News and events

An extra serve of fruit linked to lower risk of depression and anxiety in teenagers

Study suggests everyday food choices could play a role in youth mental health.
Article link /content/dam/corporate/images/news-and-opinion/news/2026/October/two-happy-smiling-female-students-are-sitting-and-eating-apples,-studying-and-preparing-for-exams.jpeg 1440.959.2x.jpeg 2880w, 220.146.2x.jpeg 440w, 1280.1280.jpeg 1280w, 440.293.2x.jpeg 880w, 800.532.2x.jpeg 1600w 19 October 2026
Sharp rise in violence and sexual violence against Australian children: research

New Matilda Centre study reveals national crisis, with researchers calling for urgent action to protect Australian children from violence and sexual harm.
Article link /content/dam/brand-and-marketing-assets/conceptual-images/rain-stoppers-1461288_1280.jpg 1280.1280.jpeg 1280w, 440.293.2x.jpeg 880w, 800.533.2x.jpeg 1600w, 220.147.2x.jpeg 440w 14 October 2026
Bringing an international lens to early career research

Meet the Matilda: Dr Sam Lynch
Article link /content/dam/corporate/images/matilda-centre/news-articles/2026/dr-sam-lynch-poster-presentation.jpeg 220.293.2x.jpeg 440w, 1280.1280.jpeg 1280w, 1440.1920.2x.jpeg 2880w, 800.1067.2x.jpeg 1600w, 440.587.2x.jpeg 880w 18 September 2026
Australian-first digital support for mothers using alcohol to cope with anxiety

Researchers launch clinical trial to test new digital program, with recruitment now open
Article link /content/dam/corporate/images/news-and-opinion/news/2026/August/wine-kitchen.jpg 2000.1333.2x.jpeg 4000w, 1280.1280.jpeg 1280w, 440.293.2x.jpeg 880w, 1440.960.2x.jpeg 2880w, 800.533.2x.jpeg 1600w, 220.147.2x.jpeg 440w 12 August 2026
Mental disorders surge among young adults: research

Rates of anxiety, depression and psychological distress have risen sharply since 2007.
Article link /content/dam/corporate/images/news-and-opinion/news/2026/july/portrait-of-teenage-girl-lying-in-bed-at-night-holding-smartphone-close-to-face,-illuminated-by-screen-light,-gazing-at-device-with-tired-expression,-bedroom-background.jpeg 1280.1280.jpeg 1280w, 440.293.2x.jpeg 880w, 1440.960.2x.jpeg 2880w, 800.533.2x.jpeg 1600w, 220.147.2x.jpeg 440w 24 July 2026
Funding: Winners of the 2026 PREMISE Next Generation and Matilda Centre grants

Investing in innovation, collaboration and capacity building
Article link /content/dam/corporate/images/matilda-centre/news-articles/2026/premise-2026-funding-grants-hero-image.jpeg 1280.1280.jpeg 1280w, 440.293.2x.jpeg 880w, 1440.960.2x.jpeg 2880w, 800.533.2x.jpeg 1600w, 220.147.2x.jpeg 440w 23 June 2026
Breathing life and experience into research

Spotlight: Kiara Roche
Article link /content/dam/corporate/images/matilda-centre/news-articles/hero-image/silhouette-road-sign-directions.jpg 1280.1280.jpeg 1280w, 440.293.2x.jpeg 880w, 800.533.2x.jpeg 1600w, 220.147.2x.jpeg 440w 23 June 2026
Climate change costs lives by breaking down social connection

Experts say the relationship is two-way: climate change erodes social connection, while social disconnection weakens our ability to survive and adapt
Article link /content/dam/corporate/images/news-and-opinion/news/2026/may/aerial.-people-crowd-on-pedestrian-crosswalk.-top-view.jpeg 1440.819.2x.jpeg 2880w, 800.455.2x.jpeg 1600w, 1280.1280.jpeg 1280w, 440.250.2x.jpeg 880w, 220.125.2x.jpeg 440w 18 May 2026
Toddlers' pretend play ability linked to better mental health

Mental health difficulties affect about fourteen percent of Australian children, yet prevention efforts focus on later childhood or adolescence.
Article link /content/dam/corporate/images/news-and-opinion/news/2026/april/superhero-sisters-play-outdoors.jpeg 220.146.2x.jpeg 440w, 1440.954.2x.jpeg 2880w, 1280.1280.jpeg 1280w, 800.530.2x.jpeg 1600w, 440.291.2x.jpeg 880w 22 April 2026
A healthier tomorrow for everyone

