Lives Lived Well Annual Report 2024-25_Single pages

2024 –2025 Annual Report

Shaping Futures through Innovation and Partnership

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY

Lives Lived Well recognises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the original inhabitants of the land now known as Australia and their continuing connection to land, air and sea. We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands across which we work and live, and pay our respects to Elders, past and present.

Lives Lived Well is proud to work in partnership with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. We are committed to listening, learning, and working together with respect and humility. We endeavour to create a positive future and meaningful change through our Reconciliation Action Plan.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples should be aware that this report may contain images or names of people who have passed away.

RECOGNITION

We recognise the contribution of people with a lived and living experience of mental health difficulties, problematic alcohol and other drug use, and suicidality to our work. We value the voice of lived experience, including families, carers and support people.

Artwork “Strong Community” by Daniel Lorraway, a proud Mutti Mutti man. He grew up on Bundjalung Country in Lismore with strong ties to the Githabul mob at Muli Muli. The painting represents a map of the Northern NSW region. It tells a story of resilience, connection, and healing following the devastating floods of 2022 and symbolises the strength of community. Each element reflects the spirit of care, unity, and shared journey that followed the floods.

We respect and give thanks to all who have served and are currently serving in our defence force and their families. We acknowledge the unique nature of military service and the sacrifice demanded of all who commit to defend our nation.

Lives Lived Well celebrates diversity and is committed to providing inclusive services and workplaces. Everyone has the right to live well, with dignity and respect. We offer support to all people without judgement or discrimination.

Year in Review

A MESSAGE FROM THE CEO AND CHAIR

As we reflect on 2024-2025, one word comes to mind: momentum. This year, Lives Lived Well has continued to grow, innovate, and strengthen our impact, guided by our steadfast belief that with the right support, people can change their lives.

Across Queensland, New South Wales, and South Australia, our teams have shown what’s possible when capability meets commitment. We supported more than 14,000 people through community programs, delivered over 54,000 bed nights across residential and withdrawal services, and helped more than 2,000 young people through our headspace and early psychosis programs. These figures reflect our reach, but behind each number is an individual taking a brave step toward a better future.

This year, we opened the doors to our new purposebuilt residential service in Bundaberg, a 28-bed facility offering withdrawal and rehabilitation programs in a safe, culturally inclusive environment. For the Wide Bay community, this centre represents more than infrastructure; it’s a local capability investment, providing vital pathways to recovery for individuals and families.

We also celebrated the launch of two new youth services. Starting with headspace Caloundra, supporting young people aged 12-25 with free, confidential help for mental health, alcohol and drug concerns, and work or study issues in a non-judgemental environment. Followed by Youth Check on the Gold Coast, offering flexible, health support for young people at risk of homelessness, meeting them where they feel safe and helping them manage their health and future.

Our commitment to cultural safety deepened through the rollout of Red Dust Healing across eight locations. This evidence-based program is creating spaces for truth-telling, reflection, and reconnection for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Alongside this, we celebrated the achievements of our Deadly Awards winners and continued embedding reconciliation into our organisational DNA, culminating in the development of our next Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan for 2025-2027.

Innovation continued to define our progress. We launched ConnectWell, our digital platform providing 24/7 access to resources and support and advanced the digitisation of our Drug and Alcohol First Aid (DAFA) training.

To our clients, thank you for trusting us with your stories and your journeys. To our staff, volunteers, partners, and funders –your dedication and belief in our mission make everything possible.”

We also explored the responsible use of AI to enhance workflows and strengthen clinical integrity, always maintaining a people-centred, evidence-informed approach. These advances are ensuring that our services remain accessible, sustainable, and adaptive to the changing needs of the communities we serve.

Our impact is measured not only in services delivered but in outcomes achieved. Within just one month of treatment, clients reported a 44% reduction in alcohol use, a 27% decrease in depression, and a 32% improvement in overall quality of life. These outcomes affirm the capability, focus, the dedication of our teams, and the life-changing potential of recovery when evidence and empathy work hand in hand.

None of this would be possible without our people. From frontline clinicians to corporate and support teams, every member of Lives Lived Well contributes to a culture grounded in capability, learning, and resilience. This year, we invested in leadership development, cultural learning, and clinical training, ensuring workforce is equipped and confident to deliver the highest standard of care.

