Mental Health Association Central Australia

NT Health Nutritionist and Dietitian Maddy visited our Drop-in centre to talk about how we can keep our hearts healthy.

We explored how regular exercise, nutritious food, quality sleep, having regular heart health checks, and staying connected with others helps reduce the risk of heart disease.

Check these links from Heart Foundation for more tips on how to look after your heart:

❤️ https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/heart-health-check-toolkit/aboriginal-torres-strait-islander-animation
❤️ https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/

⚠️ TODAY: AusAlert National Test at 1:30pm NT time

At 1:30 pm NT time today, the AusAlert national test will activate on compatible mobile phones, tablets and smart watches across Australia.

Compatible devices will:
🔊 Play a loud, siren-like alarm for around 10 seconds – even if your device is on silent or Do Not Disturb
📳 Vibrate
📄 Display a message clearly stating that this is only a test

The alarm is designed to get your attention and may be distressing for some people, including those affected by domestic, family and sexual violence, people living with PTSD, and those with sensory sensitivities.

If you or someone you support may be affected, consider:
☑Turning devices off or switching to aeroplane mode before the scheduled test time
☑ Leaving devices off for at least one hour
☑ Talking through a safety plan in advance if needed

You do not need to take any action if you receive the test alert.

For more information and accessible resources, visit ausalert.gov.au

Looking for a way to boost your mood this weekend?

Join the Alice Springs Town Council this Sunday 26 July at 8am at Frances Smith Memorial Park and help plant a tree for Planet Ark National Tree Day 🌳 🌱

There will be a free BBQ and kids' activities. Everyone is welcome!

This year marks 30 years of National Tree Day—three decades of reconnecting people with nature, promoting sustainability, and inspiring long-term environmental care.

Check out these R U OK? tips to support someone who is caring for a loved one.

It's easy to assume carers have it handled, or that someone else must be looking out for them. But 'how are you going?' is a question they don't often get asked.

So next time you're talking to someone who's caring for a loved one, ask how they're really doing. Let them know you're there if they need to vent, cry, or just talk about something completely unrelated for five minutes. And if you can, offer something practical, such as a meal, a lift, or even an hour so they can step away.

Caring for someone doesn't come with a day off. A genuine R U OK? might be the one moment in their week that's just for them. 💛

MHACA launched new Living Skills animations, a great resource to help people build confidence in everyday living.

The Living Skills Project, developed by MHACA and Community Housing Central Australia (CHCA), uses real community stories to help people build skills to be able to maintain their tenancy contracts.

The animations cover practical topics including:

• Being a strong tenant
• Getting ready for a housing inspection
• Being a good neighbour and managing visitors
• Money skills
• Keeping your mind and body strong

Staff and participants enjoyed the first screening of the animations, a fun game of Living Skills bingo with prizes and a shared lunch catered by Akeyulerre Healing Centre.

To learn more about the Living Skills Project, contact the Living Skills team on 0448 997 822 or email [email protected].

📢 National AusAlert Test on Monday 27 July

A nationwide test of the new AusAlert emergency warning system is scheduled for MONDAY 27 JULY 2026 at 1:30pm NT time.

AusAlert is the new national emergency warning system that will send alerts to compatible mobile phones, tablets and smart watches during emergencies.

⚠️ Please be aware: During the test, compatible devices will play a loud siren-like sound for around 10 seconds, even if your phone is on silent or do not disturb mode.

For many people, particularly those with sensory sensitivities or other conditions affected by loud noises, experiencing violence, coercive control, trauma or living in unsafe environments, unexpected alerts like this can be distressing or place them at risk.

If you or someone you support may be affected, consider:

• Turning devices off or switching to aeroplane mode before the scheduled test time
• Leaving devices off for at least one hour
• Talking through a safety plan in advance if needed

We also encourage workers, carers and support people to familiarise themselves with how these alerts function, especially when supporting people in high-risk or sensitive situations.

The alert will clearly state that it is only a test, and you do not need to do anything if you receive it.

For more information, including an example of the alert sound and accessible resources, visit: ausalert.gov.au

I-ASIST SU***DE PREVENTION TRAINING

📅 Thursday 6 & Friday 7 August 2026
⏰ 8:15 am – 4:30 pm
📍 Witchetty's Room, Araluen Arts Centre (near Yaye's Café), 61 Larapinta Drive, Alice Springs

🔗 Register now:
https://events.humanitix.com/i-asist-indigenous-applied-su***de-intervention-skills-training-6-7-aug-2026

Learn how to recognise when someone may be at risk of su***de and how to work alongside them to develop a plan that supports their immediate safety.

This 2-day interactive workshop provides a culturally relevant framework for su***de first aid and is designed to build confidence in supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experiencing thoughts of su***de.

For more information, email [email protected] or call (08) 8950 4600.

***dePrevention

I-ASIST: Indigenous Applied Su***de Intervention Skills Training 6-7 August, 2026 I-ASIST provides a culturally relevant framework for participants to learn how to use a unique 6 task model to provide a su***de first aid intervention.

MHACA joined the Tennant Creek Show for the first time and had a fantastic time!

We connected with the local community, met many friendly faces and had meaningful conversations about mental health and the support needed across Tennant Creek and the Barkly region.

We're looking forward to returning more regularly to deliver much-needed mental health and su***de prevention training. Stay tuned for upcoming training dates!

***dePrevention

This week, MHACA joined the NAIDOC Week Mparntwe (Alice Springs) celebrations to recognise the strength, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Staff and participants joined the march and community day under this year's theme 50 Years Deadly. We also joined a bush balm workshop at Purple House, enjoyed a delicious kangaroo stew lunch and made some damper for morning tea at MHACA's Drop-in Centre.

Celebrating together strengthens our community. Have a great weekend everyone!