The National Register of Mental Health Consumers and Carers
In 2007-08 the Mental Health Council of Australia (MHCA) selected 60 mental health consumer and carer representatives from around Australia for the National Register project. The aim was to further develop the representative skills of mental health consumers and carers already participating in national and local policy initiatives.
In March 2008, National Register members took part in a two-day training workshop to enhance their advocacy skills, committee representation, leadership, policy development and communication skills. An enhanced skills development workshop was held in April 2009.
The National Register is now an ongoing project at the Mental Health Council of Australia and is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health & Ageing.
What is the National Register?
The National Register is made up of 60 mental health consumer and carer representatives.
National Register members are available to sit on, for example, national committees, boards, working groups and evaluations as consumer or carer representatives. Members use their lived experiences, understandings of the mental health system and communication skills to advocate and promote the issues and concerns of consumers and carers.
All National Register members receive ongoing training and support and are advised of national representation opportunities as they arise
What do National Register members do?
National level representation
National Register members have experience working as representatives and have undergone training in leadership, advocacy, policy development, communication and a range of other relevant topics. Members have the skills and expertise to meet the needs of organisations requiring a consumer or carer representative that can work effectively at the national level.
Organisations seeking a mental health consumer and/or carer representative to sit on a committee are asked to provide information explaining what the representative role is, what is expected of the representative, and remuneration details (representatives’ expenses should be met and sitting fees or an honorarium paid).
Information about the representative opportunity is sent to National Register members and expressions of interest are requested for the position. Members must provide a written application and the most suitable applicant is chosen by a selection panel made up of consumers and carers from the MHCA Board and the NMHCCF Executive committee.
Those seeking a mental health consumer or carer representative should contact the National Register Project Officer, by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or phone (02) 6285 3100, to discuss the process of identifying and engaging a suitable representative.
Annual workshop
The MHCA has hosted an annual workshop for National Register members since 2008. These two-day workshops enable members to learn from each other, and to develop new skills and understandings to make them more effective advocates and representatives.
In 2009 and 2010 NMHCCF members were also invited to attend the workshop. This has been a key step in developing stronger links between the NMHCCF and National Register members.
Please click on the following link for the Final Workshop Report for 2010
Who are the members of the National Register?
Please click on the following link for information and details on the National Register of Mental Health Consumer and Carer members.
National Register of Consumers and Carers Member Profiles
How can I become a member of the National Register?
The MHCA recently sought applications from mental health consumer and carer representatives to become members of the National Register. Applications are now closed.
For further information about the National Register please contact Kim Harris or Kylie Wake by email at
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
or by phone on 02 6285 3100.
