Tasmania’s hospitality sector has unveiled a new leadership program designed to tackle mental health issues from the top down, with ten of the state’s leading venues signing on.

The Hospitality Health Leaders Program was officially launched by Hospitality Minister Jane Howlett, building on a four-year mental health initiative that supported the industry through COVID-19.

“This is about empowering our leaders and it’s also about having a wonderful workplace as well and a focus on mental health and well-being,” she said.

The program brings together hospitality leaders from across the state, including venues from the west coast, Hobart and the north-west.

Steve Old, CEO of Hospitality Tasmania, said strong leadership was essential to addressing mental health challenges within the industry.

The program aims to embed mental health practices into workplace culture

“If we’re going to tackle mental health issues in our industry we need our leaders to be a part of it,” he said.

Old highlighted the calibre of expertise behind the program, led by Professor Angela Martin, who he described as being among the top 2% of experts globally working in the field of mental health.

Professor Martin outlined her integrated approach to workplace mental health, focusing on three key areas: preventing harm, creating positive environments and supporting struggling staff.

“I’m so excited to be working in the hospitality industry because I love that part of living in Tasmania,” she said.

Sherri Ring, chief happiness officer for HOSPO Health, said the program takes a cultural approach rather than simply offering training sessions.

“It will help leaders understand how to embed it into their culture, into their governance,” she said.

The program includes access to mental health support from a psychologist, resilience training, mindfulness sessions and gallup strengths assessments to help leaders identify and build on their capabilities.

Howlett thanked participants for dedicating their time to the program.

“We know that leadership starts at the top and works down to the very bottom,” she said.