Mental health counsellor misread eye contact as rudeness, sparking reform push
Nomakhosi Khumalo is a Canberra advocate pushing for culturally sensitive mental health services. A counsellor once misinterpreted her cultural respect as rudeness.
For Nomakhosi Khumalo, an African-Australian, avoiding direct eye contact shows respect. This applies to older people and authority figures.
A mental health counsellor misinterpreted this as rudeness. Khumalo now helps design mental health support that respects cultural backgrounds.
She is shortlisted for the 2026 ACT Mental Health Awards. She sits on national mental health advisory groups.
National research found 64 per cent of Australians feel disconnected. Only 21 per cent feel very connected to their communities.
Yet 64 per cent said belonging improves mental health. And 57 per cent said feeling included helped them cope with stress.
- 21 per cent
- Feel very connected to community
- 64 per cent
- Say belonging improves mental health
- 57 per cent
- Said feeling included helps cope with
- 2026 ACT Mental Health Awards
- Award shortlist year
Why it mattersYoung people from multicultural backgrounds may avoid seeking help. They might feel misunderstood or judged. This puts them at greater risk during mental health crises.
AustraliaAustralian mental health services must adapt to support young people from diverse cultural backgrounds, particularly in Canberra and other growing multicultural communities.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
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