2004
The University of Melbourne has been building relationships with China in the field of mental health for over 20 years. The Chinese interest in Australian mental health expertise reflects solid links forged with mental health leaders in China by mental health professionals from the University, including Professors Chiu, Herrman and Singh.
Prior to 2004, at least nine Chinese psychiatrists had trained in Australia and people from both sides now knew each other well in terms of training ability and facility, human resources and funding capacity.
Asia-Australia Mental Health hosted a delegation led by Madame Xu Guihua, Deputy Director, China Center for Disease Control, in Melbourne to explore possibilities for collaboration between China and Australia in mental health system development. The delegation gained an overview of the Victorian mental health system and visited mental health and community programs that were potentially relevant for China.
The visit culminated in the University of Melbourne's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kwong Lee Dow, and Madame Xu Guihua, signing a Letter of Intent on future directions.