As October marks Mental Health Month, a time to spotlight awareness, advocacy, and progress, Northern Health’s Mental Health Division made a powerful impression at the 2025 Australian College of Mental Health Nurses (ACMHN) Conference, showcasing its clinical excellence and commitment to innovation in mental health care.

Held earlier this year, the ACMHN Conference brought together leading voices in mental health nursing from across the country and internationally. Among the standout contributors was Northern Health’s own Shaveta Sood, NUM of Northern Health’s Women’s Mental Health Unit, who received the coveted Stan Alchin Award for Best Clinical Paper – a prestigious honour that celebrates the best clinical presentation at the conference.

Shaveta’s achievement reflects the Division’s broader mission to elevate mental health care through evidence-based practice and shared learning. Her paper exemplifies how Northern Health is actively shaping a future of mental health care that is inclusive, responsive, and grounded in real-world impact.

Northern Health’s Mental Health Division was well represented throughout the conference. Alongside Shaveta, presenters included Barbara Williams, Sharon Maurer, Gary Ennis, and Trudy Brown. From nurse-led activity groups to integrated models of care, the Division’s contributions underscored its dedication to continuous improvement and meaningful partnerships.

Northern Health also featured in sessions led by university partners, spotlighting a collaborative nursing undergraduate clinical placement pilot project in which the Division plays a key role.

Belinda Scott, Executive Director, Mental Health said, “Northern Health’s Mental Health Division continues to support emerging leaders and clinical experts to showcase the wonderful work being done, proving that when we build a better future together, the results speak for themselves.”