James Dimmock, Kalia Putter, Sam Teague, Brian Law, Amanda Krause, Ben Jackson, Jessica Borelli, Christina Rowley, Cate Nagle, Cara McCormach, Zoe Cunningham

The Bamboo Parenting Program is an online social support program for first-time mothers in the perinatal period. The program has been designed to prevent and reduce mental illness during this vulnerable period, and by leveraging social support, Bamboo targets one of the most significant predictors of mental health for perinatal women. The program pairs first-time mothers with volunteer mothers or with mother-nominated individuals, with support training provided in program. Pairs work together to navigate the critical and difficult perinatal period. Funding from this seed fund will contribute to the evaluation of a pilot randomised trial in Northern Queensland.

Liza van Eijk, Beena Suvarna, Gideon Vos, Donna Rudd, Mostafa Azghadi, Carlo Longhitano

This project aims to predict the chance of developing mental health conditions by enabling early detection and objective measurement of symptoms severity. A novel neurophysiological AI prediction model will be applied to calculate a risk score based on brain activity (EEG), autonomic responses (wearable devices), and stress hormone levels. This approach overcomes limitations of traditional methods, which tend to rely on subjective self-reports and time-consuming clinical assessments. Our prediction model would enable objective detection of high-risk patterns for mental health conditions, thus allowing targeted early intervention, monitoring, and early adjustments to treatment plans, potentially reducing current high drop-out rates.

Wendy Li, Marc Chao, Mercy Singleton, Josephine Pryce, Timothy Leow, Omer Shareef, Xue Jaing

This project aims to co-design a group-based mindfulness intervention to support mental health in communities affected by climate change. Using participatory co-design workshops and the Delphi method, we will collaborate with individuals with lived experience, health professionals, and community members to develop an inclusive and culturally responsive Mindfulness-Based Climate Stress Reduction (MBCSR) program. The co-design process will ensure the intervention is relevant, acceptable, and grounded in real-world needs. Findings will lay the foundation for future large-scale trials and support the development of accessible, evidence-informed strategies to reduce psychological distress in regional, rural, and remote communities impacted by climate-related stress.

Kelsey Lowrie, Tanya Doyle, Rebecca Evans, Lee Town

This project explores the importance of early development, intervention, and a life course approach to student wellbeing, noting policy imperatives and gaps in evidence around best practices for system integration. It investigates how health and education leaders collaborate to support vulnerable children in North Queensland, using a case study method to capture regional insights. The goal is to inform policy and practice by showcasing novel integration of systems and supports, increasing visibility of local services, and guiding school-based and systemic reform. Findings will contribute to evidence-informed decision making and innovative approaches to integrated service delivery for improved student outcomes.

Alyssia Merrick, Daniel Miller, Amanda Krause, Dylan Eberle, Hyacinth Udah, Tanya Park

This study explores whether tabletop roleplaying game Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) can be effectively leveraged to support mental health. By examining how different ways of engaging with D&D influence players’ experiences, the study will elucidate what aspects of the game are most beneficial to players—for instance, character creation or simply being part of a shared narrative—and why that matters. These insights will inform how games like D&D are used in the mental health space and how their designs can be tailored to support social connection, motivation, and personal growth.

Tingzhen Chen, Heri Setiyorini, Tina Dahlan, Johanna Kodoatie

This research investigates how diaspora tourism (the act of returning to one’s homeland) affects mental health literacy and psychological well-being among Indonesian migrants in North Queensland, Australia. Combining survey data and in-depth interviews, the project aims to generate evidence on the therapeutic role of cultural reconnection and deliver recommendations for multicultural health organizations to improve mental health support within Indonesian-Australian communities, particularly in the regional area of Australia (North Queensland).

Kris McBain-Rigg, Richard Violette, Shaun Solomon, Catherine Seaton, Stephanie King

The Ways Remote Communities Care explores how the community of Mount Isa engages in healing and wellbeing through shared experiences and care practices. Partnering with local organisations, the project examines how community groups foster healthy and mentally well communities. We will map the work and linkages between existing community groups, successes and challenges, and collect stories of care work in the community. This will culminate in the community creating their Community Resilience Score. This interdisciplinary initiative aims to generate pilot data and narratives that inform future research and funding applications focused on trauma, precarity, and collective healing.

Klaire Somoray, Sam Teague, Ignacio Correa-Velez, Tra Nguyen, Lisa Shaw

This project aims to promote and improve the mental health and wellbeing of refugee and migrant communities in Townsville through a community-driven approach. In partnership with the Townsville Multicultural Support Group (TMSG), we will integrate mental health literacy workshops into a community garden program, creating a safe, culturally appropriate space for connection, learning, and support. Findings will guide future whole-of-community initiatives and support larger funding applications to expand mental health promotion for culturally diverse communities.

Joanna Barlas, Michelle Tan

This study investigates how Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is assessed and diagnosed by clinicians in Singapore, where practices are thought to vary widely and little is known about local influences on diagnosis. Using a mixed-methods (quant–QUAL) approach, it will survey and interview clinicians across public and private settings to understand their current tools, rationale, and challenges. The project seeks to identify whether standardised practices exist and to inform more consistent, evidence-based approaches. Conducted in collaboration with Dr Michelle Tan at IMH, the study draws on a multidisciplinary team to address critical gaps in BPD diagnosis and care in Singapore.

Amanda Krause, Sandra Garrido, Matt O’Leary, Tanya Park, Teneale McGuckin, Hannah Taylor, Nikki Rickard, Lawrence Harvey

Stigma prevents many people from seeking mental health support; however, positive music listening experiences buffer the impact of stigma on help-seeking. Recent research suggests that community-based, focused listening experiences have real potential for improving well-being, but research is needed to understand their explicit short- and longer-term impact on stress and anxiety. This case study examines the impact of participating in communal, high-fidelity, and immersive music listening sessions on people’s mental health. Expected outcomes include partnering with a community organisation to obtain and disseminate evidence relating to substantiating the mechanisms  underpinning the well-being benefits of focused and immersive music listening.