As we look ahead, we remain focused on innovation, inclusion, and measurable impact. We will continue to expand services, strengthen partnerships, and advocate for the people and communities we serve. To our clients, thank you for trusting us with your stories and your journeys.

To our staff, volunteers, partners, and funders, your dedication and belief in our mission make everything possible. Together, we are shaping futures, one life at a time.

Warm regards,

Damian Wright Board Chair

Mitchell Giles Chief Executive Officer

About Us

OUR VISION

To support people to live their lives well.

OUR PURPOSE

Our unwavering belief is that with the right support, people can change their lives.

OUR VALUES

Our values reflect who we are and what we believe in.

We are humble, human and full of hope

We ask why not and what’s next? We show up and share We leave a positive wake

Lives Lived Well provides welcoming and inclusive services across Queensland, New South Wales, and South Australia.

*   Locations as of June 2025 and not inclusive of all outreach areas **   Lives Lived Well operates re-entry services and gambling services in Queensland only ***  Lives Lived Well offers tailored programs specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people while also extending a warm invitation for First Nations peoples to access our other services

Live–In Recovery Community Support Services*** (includes AOD services, re-entry services, information and support services for families and gambling services)**

Mental Health Support Services

Veterans’ and Families’ Wellbeing Hub

Reach and Impact

At Lives Lived Well, we’re passionate about empowering people to live their lives well. In 2024-2025, we expanded and enhanced our alcohol and drug, and mental health services, demonstrating our ongoing dedication to making a positive impact.

52% of clients in our residential rehabilitation programs successfully completed treatment

54,423 bed nights provided across residential, family, withdrawal, and transition programs

16,693 hours of training completed by our team members, strengthening their expertise

60+ locations

across 3 states saw face-to-face service delivery, with several new programs established during the financial year

16,634 comprehensive baseline outcome measure screening tools were completed

14,028 people supported through our community programs

6,200 young people received support through our headspace primary and headspace early psychosis services

614 people were supported transitioning from prison to community

538 participated in our Low Intensity Mental Empowerment (LIME) Program across South West Queensland

681 people participated in group activities through our Caboolture Veterans’ and Families’ Wellbeing Hub

Clinical Services

NEW

New live-in service in Bundaberg offers path to recovery

In March 2025, a new chapter began for the Wide Bay community with the opening of the purpose–built 28–bed alcohol and other drug treatment centre in Bundaberg. This state-of-the-art facility, funded by Queensland Health and operated by Lives Lived Well, offers a safe, supportive space for adults seeking to overcome substance use challenges.

The centre provides 20 residential rehabilitation beds and an eight-bed withdrawal unit, alongside welcoming spaces for therapy, recreation, and healing. Programs are voluntary and tailored to individual needs, combining withdrawal management, rehabilitation, and therapeutic support. Culturally safe care for First Nations people ensures inclusivity and respect for all.

This centre is a gamechanger for the region and will help in reducing stress on families and strengthening communities. Having the right support at the right time can make a big difference in recovery. Ultimately it’s more than a building, it’s a lifeline, offering hope, healing, and a fresh start for those ready to take the next step.

Youth Check: Bringing healthcare to young people on the Gold Coast

In June 2025, we launched Youth Check, a free and flexible health service designed for young people aged 12 to 25 who are at risk of, or experiencing, homelessness on the Gold Coast. We know that accessing health care can feel overwhelming, but Youth Check aims to removes the anxiety and barriers.

Delivered by a friendly, experienced Registered Nurse, the service offers physical, mental, and sexual health checks in a private, youth-friendly setting. We meet young people where they feel most comfortable, whether that’s at headspace Southport or Upper Coomera, or another safe space in the community.

Youth Check is about choice, comfort, and respect and making it easier to navigate the health system. It also provides practical health information and education for local service providers.

By breaking down barriers and building trust, Youth Check is helping young people take control of their health and their future.

Having the right support at the right time can make a big difference in recovery.”

Clinical Services (cont.)

