From rhetoric to reality: Celebrating 30 years of advancing children’s mental health

In 2025, Emerging Minds celebrated 30 years of advancing the mental health and wellbeing of infants, children, young people and their families. Beginning as a one-off conference, the organisation has grown into a leading national voice in practice and policy to support young Australians and those who care for them. 

In this conversation, Phil Robinson (Founder and Chair) and Brad Morgan (Director) reflect on how our understanding of and approach to children’s mental health has changed over the past 30 years. They also discuss how these insights can guide us towards even greater outcomes in the years to come.

 In this episode, you will explore: 

• infants’ and children’s mental health needs – what has changed over time and what remains a priority [03:05] 

• how understandings of infant, child and family mental health have evolved over the past 30 years [07:43] 

• the models and conversations that shaped the foundation of Emerging Minds [13:11] 

• Brad and Phil’s hopes for the future of mental health care in Australia [24:06].

Further information and resources:  

What does the future hold for children’s mental health in Australia? (part one) – Emerging Minds podcast  

Towards a comprehensive child mental health system: Exploring workforce availability – Emerging Minds webinar recording 

Towards a comprehensive child mental health system: Gaps and strengths in workforce competency – Emerging Minds webinar recording 

Towards a comprehensive child mental health system: Opportunities for a coordinated system of support – upcoming Emerging Minds webinar 

Children’s mental health and social determinants of health mini toolkit – Emerging Minds and FrameWorks Institute