About Us

Mission

We are a multidisciplinary collaborative, committed to strengthening mental health and wellness within higher education communities in the Australasian region, via education, research, and community engagement.

Vision

Our vision is to make a positive, sustainable impact upon the mental health and wellness of all people in higher education.

Values and Actions

The Australasian Mental Health and Higher Education Collaboration (AMHHEC), formerly known as the Australasian Mental Health and Higher Education Conference, was established by like-minded colleagues at James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland in 2017. It came together in response to the increasing need for action in mental health and wellness in the higher education sector and the broader community.

An outstanding feature of the AMHHEC is interprofessional collegiality, epitomised by respect for the values and contributions of professions other than one’s own. This wide range of collaborations has facilitated authentic AMHHEC initiatives, by providing leadership, community connection and access to presenters across a wide range of higher education networks and stakeholders, in Australia and internationally. Most importantly, these activities have created synergistic opportunities for partnership and action in relation to mental health and well-being in higher education.

Drawing on our diverse but complementary skill sets, AMHHEC makes a difference to mental health outcomes for Australians, at a time when it has never been more important to do so. We facilitate conversations, collaborate on projects and focus on building mentally healthy higher education cultures and workplaces. We connect with academics and researchers, professional and technical staff, clinicians, and students.

We have successfully led face to face conferences in Townsville, Queensland in 2017 and 2018 in response to the increasing need for action in mental health and wellness in the higher education sector. In 2020, AMHHEC expanded its reach, forming a collaboration between James Cook University and the Australian College of Applied Professions. Throughout 2021 and 2022, AMHHEC facilitated a number of well-attended webinars focusing on mental health and wellbeing in higher education and the community. Looking forward, AMHHEC is excited to be working in conjunction with Students Transitions Achievement Retention and Success (STARS) to deliver a face to face conference in Brisbane, Queensland, 3-5 July 2023.

AMHHEC fully supports the vision and principles of the Australian University Mental Health Framework.

Contact Us

You can contact us by emailing [email protected].