The Matilda Centre 2025 Annual Report
Article link /content/dam/corporate/images/matilda-centre/news-articles/2026/2025-annual-report-matilda-centre-hero-image.jpeg 1280.1280.jpeg 1280w, 220.126.2x.jpeg 440w, 800.457.2x.jpeg 1600w, 1440.823.2x.jpeg 2880w, 440.251.2x.jpeg 880w 13 April 2026
No evidence to suggest medicinal cannabis is effective for depression, anxiety or PTSD

In the largest-ever review of the safety and efficacy of medicinal cannabis across a range of mental health conditions, researchers have found no evidence that it is effective in treating anxiety, depression or PTSD.
Article link /content/dam/health-and-wellness/health-services/stock-images/medicinal-cannabis.jpeg 1280.1280.jpeg 1280w, 440.293.2x.jpeg 880w, 800.533.2x.jpeg 1600w, 220.147.2x.jpeg 440w 17 March 2026
Ensuring young people are safe, well, and respectED

Project Profile: RespectED
Article link /content/dam/corporate/images/matilda-centre/news-articles/2025/december/teenagers-on-phone-together.jpeg 1280.1280.jpeg 1280w, 440.293.2x.jpeg 880w, 1440.960.2x.jpeg 2880w, 800.533.2x.jpeg 1600w, 220.147.2x.jpeg 440w 9 December 2025
Our healthy habits for this upcoming holiday season

Article link /content/dam/corporate/images/matilda-centre/news-articles/hero-image/inroads-hero-image.jpg 220.110.2x.jpeg 440w, 1280.1280.jpeg 1280w, 440.220.2x.jpeg 880w, 800.400.2x.jpeg 1600w 9 December 2025
Disrupting and deconstructing approaches to drug policy, research and practice at APSAD 2025

Sharing knowledge with the alcohol and other drug community
Article link /content/dam/corporate/images/matilda-centre/news-articles/2025/december/matilda-centre-group-photo-day-1.jpg 800.1160.2x.jpeg 1600w, 440.638.2x.jpeg 880w, 1440.2090.2x.jpeg 2880w, 1280.1280.jpeg 1280w, 2000.2902.2x.jpeg 4000w, 220.319.2x.jpeg 440w 9 December 2025
Breaking the what if: addressing eco-anxiety in young Australians

Student Spotlight: Eliza-Rose Gordon
Article link /content/dam/corporate/images/matilda-centre/news-articles/2025/december/plant-growing-in-broken-ground.jpeg 1280.1280.jpeg 1280w, 440.293.2x.jpeg 880w, 1440.960.2x.jpeg 2880w, 800.533.2x.jpeg 1600w, 220.147.2x.jpeg 440w 9 December 2025
Play today, thrive tomorrow: using pretend play to enhance mental health

Researcher spotlight: Dr Fotini Vasilopoulos
Article link /content/dam/corporate/images/matilda-centre/news-articles/2025/december/pirate-pretend-play-child.jpeg 1280.1280.jpeg 1280w, 440.293.2x.jpeg 880w, 1440.960.2x.jpeg 2880w, 800.533.2x.jpeg 1600w, 220.147.2x.jpeg 440w 9 December 2025
LEARNing co-design together: Upcoming research workshop

Article link /content/dam/corporate/images/matilda-centre/hero-images/employees-brainstorming-stacked-hands.jpeg 1440.947.2x.jpeg 2880w, 1280.1280.jpeg 1280w, 220.145.2x.jpeg 440w, 440.289.2x.jpeg 880w, 800.526.2x.jpeg 1600w, 2000.1316.2x.jpeg 4000w 9 December 2025
Nearly half of Australian adults experienced childhood trauma, increasing mental illness risk by 50 percent

Study reveals millions are carrying the lasting damage of childhood trauma into adulthood.
Article link /content/dam/corporate/images/news-and-opinion/news/2025/november/child-holding-teddy-bear.jpeg 800.534.2x.jpeg 1600w, 1440.961.2x.jpeg 2880w, 1280.1280.jpeg 1280w, 220.147.2x.jpeg 440w, 440.294.2x.jpeg 880w 18 November 2025
Congratulations to the winners of the 2025 Matilda Viz competition

Students across Australia have submitted stories of mental health and substance use using data. Here are the 2025 winners.
Article link /content/dam/corporate/images/matilda-centre/logos/matilda-data-visualisation-competition-logo.jpg 1280.1280.jpeg 1280w, 220.220.2x.jpeg 440w, 440.440.2x.jpeg 880w, 800.800.2x.jpeg 1600w, 1440.1440.2x.jpeg 2880w 14 November 2025
Teens 65% less likely to vape after undertaking leading prevention program, new trial finds