Building cultural strength through Red Dust Healing

This year, Lives Lived Well proudly invested in cultural capability by training staff across eight locations – Wollongong, Nowra, Bundaberg, Cairns, Mareeba, Rockhampton, Mackay, and Townsville –to deliver the Red Dust Healing program.

Red Dust Healing is an award–winning, evidencebased program designed to address deep-rooted issues impacting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. It explores identity, family roles, relationships, grief and loss, mental health, substance use, and the ongoing impacts of colonisation.

The program creates a safe, confidential space where participants can share openly and begin healing, targeting the heart, not just the head.”

With more than 18,500 people completing stages of the program nationally, its impact is profound. By embedding this knowledge within our teams, we can offer culturally safe, traumainformed support that strengthens individuals, families, and communities. This initiative reflects our commitment to reconciliation, respect, and empowering people to create positive change.

From yarn to action: Goanna Academy inspires hope and healing

We’re proud to have been a Community Partner for the Goanna Academy event in Coffs Harbour on Wednesday 23 April.

Despite the rainy start, the day was a powerful celebration of community, connection, and culture. From Uncle Ben’s moving Welcome to Country, to the energy of the movement clinic, and Greg Inglis’s honest mental health yarns, the spirit of togetherness was unmistakable.

18,500+

people completing stages of the Red Dust Healing program nationally

It was a privilege to connect with the 260 young people who attended, share resources at our stall, and witness the strength and support of our community in action.

A heartfelt thank you to Miinggi Gilinggal Lives Lived Well, Goanna Academy, and all partners and elders who helped make this event so impactful. We’re honoured to have been part of it.

Recognised for excellence in research and evaluation

This year, Lives Lived Well was honoured to receive the Excellence in Research and Evaluation Award from the Network of Alcohol and other Drugs Agencies (NADA) – the peak body for non-government alcohol and other drug services in NSW.

This award celebrates our commitment to building a strong evidence base that informs best practice and improves outcomes for people impacted by alcohol and other drug use.”

Being recognised by NADA is an exciting achievement for our team and reinforces the importance of innovation, evaluation, and continuous learning in the work we do every day.

Sharing knowledge on the national stage

This year, our teams were proud to present at leading alcohol and other drug, gambling and mental health conferences, including APSAD, VAADA, AddictionZ, NAGS and NADA. These events provided an incredible opportunity to showcase our work, share insights from our programs and research, and learn from experts across the sector.

Being part of these conversations is both an honour and a responsibility. It allows us to contribute to the evidence base, exchange ideas, and bring back new knowledge and approaches that strengthen the services we deliver every day. By engaging with national and international peers, we continue to innovate and improve outcomes for the people and communities we support.

Stories of Change

REBUILDING LIFE, REBUILDING FAMILY

When Maria walked through the doors of Lives Lived Well’s Parenting Under Pressure program with her 10-year-old daughter, she carried years of struggle and a deep determination to change. At 40, she was entering her first residential program, motivated by one clear goal – to rebuild her relationship with her daughter and create a stable, drug–free life.

She had lived with methamphetamine dependence, compounded by GHB use, since her early 20s. Her father’s death five years earlier triggered a painful escalation in her use. Though she grew up in a supportive family and built a career in real estate, substance use gradually fractured her relationships, cost her work, and left her feeling ashamed of the impact on her daughter.

At Lives Lived Well, Maria received wrap-around care. She engaged in weekly counselling, parenting groups, and relapse prevention programs like Reframe and GRIT. With pharmacotherapy and psychological

Lives Lived Well helped me rebuild not just my life, but my relationship with my daughter. I’ve found hope, confidence, and a new way of being the mum she deserves.”

support, she began to stabilise her mood, improve sleep, and manage cravings. Parenting interventions, including the Circle of Security program, gave her practical tools to strengthen her bond with her daughter. Slowly, her guardedness gave way to openness, building trust with staff and peers.

The changes were profound. Maria began applying new strategies at home, listening more, responding calmly, and rebuilding trust with her daughter. She reported feeling more confident, emotionally resilient, and capable of setting healthy boundaries. Her relationship with her daughter became warmer, with more open communication and emotional connection.

