute Director Professor Brenda Happell anticipates opportunities for research and collaboration.

Queensland Alliance Program Director Mike Wilson and Professor Brenda Happell sign an MOU to arrange campus space for Regional Mental Health Coordinators

Our Office of Development and Graduate Relations helped to arrange the new relationship with the Queensland Alliance, a peak body for the mental health community sector, drawing on funding from Queensland's Department of Communities.

Queensland Alliance Program Director Mike Wilson said the coordinators would be able to collate data for an audit leading to a fresh map of agency networks and relationships, aiding evaluation of services.

Centacare representative Victoria Homer, a former CQUniversity staff member, said the new coordinators would liaise with 'action-orientated' clusters of agency CEOs and service leaders in Rockhampton and Mackay.

Gathering to discuss the Regional Mental Health Coordinator roles are L-R Victoria Homer (Centacare); Ron Hale (Community Mental Health, Dept of Communities), Mike Wilson (Qld Alliance Program Director); Professor Brenda Happell; and Suzi Blair and Tamsen Clifford-Banks (Office of Development and Graduate Relations)