Reflections from Queensland Association for Mental Health’s Connecting for Impact Conference
Written by Michele Burnlar
“Jamie and I flew to Brisbane on Sunday 27th July. The flight was smooth and we arrived safely – though unfortunately Jamie’s luggage did not!
On Monday 28th July, we attended the Queensland Association for Mental Health’s Connecting for Impact Conference 2025. We presented “What We Learnt From Co-designing a Co-design Training.” The audience was really engaged and asked so many questions that we ran out of time! Lots of people came up afterwards to chat more.
That evening, we joined the sundowner networking event and made some exciting new connections in Queensland, even meeting a few Lived Experience Leaders from Victoria.
On Tuesday 29th July, I was able to relax and fully enjoy the conference now that the nerves from presenting had passed. I learned a lot about AI’s impact on the mental health workforce, psychosocial risks in trauma-affected workplaces, yarning circles and cultural healing, and bridging gaps to engage disengaged youth. That night we celebrated with a vegan meal and a peaceful stroll along South Bank.
On Wednesday 30th July, Jamie and I visited Princess Alexandra Hospital to meet researchers from the Centre for Online Health and talk about the importance of co-design. Afterwards, we explored the Gallery of Modern Art, the Queensland State Library, and the Brisbane City Botanical Gardens before catching our flight back to Perth.
This trip has been full of connection, learning, sharing, and recognition. Jamie and I feel truly honoured to represent CoMHWA on the other side of the country and are grateful for the opportunity to spread the word about co-design and the Collaborate to Connect Project.” – Michele Burnlar, CoMHWA Collaborate to Connect Project Officer
