Befitting a virtual research institute, with members and stakeholders across the country, Manna Institute will be launched on Monday 31 October with the option of attending via live webinar.

Brought to you by the University of New England’s NOVA, SMART Region Incubator in Armidale, the webinar will introduce leading mental health researchers and community organisations engaged in this exciting new initiative.

Manna Institute is dedicated to improving mental health and wellbeing in rural, regional and remote Australia through meaningful research, the development of professional workforces, and practical, place-based programs.

Representatives of all seven participating Regional Universities Network (RUN) universities – 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 – will take part in the webinar, which starts at 11am (AEDT). Industry and community partners, with whom the researchers will collaborate, will also be represented.

After a Welcome to Country, the program will include brief addresses by Professor John Bell, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Innovation, University of Southern Queensland; and UNE Vice-Chancellor (Interim) Professor Simon Evans.

Deputy National Rural Health Commissioner – Allied Health and Indigenous Health, Professor Faye McMillan; Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Mental Health, Dr Ruth Vine; and Director of Everymind, Dr Jaelea Skehan, will also address the livestreamed audience. The program will also include pre-recorded messages from Christine Morgan, CEO National Mental Health Commission; and the Honourable Emma McBride MP, who will officially launch the institute.

Manna Institute is funded by a $3.66 million Commonwealth grant under the new Regional Research Collaboration program. It engages researchers, those with lived experience of mental ill-health, First Nations peoples and service providers to codesign research with direct applications for people in rural and regional communities. Members will also develop the next generation of mental health researchers through generous stipends and tertiary learning opportunities.

Register in advance for this webinar at:

https://une-au.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_nuY0jR6_QHKzFqC_3T4W8w

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email explaining how to join the webinar.

To follow us on socials, follow the links on our Manna Institute website.

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