A new study has found that a co-designed school-based vaping prevention program results in significant reductions in past 12-month teen vaping.
Article link /content/dam/corporate/images/matilda-centre/news-articles/2025/september/emily-stockings-panel-ourfutures-launch-2025.jpg 2000.1677.2x.jpeg 4000w, 220.184.2x.jpeg 440w, 440.369.2x.jpeg 880w, 1280.1280.jpeg 1280w, 800.671.2x.jpeg 1600w, 1440.1207.2x.jpeg 2880w 19 September 2025
Rising above the vapour: the OurFutures Vaping Prevention Primary Schools expansion

A new expansion of vaping prevention program will support primary school kids to say no to vaping.
Article link /content/dam/corporate/images/matilda-centre/news-articles/2025/september/school-gates-hero-image.jpeg 2000.1333.2x.jpeg 4000w, 1280.1280.jpeg 1280w, 440.293.2x.jpeg 880w, 1440.960.2x.jpeg 2880w, 800.533.2x.jpeg 1600w, 220.147.2x.jpeg 440w 19 September 2025
Leading the next generation: meet the 2025 PhD candidates at the Matilda Centre

Meet the PhD candidates that have started at the Matilda Centre in 2025.
Article link /content/dam/corporate/images/matilda-centre/news-articles/2025/september/early-starters-hero-image.jpeg 1280.1280.jpeg 1280w, 440.293.2x.jpeg 880w, 1440.960.2x.jpeg 2880w, 800.533.2x.jpeg 1600w, 220.147.2x.jpeg 440w 19 September 2025
Identify, evaluate, translate: a discussion on prevention

Mental and substance use disorders are disabling, costly, and preventable. We learn how with Professor Nicola Newton.
Article link /content/dam/corporate/images/matilda-centre/news-articles/2025/september/prevention-hero-image.jpeg 2000.1333.2x.jpeg 4000w, 1280.1280.jpeg 1280w, 440.293.2x.jpeg 880w, 1440.960.2x.jpeg 2880w, 800.533.2x.jpeg 1600w, 220.147.2x.jpeg 440w 19 September 2025
Co-design on camera: Youth Advisory Board Update

Article link /content/dam/corporate/images/matilda-centre/news-articles/2025/september/podcast-hero-image.jpeg 440.162.2x.jpeg 880w, 220.81.2x.jpeg 440w, 800.295.2x.jpeg 1600w, 1280.1280.jpeg 1280w, 1440.532.2x.jpeg 2880w, 2000.740.2x.jpeg 4000w 19 September 2025
Sydney-led school program reduces the odds of teen vaping by 65 percent, study finds

The Matilda Centre study of 5000 students across three states finds education helps curb nicotine use.
Article link /content/dam/corporate/images/matilda-centre/news-articles/2023/march/young-woman-vaping.jpeg 220.137.2x.jpeg 440w, 800.497.2x.jpeg 1600w, 1280.1280.jpeg 1280w, 440.273.2x.jpeg 880w 29 July 2025
New Community of Practice bringing together best practice for AOD and mental health worker community

The Guidelines Community of Practice is for Australian Professionals working with people experiencing co-occurring alcohol and other drug use and mental health conditions.
Article link /content/dam/corporate/images/matilda-centre/news-articles/2025/june/new-community-of-practice-hero-image.jpeg 1440.850.2x.jpeg 2880w, 1280.1280.jpeg 1280w, 800.472.2x.jpeg 1600w, 440.260.2x.jpeg 880w, 2000.1180.2x.jpeg 4000w, 220.130.2x.jpeg 440w 23 June 2025
Collaborate, consult, culturally safe: working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to prevent health-related harms

Meet Dr Kriscia Tapia, a researcher committed to ensuring culturally appropriate health programs through consultation and collaboration with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Article link /content/dam/corporate/images/matilda-centre/news-articles/2025/june/2024-rmh-cairns.jpg 1280.1280.jpeg 1280w, 220.246.2x.jpeg 440w, 800.892.2x.jpeg 1600w, 440.491.2x.jpeg 880w, 1440.1605.2x.jpeg 2880w 23 June 2025
Addressing childhood trauma using creative expressive therapy in schools: The value of collaboration and connection

Young people deserve evidence-backed and evaluated programs to ensure they’re getting the best from mental health interventions. That’s where the Matilda Centre comes in.
Article link /content/dam/corporate/images/matilda-centre/news-articles/2025/june/hero-image-heart-kidsxpress.jpeg 2000.1333.2x.jpeg 4000w, 1280.1280.jpeg 1280w, 440.293.2x.jpeg 880w, 1440.960.2x.jpeg 2880w, 800.533.2x.jpeg 1600w, 220.147.2x.jpeg 440w 23 June 2025
Making meaningful change for young people’s mental health

