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Community-Driven Wellbeing Solutions: A Grassroots, Cross-Sector Approach for Mental Health & Wellbeing in Rural Regions

Tracks
Grand Ballroom 3 - In-Person Only
Friday, November 7, 2025
10:35 AM - 11:05 AM

Overview

Renee Knapp, Think Effective Consultancy


Presenter

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Renee Knapp
Owner and Manager
Think Effective Consultancy

Community-Driven Wellbeing Solutions: A Grassroots, Cross-Sector Approach for Mental Health & Wellbeing in Rural Regions

Presentation Overview

Community Driven Wellbeing Solution: A Grassroots, Cross-Sector Approach for Mental Health & Wellbeing in Rural Regions

Are you passionate about improving mental health outcomes in rural communities—but frustrated by siloed efforts, short-term programs, and solutions that just don’t fit?

You’re not alone—and there is a better way.

In this powerful session, award-winning Community Wellbeing Consultant Renee Knapp will introduce a proven, grassroots approach that’s transforming how communities tackle mental health and wellbeing challenges. The Community Driven
Wellbeing Solution is a practical, 4-stage framework that empowers passionate individuals and organisations to work together—across sectors—to build sustainable, localised solutions that actually make a difference.

Whether you're a teacher, parent, local government worker, mental health professional, or lived experience advocate—you can play a vital role in improving wellbeing in your community.

In this session, Renee will explore three key areas:

• The Power of Community-Driven Solutions
Is this the change we’ve been waiting for? Learn how local, cross-sector collaboration can lead to practical, tailored solutions backed by ongoing funding—and how this approach is already transforming rural wellbeing.

• A Successful Blueprint for Community Wellbeing
Get an inside look at Renee’s proven framework, with clear steps and focus areas that help communities build action plans with shared ownership and local relevance.

• Confidence and Skills to Create Change
Walk away with the mindset and practical tools to start conversations, build momentum, and inspire others—regardless of your role or qualifications.

Let’s stop waiting for the “perfect” solution to arrive—and instead start building it, together.

If you’re ready to create real, lasting impact in your rural community, this session will give you the roadmap and confidence to begin!

Biography

Renee Knapp is a passionate rural mental health advocate, consultant, and changemaker. With over 25 years in education, she founded a successful grassroots mental health action team in WA that’s secured $750,000+ in funding. Renee has developed a proven 4-stage framework that empowers communities to create cross-sector wellbeing solutions and real, sustainable change—without waiting for top-down solutions. As an ANZMHA Ambassador and award-winning leader, she now teaches passionate individuals how to lead local solutions and access vital resources. Her work is sparking momentum in rural towns across Australia—one empowered community at a time.
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