A ground-breaking new report shedding light on the mental health challenges in our community and prompting locals to act has been released.

The State of Mental Health Report 2023: Bundaberg and Fraser Coast, spearheaded by the HBNC Social Shift initiative with funding from the Australian Government Department of Social Services (DSS) Community-led Support Fund, provides a clear snapshot of mental health in our local communities.

Informed by feedback from residents, as well as census and other data, the report is the first of its kind, delivering a moment-in-time look at health and wellbeing challenges, opportunities and suggestions specific to Fraser Coast and Bundaberg communities.

Download the report

HBNC CEO, Tanya Stevenson, said the report had real potential to prompt grassroots ideas and affect change in our towns.

“This report started with a survey of Fraser Coast and Bundaberg residents, so it is not simply a presentation of regional health data. It is aimed at working toward real solutions to the challenges and gaps identified in our community, by community members,” Tanya said.

“Mental health is not solely a medical issue but a community concern that affects us all. Through comprehensive research and community engagement, we aim to create a roadmap for collective action to enhance mental health support systems.”

Tanya acknowledged that the report presented confronting statistics about mental health and wellbeing challenges in our community, and she urged people to read it with care.

“This report discusses mental health issues including self-harm and suicide. It also discusses domestic & family violence,” Tanya said.

“Some people may find parts of this report confronting or distressing. Please carefully consider your needs when reading it.”

 “The information included here places an emphasis on data, and as such, can appear to de-personalise the pain and loss behind the statistics. 

“HBNC acknowledges the individuals, families and communities affected by suicide, mental health & DFV each year. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that information relating to Indigenous mental health and suicide is included.”

While the data can be confronting, we hope this will prompt action and solutions in the community, Tanya said.

“With such sobering data, it's imperative that we come together as a community to develop innovative solutions,” she said.

“The Social Shift: Community-led Support Fund invites project applications aimed at tackling mental health issues, domestic violence, substance abuse, and unemployment.”

Key takeaways

Some key takeaways from the report include:

• 13% of Fraser Coast residents have a long-term mental health condition.
• 12% of Bundaberg residents have a long-term mental health condition.
• 9.6% of Queenslanders have a long-term mental health condition.
• 8.8% of Australians have a long-term mental health condition.
• Fraser Coast residents rated their overall wellbeing an average 6.6 out of 10.  63% said their wellbeing was good to great. 37% of residents said their wellbeing was average to very poor. 
• Bundaberg residents rated their overall wellbeing an average 5.8 out of 10. 54% said their wellbeing was good to great. 46% said their wellbeing was average to very poor.
• 14% of women in Fraser Coast & 13% in Bundaberg have a long-term mental health condition.
• 11% of men in Fraser Coast & 9% in Bundaberg have a long-term mental health condition. 
• 18% of First Nations people in Fraser Coast & 12% in Bundaberg have a long-term mental health condition.
• 15% of youth in Fraser Coast & 14% in Bundaberg 15-24 have a long-term mental health condition.

Need support?

Lifeline: 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au 

Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 or beyondblue.org.au 

Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 or kidshelpline.com.au 

Headspace: 1800 650 890 or headspace.org.au 

13YARN: Speak to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander crisis supporter on 13 92 76 or visit 13yar.org.au