Meet Kate Ross, Program Lead of PREMISE Next Generation and a champion for the empowerment of young people in research and policy.
Article link /content/dam/corporate/images/matilda-centre/news-articles/2025/march/yab-update-march-2025-hero-image.jpeg 1440.962.2x.jpeg 2880w, 800.534.2x.jpeg 1600w, 2000.1335.2x.jpeg 4000w, 1280.1280.jpeg 1280w, 220.147.2x.jpeg 440w, 440.294.2x.jpeg 880w 23 June 2025
2025 Matilda Centre Grant Funding Announced

The Matilda Centre and PREMISE Next Generation Centre of Research Excellence are pleased to announce the ten recipients of the 2025 capacity building schemes to support Early and Mid-Career Researchers and Higher Degree Students.
Article link /content/dam/corporate/images/matilda-centre/news-articles/2025/june/connection-announcing-winners-2025-matilda-centre-grants-hero-image.jpeg 1280.1280.jpeg 1280w 23 June 2025
Co-production in action: Youth Advisory Board making an impact through the Youth Priorities Project

The Matilda Centre Youth Advisory Board is helping to improve the quality of mental health and substance use research through co-design.
Article link /content/dam/corporate/images/matilda-centre/news-articles/2025/june/yab-march-2025.jpg 800.600.2x.jpeg 1600w, 2000.1500.2x.jpeg 4000w, 220.165.2x.jpeg 440w, 1280.1280.jpeg 1280w, 1440.1080.2x.jpeg 2880w, 440.330.2x.jpeg 880w 23 June 2025
Mental health worst among girls and gender diverse teens, study finds

Almost one in four high school students report mental health problems by Year 10, with gender diverse teens and girls living with disadvantage hit the hardest.
Article link /content/dam/corporate/images/news-and-opinion/news/2025/june/sad-teenage-girl-sitting-on-the-floor-in-a-school-hallway,-feeling-isolated-and-lonely.jpeg 2000.1333.2x.jpeg 4000w, 1280.1280.jpeg 1280w, 440.293.2x.jpeg 880w, 1440.960.2x.jpeg 2880w, 800.533.2x.jpeg 1600w, 220.147.2x.jpeg 440w 18 June 2025
Almost half of Aussie teens live with a chronic disease or developmental condition

Research uncovers overlap with ultra-processed foods, sugary drinks, mental health, screen time, smoking and alcohol
Article link /content/dam/student-life-and-support/study-abroad-and-exchange/group-of-teenagers-black-and-white.jpg 800.534.2x.jpeg 1600w, 1280.1280.jpeg 1280w, 220.147.2x.jpeg 440w, 440.294.2x.jpeg 880w 2 April 2025
Australians are waiting 12 years on average before seeking help for mental health

Article link /content/dam/physical-environment/natural-landscapes/third-party-stock-images/mental-health-positive-pexels.jpg 1280.1280.jpeg 1280w, 440.293.2x.jpeg 880w, 800.533.2x.jpeg 1600w, 220.147.2x.jpeg 440w 18 February 2025
One in three crisis support workers experiences psychological distress, but there are ways to cope

Wellbeing was highest among phone-based crisis workers and those in helpline offices, compared to those providing support while working from home or via online chat, a new �� finds.
Article link /content/dam/corporate/images/news-and-opinion/news/2024/december/crisis-workers.jpg 2000.1333.2x.jpeg 4000w, 1280.1280.jpeg 1280w, 440.293.2x.jpeg 880w, 1440.960.2x.jpeg 2880w, 800.533.2x.jpeg 1600w, 220.147.2x.jpeg 440w 18 December 2024
Social venture improves risk taking and mental health in 1400 schools across Australia

A powerful partnership between researchers and the University helped turn evidence-based mental health programs into a national social venture reaching over 1400 schools.
Article link /content/dam/corporate/images/sydney-southeast-asia-centre/shutterstock-mental-health.jpg 220.136.2x.jpeg 440w, 1280.1280.jpeg 1280w, 800.496.2x.jpeg 1600w, 440.273.2x.jpeg 880w 22 November 2024
Our Statement on the 2024 NSW Drug Summit

Article link /content/dam/corporate/images/matilda-centre/news-articles/2024/june-2024/matilda-centre-policy-wins-june2024-hero-image.jpg 440.658.2x.jpeg 880w, 800.1198.2x.jpeg 1600w, 1280.1280.jpeg 1280w, 1440.2156.2x.jpeg 2880w, 220.328.2x.jpeg 440w, 2000.1330.2x.jpeg 4000w 20 September 2024
Depressed adolescents twice as likely to vape

Article link content/dam/corporate/images/news-and-opinion/news/2024/august/teen-student-vape_adobestock.jpeg 03 September 2024

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