Looking forward, Maria is planning for the future with hope. She intends to complete a Diploma in Community Studies and re-enter the workforce, supported by her partner and new recovery networks. For Maria, recovery is no longer just about abstinence, it’s about creating a better life for herself and, most importantly, her daughter.

FINDING CONFIDENCE

At just 17, Ella had already faced more challenges than many experience in a lifetime. Moving frequently throughout her childhood and early teenage years left her feeling like she never quite belonged. At 16, she endured the trauma of sexual assault, which deepened her struggle with severe social anxiety. By the time she reached Year 12, her anxiety was preventing her from doing the “normal teenage things” she longed for, like going to parties, meeting new people, and enjoying her friendships.

Despite these challenges, Ella showed determination. She kept up her studies with dreams of a working gap year followed by university. When she came to Lives Lived Well, the team worked flexibly with her schedule, offering early morning appointments so she wouldn’t miss school or work.

The program has been very helpful in addressing my anxiety and helping me manage it. The overall experience of the program is great!”

Ella engaged in the five-session Low Intensity Mental Empowerment program, where she learned practical coping tools such as relaxation strategies, behavioural experiments, and an exposure hierarchy to gradually face situations that triggered her anxiety. These skills gave her ways to ground herself in the moment and challenge negative assumptions about her ability to cope. Over time, she also built confidence in setting boundaries in her relationships.

The results were clear. Ella’s depression and anxiety both reduced significantly, with her symptoms moving from severe to mild. She began to enjoy social activities again, felt more connected to her friends, and noticed a lift in her overall mood and wellbeing. Reflecting on her journey, Ella shared: “The program has been very helpful in addressing my anxiety and helping me manage it.  The overall experience of the program is great!”

Ella’s story is one of courage, of a young woman who chose to face her fears and, with the right support, found new confidence in herself and her future.

*Names have been changed to protect client privacy. The images used are stock images for illustrative purposes only and do not, expressly or implied, portray people with drug, alcohol or mental health problems.

Innovating Through Technology

This year, Lives Lived Well embraced technology to transform the way we support clients and empower our teams. From the launch of ConnectWell, our always-on digital support platform, to the digitisation of Drug and Alcohol First Aid (DAFA) training, and the thoughtful use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to streamline workflows, we’re creating smarter, more accessible services. These innovations enhance client experiences, equip our staff with better tools, and ensure our services are ready for the future, all while keeping the human connection.

Launch of ConnectWell

In January 2025, Lives Lived Well launched ConnectWell, a digital platform providing clients with 24/7 access to information, resources, and support tools. Accredited in February 2025 under the National Digital Mental Health Standards, ConnectWell advances clientcentred services that drive positive outcomes while supporting sustainable operations.

The platform features clinical modules, videos, reading materials, and integrates seamlessly with Hive (LLW’s Clinical Record and Outcome Measure platform), offering a comprehensive online support experience. Initially piloted with our Brisbane North programs – usage, feedback, and technical performance have been closely monitored and we are now expanding to a broader client base. Developed from a 2023 Deloitte Digital project, ConnectWell reflects collaboration across ICT, Marketing, PMO, Clinical, and Data teams, plus input from our Client Advisory Group.

Drug and Alcohol First Aid training

Lives Lived Well is modernising its DAFA program into a blended digital and face-to-face training suite. Using adult-learning principles and interactive technology, it offers tiered solutions, from self-paced online courses to instructor-led workshops, tailored to organisational needs and budgets. This upgrade introduces eCommerce capabilities and reinforces LLW’s leadership in alcohol and other drug (AOD) education. Developed through 2025, the pilot launches in October, with the full suite available in early 2026 for workplace and community AOD training across Australia.

Harnessing AI for better care and smarter work

At Lives Lived Well, we see artificial intelligence (AI) as a way to enhance, not replace, the human connection at the heart of care. Guided by the “Four i’s” model (Intent, Integration, Implementation, Indication), our approach is ethical, purposeful, and people-centred.

This year we developed AI governance, piloted an in-house Clinical Case Note tool, explored AI decision support for programs, and trialled generative AI tools like Copilot. By blending AI and machine learning, we’re reducing manual work, strengthening clinical integrity, and improving access to information for staff and clients.

