17 July 2026: Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) International has launched a new scholarship program to strengthen Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership and expand access to community-led, culturally responsive mental health education across Australia.
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander MHFA Instructor Scholarship Program aims to support more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to become Licensed MHFA Instructors by removing financial barriers to training and providing ongoing mentoring and support.
Karen Bates, a Barkindji woman and Executive Director of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Programs, said First Nations communities have long led culturally strong approaches to social and emotional wellbeing, and that trusted local leadership is essential to culturally safer mental health conversations.
“Strong communities are built on strong local leadership. Through this scholarship program, we are investing in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders, supporting communities to build their own capability, and strengthening culturally responsive approaches to mental health and wellbeing.
“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 make training more relevant, accessible and locally grounded.”
Growing a culturally responsive workforce is an important part of strengthening access to support and early intervention, while supporting communities to build on their existing strengths, connections and culturally grounded approaches to social and emotional wellbeing through sustainable local capability.
“Every new Instructor strengthens the network of people equipped to recognise when someone may be struggling, have supportive conversations and connect people with appropriate support,” Ms Bates said.
“We are incredibly grateful to the donors, supporters and communities who have contributed to MHFA fundraising campaigns and made this program possible. Their support is helping create opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders to build capability and strengthen support networks within their own communities.”
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with strong community connections and a passion for social and emotional wellbeing are encouraged to express their interest in becoming licensed MHFA Instructors through the scholarship program.
