The most meaningful conversations happen when they are led by trusted people within community. 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander MHFA Instructors bring cultural knowledge, lived experience and strong community connections that help make MHFA education more relevant, respectful and locally grounded. 

Their leadership helps create culturally responsive spaces where people can learn, connect and support each other.

While experience facilitating groups, workshops or community activities is valued, applicants are not required to have formal teaching experience. We’re looking for people who demonstrate strong communication skills, community connection and a commitment to strengthening social and emotional wellbeing. 

Scholarship recipients are supported to become licensed MHFA Instructors and must agree to meet the requirements outlined in the MHFA Instructor License Agreement. This agreement ensures all Instructors deliver training consistently, maintain the quality and integrity of the Mental Health First Aid program, and continue to receive support as part of the MHFA Instructor network. 

Key requirements include: 

• Complete Instructor training and Licensing requirements – Successfully complete the required Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander MHFA Instructor training and meet ongoing Licensing requirements.  

• Deliver Mental Health First Aid training in line with MHFA standards – Facilitate courses using approved materials, processes and guidelines to ensure participants receive a high-quality learning experience.  

• Deliver at least 2 x workshops each year –  

• Maintain cultural safety and respect – Deliver training in ways that are culturally appropriate, inclusive and respectful of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities and diverse experiences.  

• Uphold the integrity of the MHFA brand and programs – Use MHFA resources, intellectual property and branding in accordance with the Instructor License Agreement and approved guidelines.  

• Participate in ongoing learning and support – Engage with MHFA updates, professional development opportunities and quality assurance activities to continue building skills and capability.  

• Support community access to training – Use their Instructor role to contribute to increased mental health literacy and community wellbeing where appropriate.  

The license agreement helps ensure scholarship recipients are supported as part of a broader network of trained professionals while maintaining the quality, consistency and impact of mental health first aid across communities. 

Yes, support from your employer or organisation is encouraged, particularly where it demonstrates your ability to deliver MHFA courses within your community. Applicants will have the opportunity to outline any organisational support as part of the application process, this includes organisational support through current public liability and professional indemnity insurance. 

Yes, applications are welcomed from individuals working independently, operating their own business or delivering community initiatives, provided they can demonstrate how they intend to deliver MHFA courses and meet Instructor license requirements and have current public liability and professional indemity insurance. 

Applications will be assessed against the essential eligibility criteria, with priority consideration given to applicants who align with the program’s workforce development objectives.   

This includes regional and remote communities, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations and communities with limited access to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander MHFA Instructors. 

No, there is no cost to submit a scholarship application. 

Scholarships are funded through MHFA fundraising campaigns and the generosity of supporters who believe in the importance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership. 

Every contribution helps grow local capability and expand access to culturally responsive MHFA education. 

If you’d like to discuss your eligibility, the available Instructor Training Courses or the application process, we’d love to hear from you. Contact our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander MHFA Team at amhfa@mhfa.com.au.