Supporting Veterans

Caboolture Hub –improving quality of life

Our Caboolture Veterans’ and Families’ Wellbeing Hub has become a vital space for veterans and their families to connect, heal and access tailored support.

In its first full year, the Hub supported 235 enquiries, welcomed 142 new clients, and hosted 681 participants in group activities, achieving a remarkable 4.75/5 satisfaction score.

From brief support to longer term case management, social events and a community library, the Hub is fostering wellbeing and belonging. As one veteran shared: “I wish the service was here 20 years ago, it would have saved me so much grief.”

We’re also excited that a new Hub will be opening July 2025 in Northern Adelaide. Like our Caboolture Hub, if you’re a current or former Australian Defence Force member, including reservists, or a family member, carer, or someone supporting a veteran, you’re welcome at the Hub.

It’s good to just have someone to talk to that knows and understands as well as experienced something similar.”

65% of clients saw improvements in their physical health

75%

clients saw improvements in their environment (physical safety, social care, home environment, financial resourcing, recreation, and learning new skills)

55%

of clients saw improvements in psychological health (body image, self-esteem, cognitive functioning, spirituality, emotions)

61% of clients saw improvement in their social relationships (personal relationships, social support, sexual activity)

Youth Mental Health Services

As the lead agency for headspace Southport (including headspace Early Psychosis and the Lighthouse service), headspace Upper Coomera and headspace Caloundra, we play a key role in delivering mental health services to young people in the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast regions.

Supporting young people

In 2024-25, headspace Southport and Upper Coomera supported more than 6,200 young people, delivering over 6,000 occasions of service. Most young people sought support for mental health and wellbeing, with the most common presenting issues being sadness or depression, anxiety, and stress. Services were delivered through a mix of direct clinical care, lived experience workers, and case management, all with a strong focus on early intervention and holistic, wraparound support. Both centres also worked closely with young people from diverse communities, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, CALD and LGBTQIA+ groups. Client feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with most young people saying they felt heard, respected, and supported in addressing the issues that mattered most to them.

Seeing thousands of young people feel heard, supported, and empowered this year has been nothing short of inspiring.”

headspace Caloundra opening

In February 2025, headspace Caloundra celebrated its official launch after opening in December. Guests included headspace National CEO Jason Trethowan and Country to Coast PHN CEO Julie Sturgess. Local Elder Udgee Tais delivered a Welcome to Country, followed by centre tours, jelly decorating, and cake. A commemorative mural, created with handprints from the Youth Advisory Council and guests, marked the community’s role in bringing the centre to life.

headspace early psychosis

Since 2017, Lives Lived Well has led the headspace Early Psychosis hub for South East Queensland, based at Southport. The service provides early intervention for young people experiencing or at risk of psychosis, with support spanning 2-5 years and focusing on functional recovery. In 2024-25, the team supported 354 young people through assessments, case management, family interventions, lived experience support, medical care, and recoveryfocused groups like surfing and bushwalking. Families and young people consistently praise the service for going above and beyond, creating a space where they feel truly heard, supported, and understood.

Community events

In 2024-25, our headspace teams at Southport, Upper Coomera and Caloundra hosted 95 events, engaging 5,011 young people. Highlights included school holiday programs, The Champions workshop, Mind & Money campaign and Safer Schoolies. We also delivered targeted initiatives for LGBTQIA+, First Nations and multicultural youth, such as Dreamtime Artistry weaving, Deadly Day on the Creek and Pride Festival activities. Online engagement was strong too, with 8,000+ profile visits generating self-referrals and connecting young people to extra supports like eheadspace.

headspace CEO visits  Upper Coomera centre

In January 2025, headspace CEO Jason Trethowan visited headspace Upper Coomera for a collaborative session with the Youth Advisory Council (YAC) and staff. The YAC led a roundtable sharing project updates, local youth insights and council experiences, then interviewed Jason about his role, priorities for headspace, personal motivations and his work with the Laori Foundation.

