Wellbeing

Communities That Care Alpine (CTCA) is a community-based initiative designed to promote the healthy development of children and young people. Underpinned by the Social Development Strategy, CTCA aims to improve the lives of children, young people and families living in the Alpine Shire. There are 5 phases to CTC to guide communities towards identifying and understanding local needs, setting priorities, and implementing tested effective strategies to address those needs. Established in 2010, CTCA is a coordinated approach between Alpine Health, Alpine Shire Council, North East Local Learning and Employment Network and North East Support & Action for Youth. In order to assist with the coordinated approach of the partnership, CTCA developed the Alpine Shire Youth Strategy - Alpine Shire 2022-24 (Low Res) Youth Strategy

Key achievements of CTCA include:

• FReeZA and Engage youth events
• Youth and Teen Mental Health First Aid
• Myrtleford’s #bekindtoyourmind Mental Health Week
• B4Work Program
• Development of the Youth Communications Framework
• Delivery of the Alpine Shire Youth Awards
• The launch of the Online Youth Hub
• Establishment of the Resilient Alpine Youth Squad.
• The creation of the Lighthouse Youth Space

You can read the full report of key achievements here – Final CTCA Report

This program concluded in December 2024, however partners remain committed to working for and with youth of the Alpine Shire. This partnership is now called the Alpine Shire Youth Support Network.

In partnership with Alpine Shire Council, Alpine Health remains committed to the continual upskilling of community to be able to support themselves and others with their mental health.

In 2025, a number of community members across different age groups and parts of the Shire, participated in suicide prevention training and Mental Health First Aid. Lifeline Loddon Mallee delivered suicide prevention training which was very well received. Their training options can be found on their website - Lifeline Loddon Mallee.

The Mental Health Coach has been a frequent facilitator of Mental Health First Aid training and now has a good level of understanding of the area and community - Mental Health First Aid Courses | The Mental Health Coach

The Alpine Saints Myrtleford Football Netball Club Wellbeing Team was formed in 2021 and is now considered a hub where individuals can access support and referrals to improve and maintain mental health. The aim of the team is to provide support for those who are experiencing mental health issues and need a confidential ear to listen and direct to the appropriate supports or services, before issues escalate. The club along with school and community partners, remain committed every year to the delivery of the #Bekindtoyourmind mental wellbeing week. This week lines up with the club’s home and away season and involves guest speakers and workshops at the club, Myrtleford schools and in community settings.

October 2024 saw the establishment of the Bright & surrounds mental wellbeing committee, which is made up of representatives from the health sector, sporting clubs and community groups. This committee is committed to increasing resilience and wellbeing in the area with support from Alpine Health and the Myrtleford Football Netball Club wellbeing team. Some members have already increased their skills through suicide prevention and mental health training, as well as started their journey to establishing their own wellbeing team.

If you are interested in establishing a wellbeing team at your club or organisation, please reach out to us – [email protected]

What began as activities as part of the Myrtleford mental wellbeing week, have now expanded to offer opportunities to other parts of the Shire.

Alpine Health was successful in receiving funding from Murray PHN to support cultural wellness workshops by Lee Couch - Lee Couch | Aboriginal Health & Wellness Facilitator & Educator – Lee Ann Couch. These have been delivered across Myrtleford, Bright and Mt Beauty now on multiple occasions, with the latest sessions being delivered in June 2025.

Wellbeing workshops have also been delivered by local clinicians at all the secondary schools in the Alpine Shire with students from years 7 to 10. These sessions target emotional awareness, confidence in looking after one’s wellbeing, and knowledge of services and support available to them.

#Bekindtoyourmind Myrtleford mental wellbeing week

Myrtleford schools have now participated in #Bekindtoyourmind mental wellbeing week for the 4^th year in a row, with their latest participation in June 2025. Previous activities have included:

• Motivation speaker Luke Kennedy, tailoring presentations to children, young people and adults.
• Suicide prevention leader Mitch McPherson speaking to secondary school students and teachers.
• Dr Michael Carr-Greg providing a community presentation focused on adolescent mental health.
• Guest speaker Chelsea Frawley presenting to children, young people and teachers on mental health red flags, substance use and how to seek help.
• Former AFL player Lance Picoane from the Never Alone foundation speaking to young people, teachers and parents about his lived experience of mental illness.
• Dr Jodi Lowinger providing a community presentation on anxiety, mindset and resilience.
• Primary school activities to build resilience in students
• Secondary school wellbeing workshops
• Traditional wellness workshops delivered by Lee Couch

The Last Daughter

The Last Daughter documentary was screened in October 2023 at Myrtleford and Mt Beauty, and is a true story about love, loss and reconnection through the story of Brenda Matthews. These screenings were hosted by Lee Couch, a proud Gamilaroi woman, who is currently living on Taugurong, Dhudhuroa and Waywuru Country. 125 local people attended and were able to connect through yarning following the film, facilitated by Lee. This film is now available for viewing on Netflix.