Pamela Brett: Better Mental Health Services for Townsville’s Children and Families
Profession: Community Project Officer
Network: Townsville Children and Families
Location: Townsville, QLD
As Network Coordinator of the Townsville Children and Families Network, Pamela Brett plays a central role in supporting coordinated, multidisciplinary mental health care across the region.
Based in North Queensland, the network brings together practitioners from mental health, allied health, education, and community services to improve outcomes for local children and families through a more integrated approach to care.
“Serving as the coordinator for the Townsville Children and Families Network has been an incredibly rewarding experience,” Pamela shares.
“It has provided me with the unique opportunity to bring together dedicated professionals across disciplines to foster collaboration and enhance our community’s mental health services.”
It’s a role Pamela has wholeheartedly embraced, facilitating bimonthly meetings that combine guest presentations, peer support, and networking.
With a focus on purposeful engagement, each meeting is designed to offer practical insights, strengthen local partnerships, and keep practitioners informed of emerging trends and evidence-based practices.
“Through organising regular meetings, workshops, and training sessions, I’ve witnessed first-hand the power of shared knowledge and mutual support,” she explains.
“These interactions have not only enriched my understanding but have significantly impacted the quality of care we provide, ensuring comprehensive support for individuals in need.”
In regional communities such as Townsville, effective multidisciplinary collaboration plays an important role in addressing service gaps and supporting continuity of care.
Beyond professional development, Pamela finds deep personal fulfilment in her role. From organising impactful meetings to facilitating the professional development of her network’s members, she sees coordination as more than an administrative role – it’s a chance to make a real difference.
For Pamela, the network’s value lies in both ongoing professional learning and the sense of connection it fosters among professionals who may otherwise work in demanding and isolated roles.
Pamela’s coordination efforts contribute to building the capability of the local mental health workforce, ultimately helping to improve outcomes not only for children and families, but for the broader Townsville community.
Interested in becoming a Network Coordinator? Visit mhpn.org.au/Members/#/NetworksSeekingCoordinators