Upper Coomera opens Gathering Garden

In November 2024, headspace Upper Coomera transformed an unused outdoor space into the Gathering Garden, a welcoming area for young people, families, and staff to connect. Honouring the Kombumerri people, Traditional Custodians of the land, seating is arranged in a yarning circle, complemented by a vibrant mural by artist Carley Cornelissen featuring local flora and fauna, including the wattle or ‘Kumera’ in Yugambeh language. Thanks to generous community support, the garden is now a calm, inclusive space built by and for the community.

Lighthouse

Lighthouse supports young people aged 12-18 in recovering from complex trauma, and in 2024-25 its reach grew significantly. The service supported 164 young people (up from 114) and delivered 2,089 service contacts, more than double the previous year. Wait times stayed steady at three to four months thanks to redesigned processes and a dedicated team. A new Senior Team model and intake system improved access, offering welcoming screening sessions and a 90-day assessment to set therapeutic goals. Stronger partnerships enabled safe step-downs from tertiary services, while trauma-informed education for schools built community capacity. Small touches like plants, artwork and fidget tools made therapy spaces more inviting. Feedback from young people says it all: “This is the first counsellor who really understood me.”

Measuring Change, Building Hope

At Lives Lived Well, outcomes measures help us understand the risks our clients face and the progress they make in treatment. By capturing baseline data and following up, we can track changes in substance use, mental health, quality of life, and treatment confidence.

These insights not only highlight the impact of our programs but also guide our clinicians to deliver holistic, intentional care. The results show that sometimes within weeks, clients are already experiencing meaningful reductions in substance use, improved wellbeing, and greater confidence in their recovery journey.

Client risk

Clients complete baseline measures in the lead up to treatment, in reference to the risk experienced in the past 4 weeks. The following results indicate the levels of risk experienced across multiple domains, and the higher level of risk indicated for clients seeking residential treatment. Understanding our clients’ risk domains ensures that clinician skilling and holistic care is intentional and provides the level of support required. Percentage of clients in community and residential treatment experiencing clinical risk

Client outcomes

Matched baseline and one-month outcome data were available for 4,690 clients. Substance use outcomes – using Australian Treatment Outcomes Profile (ATOP) – are reported excluding clients with no use at both time points to better represent change among those with substance involvement. Mental health, quality of life, and treatment confidence are reported for all clients with matched data.

Reduction in substance use

Alcohol, cannabis and methamphetamine remain the most common substances of concern, with GHB continuing to emerge. The ATOP captured days of use in the past month (0-28).

Mental health

reported clinically significant improvements within the first month of treatment.

Measuring Change, Building Hope (cont.)

All of these results are measured after the first month of treatment.

44% reduction in the number of days clients used alcohol

31%

reduction in the number of days clients used methamphetamine

30%

reduction in the number of days clients used GHB

23% reduction in the number of days clients used cannabis

27% decrease in feelings of depression

26% decrease in feelings of anxiety

32%

increase in client’s ability to control their use of drugs

42% increase in the psychological quality of life

32% increase in overall quality of life

The Heart of Our Company

Building capability

A major achievement this year was the rollout of our People Capability Framework. This framework creates a consistent way to attract, support and develop talent across the organisation. It gives managers and teams clear guidance on how to grow skills and career pathways, and it will shape how we build capability over the coming years.

We continued to invest heavily in clinical practice. Teams benefited from refreshed training, from safety planning and suicide prevention to boundaries training for residential staff and students. Our Clinical Ed series, Learning Weeks, Core Competency Workshops and targeted eLearning kept professional development front and centre. A cohort of Queensland residential support workers are completing a dual Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs and Community Services, strengthening frontline skills and opening career progression opportunities.

The Motivational Interviewing (MI) Project was another key highlight. Working with Dr Florian Klonek we built coding capability to boost training quality and research rigour. We trained eight new internal MI trainers and celebrated a staff member joining MINT (Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers),

At Lives Lived Well, our people remain the foundation of everything we do. This year, we’ve taken important steps to strengthen capability, deepen our culture, and support the wellbeing of staff across all roles and regions.

increasing our in-house expertise and external credibility. We also developed DAFA as an externally facing product, a way to share our evidence-based AOD tools more broadly, extend our sector impact and create fresh collaboration opportunities.

