The theme for this year’s Oevaru conference is “Changing Currents: Forming Connections.”

We identified with this theme, as we believe that this conference is an opportunity to connect with one another and strengthen our relationships based on a shared understanding of what mental health means in our context; the cultural and systemic changes affecting it; and what needs to happen to transform our system to be more connected, equitable, and sustainable. We chose this theme to underscore the importance of understanding mental health as dynamic and ever-changing, with social and ecological determinants impacting on one’s wellbeing across the lifespan along a mental health continuum from positive mental health to severely disabling conditions. Accordingly mental health must be addressed by a broad range of stakeholders working in health, social welfare, child protection, education, and legislation. This theme highlights the urgency of forming connections within and between relevant sectors who are agents of change in supporting the mental health and well-being of individuals and families.

Connections hold a particular significance in health and mental health, in terms of our biology; the synapses in our brain guide and strengthen connections throughout the brain, forming a network of connections that make us think, function, and adapt to our environment. Just like the role of connections in our brain is paramount to functioning, we believe that the role of connections in terms of the relationships and support system we have, is integral to our mental health and well-being. Accordingly, our theme of forming connections amidst change also emphasizes the interrelatedness of connectedness and well-being, including connectedness with others, connectedness to the environment, and connectedness with a higher purpose, and the need to strengthen social inclusion for more resilient communities, families, and peoples.