Grants support mental health and suicide prevention
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Improving connection and access to support for Queenslanders this World Suicide Prevention Day
This article first appeared as a media release on the AMA Queensland website here.
Community groups that play a vital role in preventing suicide across Queensland will receive additional support thanks to grants delivered by the AMA Queensland Foundation, the charity arm of the state’s peak medical body.
As we mark World Suicide Prevention Day, nine recipient organisations across rural, remote and metropolitan Queensland will be awarded more than $144,000 in funds to roll out life-saving programs.
AMA Queensland Foundation Chair Dr Eleanor Chew OAM said funding will support key initiatives aimed at tackling mental ill-health and reducing risk of suicide for Queenslanders at the local level.
“Every two days we lose a Queenslander to suicide, and this sobering fact resonated deeply with AMA Queensland Foundation donors who supported the cause in 2025, many of whom are Queensland doctors,” Dr Chew said.
“This funding supports communities to be able to increase their capacity to respond, support and connect to at-risk individuals across the state.”
Recipient organisation Outback Futures, who advocate for the mental health and wellbeing of rural and remote Australians, have identified a need for improved access to support for men and adolescent boys living in remote Central Queensland.
"For many people in the bush, getting support isn't as simple as booking an appointment and dropping into a clinic. Distance, time, cost and privacy concerns can all get in the way. We know there are men and young blokes doing it tough who might never reach out through traditional channels, so we are meeting them where they are," said Outback Futures CEO Rhys Tregenza.
Grant funding from the AMA Queensland Foundation will assist the Western Queensland Men’s Mental Health Access and Suicide Prevention Support Program with outreach, engagement, counselling and wellbeing education in settings where men and boys naturally gather.
The program will provide qualified mental health clinicians and engagement staff at community events, sporting clubs, rural gatherings, schools, youth settings and on-property activities to provide practical and accessible support.
"Whether it's at a football game, a community event, a school visit or out on a property, these conversations often happen when people feel comfortable and connected. Sometimes all it takes is the right conversation at the right time to make a real difference," Rhys said.
About the Western Queensland Men's Mental Health Access and Suicide Prevention Support Program
Other lifesaving projects supported by the Foundation
“Hope on the Hill” will bring Townsville together for suicide prevention
Grant funding will enable the Townsville Suicide Prevention Network to launch “Hope on the Hill” – a community event centered around walking up Townsville’s iconic Castle Hill. The event will include community members, local organisations, sporting clubs, volunteers and support services in a safe and welcoming environment focused on hope, well-being and connection. By bringing people together to share stories, build connections and increase awareness of available support, the initiative aims to foster a stronger, more informed and more resilient community culture where seeking help is encouraged, mental health conversations are supported, and every member of the community feels connected, valued and hopeful.
Increasing response capacity for rural and regional volunteers of an outdoor community program focused on mental health
Trackwell Australia aims to strengthen mental health connection and make conversations about mental health easier, through building outdoor communities. Grant funds will support mental health first aid training for volunteers in regional and remote locations of Queensland. Wayne Kruger, Trackwell Australia’s Founder said the grant would help strengthen the organisation’s ability to turn connection into practical action.
“Trackwell is built around a simple idea: connection matters. Outdoor and adventure communities create natural opportunities for people to talk, connect and look out for one another. This grant gives more of our volunteers the knowledge and confidence to recognise when someone may be struggling, start an appropriate conversation and help connect them with further support.”
About Trackwell's Mental Health First Aid Training
Improving mental health, wellbeing and suicide prevention outcomes for men, families and communities in the Northern Peninsula area.
Northern Peninsula Area Men’s Network empowers men through culturally grounded programs, guided by the vision “strong men, strong culture, strong community.” Through an initiative developed following extensive consultation with Elders and community members, the organisation aims to increase their capacity to support people experiencing mental health challenges. Key concerns include limited access to culturally appropriate programs, barriers to transport and participation, disconnection from land and sea Country, limited local employment pathways, and a need for greater support around mental health and wellbeing. Funding will support staff training, mentoring activities, community engagement events and strengthen referral pathways through culturally appropriate initiatives such as yarning circles, cultural activities, peer support opportunities and on-Country experiences that encourage connection, healing and resilience.