Leadership in action

Leadership continues to be a priority. We re-established our Leadership Strategy and ran a suite of supports for managers, team leaders and emerging leaders, including Managers & Team Leaders Forums, regular leadership webinars and ongoing partnerships with external experts like Kellie Mills and Leading Teams. These initiatives created space for reflection, shared learning and consistent professional growth.

Strengthening culture

Cultural learning deepened too. Work began on a Cultural Learning Strategy and a refreshed Cultural Awareness package, along with a cultural learning journey for new employees. These steps will help everyone joining Lives Lived Well to understand and respectfully engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures from day one.

Looking ahead

We’ve laid strong foundations for the future. Next year, we’ll keep investing in clinical training, expanding leadership development, and rolling out cultural learning resources. Our commitment is clear: support our people, build strong leaders, and nurture a culture that empowers staff to deliver exceptional care for communities.

Wellness Week

October 2024 marked our seventh annual Wellness Week, themed “Connect for Mental Health.” The initiative encouraged staff to build meaningful connections and focus on wellbeing through creative and fun activities.

Teams embraced the theme in their own way –from cookie decorating and crocheting in Brisbane South to raising awareness about self-care and harm minimisation in Sunshine Coast schools. Lithgow enjoyed lawn bowls, Logan House played Wellness Bingo, and Cairns hosted a fun-filled morning taking part in an Amazing Race and Office Olympics. Wellness Week reminded us that supporting mental health for ourselves, our teams, and our communities remains at the heart of what we do.

The headspace Caloundra crew hit up Holey Moley Mini Golf in Maroochydore.

The Caboolture team spent their morning at Caboolture Region Environmental Education Centre (CREEC) learning about sustainability and the local flora and fauna.

Reconciliation

Lives Lived Well has continued its strong commitment to reconciliation throughout 2024-25 embedding cultural safety, respect, and opportunity into its operations and strategic direction.

This year marked the culmination of the 2023-2025 Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) and the drafting of the new 2025-2027 Innovate RAP, expected for launch late in 2025. The Lives Lived Well Board and Executive have reaffirmed reconciliation as a strategic priority.

Other key achievements in the RAP space have included:

Internal recruitment of a new full-time RAP Co-ordinator position.

Celebration of the annual Lives Lived Well Deadly Awards to acknowledge outstanding contributions to reconciliation and cultural leadership.

Organisation wide implementation of Red Dust Healing

Consistent facilitation and improved uptake of the Yufla Yumplatok Cultural support group for First Nations employees.

Continued consultation through the Reconciliation Advisory Group to meet regularly and reviewing RAP milestones and planning activities.

Internal education sessions to encourage staff to personally reflect and contribute meaningfully to our RAP commitments.

The 2024 Lives Lived Well Deadly Award winners were Miranda Newton for Leadership Excellence (pictured), Mellisa King for Clinical Delivery, Warren ‘Wazza’ Field for Community Engagement, and Wendy Kerr for Caring for/ Connection to Country. We acknowledge and celebrate their contributions in promoting and advancing reconciliation.

Looking forward we remain focused on advancing our RAP initiatives and maintaining our commitment to Reconciliation as we seek to fully implement the 2025-2027 Innovate RAP.

Strong Community

We also acknowledge the amazing efforts of the North Coast NSW Strong Community –Aboriginal Resilient Kids programs, which was sadly discontinued.

It was launched in 2022 in Lismore to provide flood recovery mental health support for First Nations people aged 12+. Its flexible mix of outreach and office-based counselling met high local demand and quickly became a trusted service in the Northern Rivers. As funding shifted, the work evolved into Aboriginal Resilient Kids. Over time the team built strong relationships with families, community groups and stakeholders, delivering culturally responsive support that boosted connection, resilience and wellbeing for Aboriginal young people in the region.

This year, we were delighted to bring back our Annual Photo Competition for its second run.

Our team embraced the challenge, submitting nearly 100 photos across three categories: Human Interest, Natural Environment, and All-Rounder. The Natural Environment category was especially popular, offering beautiful glimpses of our locations across Australia.

Each winning photograph tells a story, capturing not just a moment but the people, communities, and places that inspire and shape the important work we do every day.

