May has been a full and reflective month, with a number of important events and opportunities to connect across the sector.

I had the pleasure of participating in the RANZCP Congress, the peak binational conference for psychiatry. I was really grateful to serve as Scientific Program Chair, working with a fantastic scientific committee and a Local Organising Committee led by co-convenors A/Prof Judy Hope and A/Prof Samantha Loi. With more than 2,500 delegates attending from across Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand and beyond, it was a valuable opportunity to come together, share knowledge and reflect on the theme of reform and renewal towards healing, equity and trust.

The conversations reinforced the importance of integrated, person-centred approaches to care and the need to adopt a thoughtful, considered and multidisciplinary lens to system change in response to increasingly complex needs across our community.

My highlights included the powerful and moving performance by Listening to Voices, the impactful keynote presentations, and the inspiring talks I attended where psychiatrists continued to think about how we address physical health (and oral health!) in our practice. All super helpful in our area of work in integrated care and support.

During National Reconciliation Week, beginning May 27th, we acknowledge the historical and systemic factors that continue to impact the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal communities.

This is an important time to reflect on our collective role in supporting culturally safe and responsive care. Through our latest online module, we invite Victorian mental health and AOD workers to build their confidence and capability in delivering care that ensures Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples feel seen, heard and supported. Learn more here.

To provide integrated care, it’s important we support inclusive practice and recognise the diversity of our workforce. That’s why we celebrate three key awareness days each May, beginning with International Nurses Day (12th).

I’d like to extend my sincere thanks to the incredible nurses who engage with the Hamilton Centre every day – whether through referrals to our clinical network, participation in training or collaboration in service delivery.

Your work is essential to strengthening integrated care across Victoria, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to work alongside you. If you’d like to learn more about how we can support your practice, please reach out to our Advice Line or contact us here.

To mark International Day of Families on the 15th, we supported Tandem’s work to lift the voices of mental health carers ahead of the Victorian Election.

Their recent survey will inform the development of a 2026 carer-led election statement addressed to Victorian candidates. We know the vital role that families and carers play, often navigating complex systems to support their loved ones, and we look forward to seeing how this work helps strengthen recognition and support for carers across the state.

Finally, the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia on the 17th, known as IDAHOBIT, raises awareness of LGBTQIA+ rights violations and celebrates sexual and gender diversity.

There’s a number of great resources on the IDAHOBIT website that provide practical advice to help you support LQBTQIA+ and be an ally in your workplace.

As always, thank you for your ongoing engagement with the Hamilton Centre. You can follow us on LinkedIn to stay up to date with our latest training, resources and initiatives.