Manna Institute is a virtual institute of leading researchers working with industry and community partners to improve mental health and wellbeing in rural, regional and remote Australia.

It is funded by a Commonwealth grant under the Regional Research Collaboration program and aims to foster meaningful research, professional workforce development, and the translation of research findings into practical, place-based programs. The institute's seven partner universities include Charles Sturt University, Central Queensland University, Federation University, Southern Cross University, the University of Southern Queensland, the University of Sunshine Coast and lead institution the University of New England.

A powerful ecosystem is growing beneath the expansive canopy of the Manna Institute.

We are cultivating connections, projects and opportunities to improve mental health and wellbeing in rural, regional and remote Australia. We are growing meaningful research and professional workforces, and engaging industry to translate research findings into much-needed initiatives.

Ours is a virtual institute, comprising the seven members of the Regional University Network – Charles Sturt University, Central Queensland University, Federation University, Southern Cross University, the University of Southern Queensland, the University of Sunshine Coast and lead institution the University of New England.

Like the eucalypt species for which it is named, the Manna Institute has deep roots in rural and regional communities. Robust and fast-growing, it will serve as a vital resource and navigational aid, just as First Nations peoples have prized manna gums for centuries.

Director Professor Myfanwy Maple says the strength of this committed multidisciplinary “forest” is its diversity – of people, interests and experience.

“As a group, we are much more powerful than the sum of our parts,” Professor Maple says. “Together, we are capable of highlighting the nuances in mental health within priority populations in rural Australia, and developing the next generation of mental health leaders through education and research.”

The Manna Institute recognises that rural and regional Australia is not one amorphous group. Social determinants of health, identity, social stigma, access to healthcare and the very trajectory of mental ill-health all impact people distinctively.

“We are dedicated to arresting that trajectory early, and to enabling a variety of lived experiences, industry expertise and evidence-based research to inform real-world, cost-effective solutions,” says Professor Maple. “Our ultimate aim is to ensure that people receive early access to appropriate support that has been evaluated and is sustainable.”

The Manna Institute is funded by a $3.66 million Commonwealth grant under the new Regional Research Collaboration program. As well as establishing a First Nations Academy, the three-year initiative will support at least 65 researchers to co-design mental health research with direct applications. 

“Our chief investigators, early and mid-career researchers live and work in the regions they study; they are committed to regional Australia,” says Professor Maple. “The institute’s extensive network will facilitate partnerships, learning and mentoring that fosters researchers’ careers and enables them to support the mental health and wellbeing of the most vulnerable in their communities.”

Manna Institute themes