Flourish Australia

21/08/2026

Employment is about more than finding a job — it's about creating opportunities, building confidence and supporting people to achieve their goals. ✨

In our latest story, Andre Maddocks, Regional Manager at Flourish Australia's Inclusive Employment Australia service, shares his passion for helping people overcome barriers to employment and find meaningful pathways to work.

Read Andre's story and learn how person-centred, recovery-focused employment support can help people thrive.
🔗 https://www.flourishaustralia.org.au/story/andre-creating-pathways-opportunity

Employment has always been about more than finding a job for Andre Maddocks.As Regional Manager, Employment Services at Flourish Australia, Andre has seen firsthand the difference meaningful work can make in a person's life. Beyond financial independence, employment can provide purpose, confidence,....

19/08/2026

Great conversations, shared stories and a chance to share the heart of Buckingham House.

Last week, we were delighted to welcome Councillor Adam Worling to Buckingham House and share more about the role it plays as a place of connection, belonging and wellbeing in the heart of Surry Hills.

It was a wonderful opportunity to highlight the rich history of Buckingham House and the important work that continues to support community participation, social inclusion and mental health recovery.

Thank you, Adam, for taking the time to visit, meet members of our community and learn more about the impact of community-based mental health support. We appreciate your interest and support, and look forward to continuing to strengthen connections across the City of Sydney.

18/08/2026

Feeling stressed, anxious, overwhelmed or just not quite yourself?

The Australian Government's Medicare Mental Health Check In service offers free, evidence-based online support for people experiencing mild stress, distress, anxiety or low mood. It's available nationwide, with no referral or diagnosis required for Australians aged 16 and over.

Designed as an early support option, the service includes self-guided digital tools and the option to connect with trained practitioners via phone or video.

Taking the first step can be difficult, but support is available.
Read more: https://www.flourishaustralia.org.au/news/medicare-mental-health-check-launches-self-guided-service

Monday, 13 July, 2026 Are you feeling down, stressed or overwhelmed? Do you think you might be experiencing mild mental health challenges? If so, you might like to try the Medicare Mental Health Check In, which now offers both self-guided and guided support.The online service offers early support, b...

17/08/2026

We were delighted to welcome David Cremona, NSW President of the Australian Institute of Building (AIB), to our Women and Children's Program in Western Sydney last week. David took the time to meet with women and families involved in the program, as well as the dedicated staff who support them, learn more about the program, and hear firsthand about the positive impact it is having in the community.

Thank you, David, for your interest, support and commitment to creating opportunities for people to flourish and helping build stronger, more connected communities.

13/08/2026

NDIS reforms are underway — but what could they mean for people living with psychosocial disability?

Recent changes to the NDIS aim to improve the sustainability of the scheme, but it's important that people with psychosocial disability continue to have access to the supports they need to live well and achieve their goals.

At Flourish Australia, we're committed to advocating for a mental health system that is person-centred, recovery-focused and shaped by lived experience. Understanding these reforms is an important step for participants, families, carers and supporters.

Read more about what the reforms could mean and how they may impact people with psychosocial disability:
🔗 https://www.flourishaustralia.org.au/news/what-ndis-reform-could-mean-people-psychosocial-disability

Thursday, 16 July, 2026 In April, the federal government announced a major reset of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). According to the Mental Health Coordinating Council (MHCC), the reform package includes clearer eligibility requirements, a shift away from diagnosis-based access, and...

10/08/2026

This Loneliness Awareness Week, let's start a conversation about connection. 💛

Loneliness is more common than many of us realise. Recent research found that 43% of Australians aged 15–25 experience loneliness, highlighting the importance of creating opportunities for meaningful connection and belonging.

Whether it's reaching out to a friend, checking in on a neighbour, joining a local group or simply spending time with others, small acts of connection can make a big difference.

At Flourish Australia, we believe that connection, community and belonging play an important role in mental health and wellbeing.

