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Background
Multicultural Mental Health Australia (MMHA) is the Australian Government Program targeting multicultural mental health and suicide prevention under the National Mental Health Plan 2003-2008 and is one of a number of national programs that target prevention and early intervention to address the needs of specific population groups. Since 2003 the Program has been auspiced by Sydney West Area Health Service under a funding agreement with the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing (DoHA).
In 2005, MMHA underwent a high level strategic review to review the performance and achievements of MMHA against its funding agreement during the period between March 2003 and December 2005. Following the review the Australian Government has continued to fund MMHA over two consecutive periods (2006-2008 and 2008 – 2011) to provide national leadership in mental health and suicide prevention for Australians from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds and to link a wide range of state and territory mental health specialists and services, advocacy groups and tertiary institutions to promote the mental health and well being of Australia’s CALD communities.
In order to formalise MMHA’s linkages with states and territories, it was agreed to create a Joint Officers Group consisting of state and territory Mental Health Directors, representatives from the Australian Government (DOHA), peak multicultural advocacy agencies (eg, FECCA) and consumer and carer representatives to meet with MMHA three times per annum.
Last Updated: 12 May 2010
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