Media releases

Gidget Foundation Australia (GFA), a leading perinatal mental health organisation, has announced a partnership with Federation University Australia to launch the Graduate Diploma in Perinatal Mental Health. This fully funded qualification is an Australian-first, which aims to address the nationwide shortage of specialist perinatal mental health clinicians and provide comprehensive training and support for healthcare professionals in this critical field. 

The demand for perinatal mental health services has been steadily increasing year-on-year. GFA has reported a staggering 30% increase in clients supported in FY2024 compared to FY2023, marking a remarkable 214% rise since FY2021. Perinatal depression and anxiety (PNDA) affect approximately 100,000 Australians annually, with the associated costs amounting to $877 million each year. 

The Graduate Diploma in Perinatal Mental Health offers a unique opportunity for clinicians to receive on-the-job training, weekly supervision, academic modules, and a paid placement opportunity. Graduates will also have the chance to continue their employment through GFA's face-to-face or telehealth services.  

Arabella Gibson, CEO of Gidget Foundation Australia, emphasised the importance of this partnership in meeting the growing demand for perinatal mental health support, "It's essential we have enough qualified clinicians to meet this growing demand to address the critical needs of the individuals impacted."  

Professor Andrew J. Lewis, Deputy Dean of the Institute of Health and Wellbeing at Federation University Australia, expressed his delight in partnering with Gidget Foundation, "This partnership will contribute to strengthening our regional and rural communities, as well as extending nationwide." Professor Lewis also praised the program, saying, "The Graduate Diploma has been produced by expert clinicians and researchers and designed to support busy clinicians to gain the skills and knowledge they need to be first-rate clinicians." 

Through exceptional education and training, this partnership aims to ensure robust clinical standards and improve the well-being of individuals and families affected by perinatal depression and anxiety. 

For more information about the Graduate Diploma in Perinatal Mental Health, please visit https://www.federation.edu.au/courses/dhm4.pim-graduate-diploma-of-health-perinatal-and-infant-mental-health. 

Quotes attributable to CEO of Gidget Foundation Australia, Arabella Gibson  

“The partnership, with Federation University, is committed to ensuring robust clinical standards are achieved through providing exceptional education for clinicians working in the perinatal space.” 

“Equity, access, and affordability can be a barrier for allied health professionals to further extend their professional knowledge and skills. The Graduate Diploma in Perinatal Mental Health enables health professionals to upskill in perinatal and infant mental health and creates.  

“In collaboration with Federation University, Sydney North Health Network, and the Commonwealth, Gidget Foundation Australia is proud to offer mental health professionals the opportunity to complete the one-year academic program and obtain a Graduate Diploma in Perinatal Mental Health at no cost to the individual.”  

Quote attributable to Federation University Australia Deputy Dean - Institute of Health and Wellbeing, Professor Andrew J. Lewis 

“We are delighted to partner with Gidget Foundation for the development and delivery of this unique training in Perinatal Mental Health. This partnership will contribute to strengthening our regional and rural communities, as well as extending nationwide.” 

“It has been a pleasure to work with the team at Gidget and to advance Federation University’s goal of being Australia’s first fully Co-operative university, built on co-designed and co-delivered content, drawing on strong partnerships with service providers.”