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MHCC ACT is the Territory's peak body for community-managed mental health and the services that support Canberrans to stay well, connected and out of crisis.

The Mental Health Community Coalition of the ACT (MHCC ACT) is our Territory's peak body for the community managed mental health sector.

We're for community-managed mental health — at a time when many Canberrans will face a mental health challenge in their lives, and too many experience loneliness or social isolation.

That's why we advocate for community mental health care that's easy to find and access when Canberra needs it most.
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What we do and why we do it

We advocate for a mental health system that offers people support and belonging within their community.
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The latest from us

My First Twelve Months: Why It’s Time to Stop Reinventing the Past

Thirty-five years. That is how long I have worked in this sector, and when I stepped into this role I was sure I knew what I was walking into. I came in carrying more knowledge than I had realised and as it turned out, having forgotten more than I expected.

MHCC ACT to the ACT Budget 2026–27

Mental Health Community Coalition ACT (MHCC ACT) welcomed today’s ACT Budget as a strong foundation, while noting that more is needed to meet rising demand. Several initiatives address increasing need in areas that directly shape the mental health and wellbeing of Canberrans — including housing, cost of living, family safety and access to culturally appropriate support. 

Factsheet – 2026-27 ACT Budget Announcements

Sector Update: May in review

Welcome to our wrap up of May! What a big month of announcements across both the ACT and national landscape, we've heard of significant funding changes that will continue to shape the landscape of community mental health, disability supports and the broader service system.

Nexus Human Services

Four years ago, a Canberra teenager walked into Nexus convinced he was on the wrong path. He had been placed in a digital IT traineeship that did not suit him, so his employment coach tried something different: a school-based hospitality traineeship, starting as a kitchen hand.

Position Statement: Gambling in the ACT

We have written a position statement on gambling in the ACT, emphasising the significant harms it can cause to the mental health and well-being of those affected and their support systems.

MHCC ACT response to the 2026–27 Federal Budget 

We are not surprised by the Budget’s emphasis, but we are deeply disappointed. The 2026–27 Federal Budget continues a long-standing pattern of prioritising hospitals and crisis responses while failing to deliver sustained investment in community-based mental health and psychosocial supports that help people stay well, connected and out of crisis. 

Just where are we heading with the proposed NDIS reforms?

At its core, the promise of the NDIS was a movement away from institutionalised care and towards individualised support and the realisation of a meaningful, fulfilling life. The reality is falling short of the promise, and the newly announced reforms are merely an exercise in blame, exclusion and money shifting.

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Advocacy
& policy development


With our members we aim to make ACT a more equitable, just, and mentally healthy community. Our strategic focus is on people who experience mental ill-health, perinatal health issues, alcohol tobacco and other drug struggles, are lonely or involved in the justice system.

Advocacy

Workforce training & development

We provide the necessary resources for our communities and members to thrive – especially when it comes to mental health. That could be training for practitioners, forums on emerging issues or must-reads for people who deliver services and support.

Training

Supporting
our
sector

MHCC ACT proudly supports 56 member organisations and 72 associate members.  We ensure that information sharing and collaboration brings sustainable outcomes.

Membership

Mental
Health Week ACT

We proudly coordinate Mental Health Week on behalf of the ACT to celebrate community-building and our local Well-being Heroes. The ACT Mental Health Sector Awards are a primary feature of the week.

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Happy holidays!

We will be closed from 4pm on 20 December 2024 and will reopen on 6 January 2025.

We wish you a relaxing and joyful holiday season.

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