1/408 King William Street, Adelaide SA 5000
Email: administration@mhcsa.org.au
Ph: 8212 8873 Fax: 8212 8874
GRADUATION ‘MILESTONE’ FOR COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH WORKERS
Embargoed until Tuesday August 11th
2009
MEDIA RELEASE
The emerging non government community mental health sector workforce will reach a key milestone next Tuesday when
the first round of workers formally gain their Certificate IV Community Services Mental Health (non clinical services),
through a new and innovative program being delivered by the Mental Health Coalition of SA (MHCSA).
MHCSA Executive Director, Mr Geoff Harris said: “This day is a significant milestone for the mental health sector in South
Australia. The graduates have gained knowledge and skills in psychosocial rehabilitation, working with culturally diverse
clients and interventions to support people with alcohol and other drugs issues. The graduates completed 20 days of face-
to-face training as well as assessment activities to meet the competencies required for this nationally accredited
Certificate IV.
“The training provided by the MHCSA is a high-quality pathway to achieve the core training needs for the non-government
community mental health sector workers. This work represents a crucial building block to supporting the industry to
develop a skilled workforce able to deliver high-quality services in mental health for all South Australians,” he continued.
Over 30 workers from nine community sector organisations including GROW SA, Uniting Care Wesley, Centacare, Life
Without Barriers, Baptist Care SA and the Red Cross will be represented among the first round of graduates receiving
their certificates at Ayers House on Tuesday from Minister Lomax-Smith.
South Australians statewide will reap the benefits with graduate workers coming from Kangaroo Island through to Kadina
and Port Augusta. It is anticipated that by the end of the year almost 100 students will have graduated with the full
Certificate IV.
By the end of 2009 calendar year the MHCSA will have delivered the core eight day Psychosocial Rehabilitation training
component to over 200 workers or 40% of the workforce. Mr Harris acknowledged the support of the SA Government
through funding for this work from both the Department of Health and DFEEST and also the support from industry
partners, the non-government organisations, who have released experienced workers to be trained as trainers to deliver
this innovative program.
What:
Inaugural Graduation Ceremony - Cert IV Community Services Mental Health
(Minister for Mental Health Jane Lomax-Smith will present certificates)
When:
Tuesday 11th of August, 4.30pm - 6.30pm
(Photo opportunity 5.45pm or by arrangement)
Where:
Henry Ayers Room, Ayers House, North Terrace Adelaide
Further information or photo opportunity: Christine Inkster – MHCSA Training and Workforce
Development Manager08 8212 8873 or email christinei@mhcsa.org.au
or for further comment Executive Director Geoff Harris 0401099555
NEWS 
