This project aims to better understand what is different about living in regional areas that leads to poorer mental health and difficulties accessing support, and what further support is needed to improve the lives and wellbeing of people living in those communities.

The report highlights the necessity for an urgent review of current funding models. We have repeatedly seen drive-in drive-out services failing. There are a multitude of reasons for this – a lack of understanding of the community’s needs, inadequate consultation with local stakeholders and inefficiencies with large budgetary allocations being for travel. The cycle of mistrust and underutilisation of these (undoubtedly well meaning) services is perpetuated. State and Commonwealth Governments have recognised a need for increased services in rural areas, however the model of planning, commissioning and governance is ineffective.