TOWNSVILLE- No-Nonsense Workshop on Mental Health in Schools

Name: TOWNSVILLE- No-Nonsense Workshop on Mental Health in Schools
Start: 2026-01-21T22:30:00+10:00
Location: Rydges Southbank Hotel & Convention Centre

Schedule

Wed, 21 Jan, 2026 at 10:30 pm

UTC+10:00

Location

Rydges Southbank Hotel & Convention Centre | Townsville, QL

Schools play a vital role in supporting the mental health and wellbeing of young people.
This practical, evidence-informed workshop equips educators from both primary and secondary settings with the knowledge and confidence to better understand and respond to students with a range of mental health concerns including anxiety, depression, and trauma.
Across the day, participants will learn to:
-Understand how mental health challenges affect learning, engagement, and relationships.
-Recognise early signs of concern and the influence of neurodiversity.
-Respond with practical, strengths-based strategies for support.
-Collaborate effectively with parents, carers, and professionals.
-Sustain wellbeing for both students and staff.
Grounded in evidence and informed by real classroom experience, the workshop offers clear frameworks and practical tools for building mentally healthy learning environments. Participants will leave with greater confidence, compassion, and clarity in supporting the mental health needs of their students.

DR JOHN BURNS
Dr John Burns is a clinical psychologist and social worker who has spent 25 years working as a school counsellor. He completed his PhD at Macquarie University, with a thesis that investigated the role of schools in the early detection of students with mental health difficulties. His professional passion is to see all school staff equipped to make a difference in the lives of young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties.
He has held numerous honorary roles, including Convenor of the Australian Psychological Society’s Psychologists in Schools Interest Group, and Convenor of the Association of Independent Schools New South Wales school counsellor network. He is the author of The No Nonsense Guide to Mental Health in Schools: What Every Teacher Can Do to Make a Difference.
In his spare time, John is a mediocre guitar player and devoted fan of the Wests Tigers Rugby League team.

REGISTRATION FEES (per person)
Launch Special (limited time only) - $279 per person
Registration includes:
- 5 hours professional development
- Morning tea and Lunch
- Workshop resources
- Certificate of attendance