About NPA Men's Network support
Enhancing mental health support for older Australians in Goondiwindi
Older Australians living in rural and regional communities face increased risks of social isolation, grief, anxiety, depression, dementia-related distress and reduced access to specialist mental health services. Not-for-profit aged care provider Kaloma Home for the Aged provides 24-hour residential care, lifestyle and wellbeing programs, respite care, allied health support and Meals on Wheels services for the wider Goondiwindi community. Funding will deliver Mental Health First Aid training for staff to increase knowledge and capacity to respond to mental health challenges. It is hoped the additional training will create a network of champions for wellbeing and mental health awareness across the community.
About Mental Health Training for Kaloma Home
“Creative Mates” will strengthen mental health in Brisbane’s creative sector
Creative Mates is an initiative designed by Hey Mate! to help strengthen mental health literacy, suicide prevention awareness and support pathways for Brisbane’s creative workforce. The project responds to the growing concern about mental health challenges within the sector, with unique pressures of insecure employment, financial stress, burnout, isolation and limited access to workplace wellbeing services. Through workshops, resources and community awareness, the project aims to improve mental health awareness and strengthen early intervention.
About the Creative Mates Project
Improving mental health awareness and connection for Chinese migrant women on the Gold Coast and Brisbane through “Thrive Together”
The Thrive Together project is delivered by the Australian National Women’s Chinese Federation (ANCWF) and is aimed at improving mental health awareness and strengthening connections among Chinese and culturally and linguistically (CALD) communities in Brisbane. The initiative has been developed in response to ongoing challenges faced by many Chinese and CALD community members, who often encounter barriers when seeking mental health information and support.
Expanding suicide prevention training and support for Queensland’s veterinary workforce
Veterinarians and other members of the veterinary workforce face demanding work environments, high levels of responsibility, emotionally challenging situations, and occupational stressors that can affect wellbeing and increase suicide risk. These factors can be particularly challenging in rural and regional areas, where workforce shortages, social isolation and limited access to support services may further impact mental health. VetHerd is an industry-led suicide prevention program for the veterinary profession. Funding will expand their peer-led suicide prevention training programs in Queensland’s rural and regional communities. The project will deliver evidence-based LivingWorks suicide prevention training, providing participants with practical skills to recognise when someone may be experiencing suicidal thoughts and how to connect them with appropriate support.
About VetHerd Suicide Prevention Training
“Recovering with Support” will strengthen mental health training for staff of a Darling Downs alcohol and other drug rehabilitation service
Sunrise Way is a Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation service for the Darling Downs region. The initiative, Recovering with Support, has been developed in response to the complex challenges faced by many people accessing alcohol and other drug rehabilitation services. The project will provide Mental Health First Aid Conversations training for staff working directly with clients across Sunrise Way's rehabilitation services. The training will strengthen staff confidence and capability to recognise early warning signs of mental health concerns, respond appropriately to people experiencing distress, have supportive conversations and connect clients with relevant internal and external support services.
/ENDS.
Process supported by Brisbane South Primary Health Network
The grants distribution process was supported by Brisbane South PHN, who utilised their networks to promote expressions of interest as well as evaluate proposals against the Foundation’s funding priorities.
About the AMA Queensland Foundation
Established in 2000 as the charitable arm of AMA Queensland, the AMA Queensland Foundation supports the medical community to deliver thriving equitable healthcare for Queenslanders. The Foundation’s charitable support improves access to medical care, furthers medical research and strengthens Queensland’s medical workforce, innovation and wellbeing. Initiatives include:
• Grants of up to $20,000 for projects that improve access to equitable healthcare for Queenslanders.
• Scholarships of $10,000 annually for medical students experiencing financial hardship
• Bursaries of $20,000 for General Practice Specialists and General Practice Registrars for research and training initiatives