Timely Town Hall for Mental Health in Bundaberg
CQUniversity is set to host a mental health forum on behalf of the Manna Institute in October, to identify local priorities and areas of need in the Bundaberg region.
The town hall style forum aims to identify challenges and solutions at a local level so that researchers can work with communities to create and advocate for change.
Forum organiser and Manna research lead Dr Cassy Dittman, from CQUniversity, said interest has been “overwhelmingly positive” from community members and service providers within the region.
“The Bundaberg region experiences a range of markers of social disadvantage that put pressure on people’s mental health, including high rates of physical disability and chronic health conditions, high levels of joblessness and economic disadvantage, and elevated rates of domestic and family violence.
“In fact, the last Census, reported that 12 per cent of people in the region reported a long-term mental health condition, compared to the national figure of 8.8 per cent.
“Mental health ranks among the top five concerns for residents, alongside homelessness and housing affordability, financial stress, and alcohol and drug misuse.
“As a partner university of the Manna Institute – a research organisation focused on improving mental health and wellbeing in rural, regional and remote Australia – CQUniversity is well positioned to bring the community together for robust conversations,” said Dr Dittman.
“The Town Hall event is an opportunity for people to voice what is and isn’t working locally and identify changes that could be implemented to better serve the unique needs and experiences of those impacted by mental health.”
The Town Hall will be held at the Bundaberg Civic Centre from 5.30pm on Monday, 13 October 2025.
Everyone is invited to attend including health and mental health professionals; service providers; Council and government representatives; police, emergency service personnel and other first responders; teachers and educators; representatives from community groups and volunteer organisations; and, importantly, those living with or caring for a person with a mental health condition.
Mental Health First Aid Officers will also be in attendance at the event to offer support if needed.
The Town Hall Forum is being hosted by CQUniversity in partnership with the Manna Institute, with the support of the Bundaberg Regional Council.
Those interested in attending the event are encouraged to register online ahead of the event, however walk-ins will also be welcome.
About the Manna Institute
Manna Institute is a virtual institute of leading researchers working with industry and community partners to improve mental health and wellbeing in rural, regional and remote Australia.
It is funded by a Commonwealth grant under the Regional Research Collaboration program and aims to foster meaningful research, professional workforce development, and the translation of research findings into practical, place-based programs. The institute's seven partner universities include Charles Sturt University, Central Queensland University, Federation University, Southern Cross University, the University of Southern Queensland, the University of Sunshine Coast and lead institution the University of New England.