ALL ROUNDER

Annual Photo Competition

Lives Lived Well Board

Damian is a Chartered Accountant and Audit Partner with BDO Chartered Accountants. He has been working in the accounting profession for more than 25 years and provides services for a wide range of businesses in various industries.

Cheryl has extensive experience in executive management in the health and community sectors. Cheryl was CEO of three organisations spanning over 20 years and is currently Non-Executive Director of several not-for-profit boards. She has undertaken a wide range of quality management system surveys over the past 14 years and led the establishment of Queensland’s first healthcare standards.

David has worked in senior management with Qantas for more than 33 years. He brings diverse experience to the Board in human resources, industrial relations and finance.

Peter is an experienced Emergency Physician with a diverse background in teaching, research, disaster management, and executive leadership. With over 35 years of experience at QLD Health, he has collaborated with various NGOs, universities, and professional organisations.

Stuart is an experienced CEO, Senior Executive, Engineer and Company Director specialising in Information Communications Technology (ICT), telecoms engineering and strategy. His career commenced as an Army Officer and continues after 40 years as an active Army Reservist. He was previously the CEO of SME Gateway.

Our Board members draw on their extensive clinical, management, and operational experience and knowledge to shape and guide Lives Lived Well.

Ray is an inspector of police with over 40 years of experience in the Queensland Police Service, including operational, investigative, training and legal positions. He is currently the commanding officer for Qld Water Police. Ray is a Barrister of Law and is the Deputy Chair of QBANK.

Lisa is a registered nurse who has worked in clinical and senior leadership positions in Public Sector health and mental health for over 40 years. She has experience in surveying related to quality and safety improvement. Her interests include supporting practice that assists vulnerable groups within the community.

STUART MACKINNON

Stuart is a registered nurse with qualifications in general and psychiatric nursing. Stuart has worked in significant nursing and hospital management roles throughout his career. Stuart has demonstrated expertise in supporting positive health improvement outcomes as well as understanding and commenting on effective quality, risk and safety practices as an Accreditation Assessor with the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards (ACHS) and Quality Innovation Performance Limited (QIP).

John was previously Deputy Mayor of Shellharbour City Council and worked for some 33 years as a senior manager in the NSW Public Service, most recently with the Department of Education and Training. Before working in the public sector, John managed the Wollongong Crisis Centre (Watershed) and served as a Board member from 2018 to 2020.

Jo has more than 20 years’ experience helping organisations manage their reputation and communicate effectively with stakeholders. She specialises in communication strategy, issues and crisis management, media relations and stakeholder engagement, and has worked with clients in a variety of sectors including health and social services, not for profit, government, mining and resources, education and infrastructure.

position

$28,559,635

Equity

$60,707,201

Total assets

Total income and revenue allocation

$78,158,700

$32,147,566

Total liabilities

Personnel expenses

Residency and workshop expenses

ICT expenses

Property expenses

Motor vehicle and travel expenses

Depreciation

Other operating expenses

Adelaide PHN* Limited

Australian Government – Department of Health and Aged Care

Australian Government – Department of Social Services

Australian Government – Department of Veterans’ Affairs

Australian Government – National Indigenous Australians Agency

Brisbane North PHN (Partners 4 Health Limited)

Brisbane South PHN Ltd

Central Qld, Wide Bay, Sunshine Coast PHN (Country to Coast)

Darling Downs and West Moreton PHN Limited

Gold Coast PHN

headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation

Neami National

Nepean Blue Mountains PHN (Wentworth Healthcare Limited)

North Coast PHN (Healthy North Coast NSW)

North Queensland PHN Limited

NSW Government – Department of Communities and Justice

Our Funders

NSW Government – Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District

NSW Government – Ministry of Health

NSW Government – Western NSW Local Health District

Qld Government – Department of Families, Seniors, Disability Services and Child Safety

Qld Government – Department of Health: Community Services Funding Branch

Qld Government – Department of Housing and Public Works

Qld Government – Department of Women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships and Multiculturalism

Qld Government – Queensland Corrective Services

RHhealth Limited

South Eastern NSW PHN (Coordinare)

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists

Western Queensland PHN (Western Queensland Primary Care Collaborative)

Western NSW PHN (Western Health Alliance Limited)

*Primary Health Network (PHN)