Welcome to the Office of the Mental Health Commissioner
The Office of the Mental Health Commissioner supports the South Australian Mental Health Commissioner to strengthen mental health, wellbeing and human rights across South Australia.
The Commissioner works with people who have lived and living experience of mental distress, families, carers, communities, service providers, government, media and the broader mental health sector to understand what is working, what is not, and what needs to change.
The Commissioner’s role is to act as an independent voice. This includes listening to South Australians, highlighting where the mental health system needs to improve, and influencing change across policy, services, legislation and public understanding.
The Office supports this work by helping connect people, ideas, evidence and experience. We facilitate engagement across community, government, services and the sector, and share information about mental health programs, initiatives, tools and resources.
We do not provide clinical care or individual case management. Our focus is on systemic change, community connection and improving the way South Australia understands, responds to and supports mental health and wellbeing.
Our focus is on understanding what people are experiencing across the system, identifying where change is needed, and bringing people together to support practical improvement.
This includes paying attention to the broader things that affect mental health and wellbeing, such as connection, culture, housing, work, education, community, safety and access to the right support at the right time.
Taimi Allan commenced as South Australia’s full-time Mental Health Commissioner on 31 October 2023. She brings lived experience, sector knowledge and a commitment to honest conversations about mental health, distress, recovery, rights and reform.
This website is a place to learn more about the Commissioner and the Office, explore current work and initiatives, find useful information and resources, and take part in conversations about what better mental health and wellbeing could look like for South Australia.
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Acknowledgement of Country
Naa Marni
The Office of the Mental Health Commissioner for South Australia acknowledges and respects the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and that we are visitors on the unceded lands of the Kaurna people. We honour over 60,000 years of social and emotional wisdom.
We recognise the deep connection and relationship they have with land, waters, and sky where we live, work, and socialise. We pay our respects to their Elders and value their past, present and emerging leaders and the importance of their spiritual and cultural beliefs.
We also recognise all those with lived wisdom and the enormous contribution this has to systemic change for future generations.
Coming Together to be Well Again
Audrey Brumby’s painting Tjunguringkula Palyantja - ‘Coming Together to Be Well Again’ - grew from the shared story of our communities. With bush medicine leaves symbolising strength, healing, and cultural wisdom, her work captures the heart of our journey toward wellbeing - one led by connection, not just care. Her artwork reminds us that healing systems must be guided by the wisdom of those who’ve carried it through generations.
Bringing the vision of the Mental Health Commissioner's office to life - a journey of connection, strength, and self-agency.
Audrey Brumby - Pukatja | Pitjantjatjara | 2024
Coming together to be well again
Tjunguringkula Palyantja
If you or someone you know needs mental health support, remember you are not alone, and help is available. Seeking support is a sign of strength. There are people ready to listen and help.
If you're unsure where to start, speak to a trusted person or reach out to one of the services listed here (external site) (external site) (external site) (external site) (external site) (external site) (external site).
Mental health always matters
Appointed in October 2023, South Australia’s Commissioner for Mental Health, Taimi Allan, brings a bold and compassionate vision: a community where mental health, wellbeing, and human rights are truly valued, understood, and supported - by everyone, for everyone.
Our mission is to spark meaningful change through fresh thinking, bold initiatives, strong partnerships and practical tools that support lasting impact.
Change begins with shared understanding and grows through genuine collaboration between government, community, media, people with lived experience, and you.
Together, we’re building a mentally healthier South Australia where people feel connected, empowered and are supported to thrive.
Sign up to our mailing list (external site) (external site) (external site) (external site) (external site) (external site) (external site) to receive occasional updates from the Commissioner’s Office.
To keep in touch, follow on Facebook (external site) (external site) (external site) (external site) (external site) (external site), Instagram (external site) (external site) (external site) (external site) (external site) (external site) and LinkedIn (external site) (external site) (external site) (external site) (external site) (external site) , or sending us an email.
Ngaityalya – thanks for dropping by!