Read more: https://www.flourishaustralia.org.au/news/loneliness-new-public-health-priority

Friday, 10 July, 2026 A recent report by researchers at the University of Sydney found that 43 per cent – or two in five – of Australians aged between 15 to 25 were lonely, with one in seven experiencing persistent loneliness that had lasted more than two years. Key findings from the report inc...

05/08/2026

Day One at TheMHS 2026

We're having a fantastic time at TheMHS 2026 and it has been wonderful connecting with so many people from across the mental health community.

A big thank you to everyone who has stopped by Booths 7 & 8 on Level 3 to chat with our team, contribute to our popular colouring wall, and share what helps them flourish through our seed card activity.

If you haven't visited us yet, there's still time! Pick up a seed card, leave or take home an uplifting message, and plant it later to grow flowers as a reminder of hope, wellbeing and connection.

Come and say hello — we'd love to meet you.

04/08/2026

TheMHS Starts Tomorrow!

We’re looking forward to seeing you at TheMHS 2026 tomorrow at the Hilton Sydney.

As a proud Platinum Sponsor, Flourish Australia is excited to connect with people with lived experience, families, friends, carers, peer workers, practitioners, researchers and mental health leaders from across Australia.

Be sure to visit us at Booths 7 & 8 on Level 3 and say hello to the team. We‘ve prepared some special conference giveaways and two interactive activities you won’t want to miss:
🎨 Our popular colouring wall – a creative and relaxing space where everyone can contribute to a collaborative artwork throughout the conference.

🌱 Our ”What Helps You Flourish?“ seed card activity – share a message about what helps you flourish, or choose an uplifting message left by someone else. Take your seed card home and plant it to grow flowers, creating a lasting reminder of hope, wellbeing and connection long after the conference ends.

We‘d love to meet you, hear your story, and learn what helps you flourish.

See you tomorrow!

04/08/2026

Wear It Purple Day 2026 💜

Join Mental Health Carers NSW this Wear It Purple Day as we celebrate diversity, inclusion, and the voices of LGBTQIA+ young people, families, and carers.

Hear from keynote speaker Luke Randall, a young carer and lived experience advocate, and a panel of lived experience advocates, mental health professionals, and community organisations discussing how we can create more inclusive, affirming, and supportive spaces for LGBTQIA+ communities.
The event will also feature interactive group discussions exploring safety, carer inclusion, and ways to improve service delivery, helping shape ongoing advocacy for LGBTQIA+ young people and their families.

📅 Friday 28 August 2026
⏰ 10:00am – 1:00pm
📍 The Dale Studio, Chippendale NSW

Register here: https://events.humanitix.com/wear-it-purple-day-2026-celebrating-lgbtqia-young-people-carers-and-families

Register on Humanitix - Wear it Purple Day - Celebrating LGBTQIA+ Young People, Carers & Families hosted by Mental Health Carers NSW. The Dale Studio, 204/27-39 Abercrombie St, Chippendale NSW 2008, Australia. Friday 28th August 2026. Find event information.

04/08/2026

TheMHS Starts Tomorrow!

We're looking forward to seeing you at TheMHS 2026 tomorrow at the Hilton Sydney.

As a proud Platinum Sponsor, Flourish Australia is excited to connect with people with lived experience, families, friends, carers, peer workers, practitioners, researchers and mental health leaders from across Australia.

Be sure to visit us at Booths 7 & 8 on Level 3 and say hello to the team. We've prepared some special conference giveaways and two interactive activities you won't want to miss:
🎨 Our popular colouring wall – a creative and relaxing space where everyone can contribute to a collaborative artwork throughout the conference.

🌱 Our "What Helps You Flourish?" seed card activity – share a message about what helps you flourish, or choose an uplifting message left by someone else. Take your seed card home and plant it to grow flowers, creating a lasting reminder of hope, wellbeing and connection long after the conference ends.

We'd love to meet you, hear your story, and learn what helps you flourish.

See you tomorrow!