National Context

MHACA operates within a framework directed by:

• National Mental Health Strategy
  
  
• National Mental Health Policy
  
  
• National Mental Health Plan
  
  
• National Mental Health Standards
  
  
• Mental Health Statement of Rights and Responsibilities

Management

MHACA is governed by a committee whose members are voted in at each AGM. The committee meets monthly to provide strategic guidance to the General Manager on management issues, program development and financial and administrative matters. Committee meeting minutes

MHACA provides input at local, state and national levels
through representation by the General Manager on several
boards, including:

• Mental Health Council of Australia (national peak body)
  
  
• NT Mental Health Coalition (state peak body)
  
  
• NT Community Advisory Group (to the minister)
  
  
• Mental Health Collaborative Planning & Service Improvement Group

Organisational Structure

Brief History

• MHACA first formed in 1992: A small group of carers wanted more than just the clinical services available – they wanted rehabilitation services and to explore accommodation options.
  
  
• Developed Constitution & attained Incorporation in 1993: With an official structure the committee applied for funding for a part-time Project Officer and, soon after, an Administrator. Their main aim – to improve services and the quality of life for people with a mental illness and their carers.
  
  
• Initially, MHACA services were based on the “Club House” model:
  This worked for a while but soon developed into a ‘one-stop shop’
  drop-in centre. In 1999 this was replaced with the Recovery-Oriented
  Rehabilitation Program – to better help people integrate back into
  the community
  
  
• MHACA gradually expanded: In 2001 the Life Promotion Program
  was relocated to MHACA and in 2005 MHACA took over Anglicare’s
  Outreach Program and implemented the subacute-care Prevention
  & Recovery Program.