The Western Australian Association for Mental Health (WAAMH) are proud to announce the winners of the 2023 WA Mental Health Awards.
Minister's Award
Presented by: Minister for Mental Health, the Honourable Amber-Jade Sanderson
The Minister’s Award recognises someone who has displayed best practice at every level in the mental health sector and proven to hold an all-round skill set to benefit the outcomes for people living with mental health challenges in our community.
Winner: Professor Ashleigh Lin
Prof. Lin's commitment to community engagement and co-design is central to her success. She collaborates extensively with marginalised communities to ensure her research directly addresses their needs. Her dedication to youth mental health, impactful research, advocacy, and mentorship make her a true leader in the field.
Finalists: Lorraine Potter, Nadia Bamasri, Louise Ball, and Louise Howe.
Lived experience Impact and Inspiration Award
Presented by: Western Australian Mental Health Commission
This award recognises an outstanding contribution to mental health in Western Australia by an individual who identifies as having a lived experience of mental health as a consumer, carer or family member.
Winner: Dan Cazangiu
Dan's journey from adversity to advocacy is extraordinary. Dan advocates for mental health awareness, mentors future peer workers, and has positively impacted over 100 Start Court participants, demonstrating the power of resilience, hope, and human connection in transforming lives and communities.
Finalists: Gabriel Osborne, Ron Deng, and Matt Vapor.
Mental Health Employee or Volunteer Excellence Award
Presented by: Lotterywest
This Award recognises the positive contribution an employed or volunteer individual has had on the WA mental sector.
Winner: Leanda Verrier
Leanda is the Statewide Coordinator of the Perinatal and Infant Mental Health program at KEMH. Leanda’s contributions, dedication, leadership, and advocacy for recovery-oriented care have left an positive impact on mental health services in Western Australia.
Finalists: Lynne Sadler, Matthew Willson, and Dr. Andrew Wenzel.
Innovation for Change Award
Presented by: Youth Focus
Innovation for Change Award acknowledges the outstanding innovation that has led to driving change for better mental health in WA.
Winner: Together We Ride
Together We Ride is based in Broome in the Kimberley region of WA and is an early intervention program for at-risk youth aged 12-14. The program prevents youth from entering the criminal justice system by developing life skills and reconnecting with family, culture, and education. With daily mentoring, On Country Day trips, and camps promoting teamwork and personal growth, the program focuses on healthy risk-taking activities as alternatives to criminal behaviour.
Finalists: CAMHS Aboriginal Cultural Reference Group, and Wheatbelt & Beyond Youth Mentoring Inc.
Prevention or Promotion Award
Presented by: Lifeline WA
The Prevention or Promotion Award is for an outstanding contribution to prevention and / or promotion in mental health across WA.
Winner: ALIVE & Kicking Goals
ALIVE & Kicking Goals! Youth Suicide Prevention Program (AKG!) was established in 2008 by the Broome Saints Football Club to address rising suicide rates. Managed by Mens Outreach Service Aboriginal Corporation, AKG focused on early intervention and youth suicide prevention through peer led workshops and mentoring primarily in the West Kimberley. AKG's is making a significant impact, empowering indigenous youth through storytelling, reducing stigma and improving understanding about mental health.
Finalists: Holyoake, Boyup Brook Community Mental Health Action Team, and Zero2hero.
Diversity Award
Presented by: Roshana Care Group
The Diversity Award which recognises an individual, organisation or group that embraces diversity and promotes inclusion, with an initiative that benefits a particular population group.
Winner: Our Place
Our Place is a groundbreaking program embracing LGBTIQA+ youth aged 12-25 in Western Australia. Co-developed with City of Swan, Youth Focus, and headspace Midland, Our Place tackles mental health challenges, fosters community inclusion and has become a safe haven for young people to explore their identities. With diversity at its core, Our Place welcomes both LGBTIQA+ youth and allies.
Finalists: Our Place, Freedom, and Rohan Collard.
Mentally Healthy Education Award
Presented by: HOPE Community Services
This award is for an educational institution that encourages, support and promotes exceptional mental health for its students, staff and volunteers.
Winner: Kinross Primary School
Kinross Primary School's commitment to mental health is evident through counselling services, sensory rooms, and the innovative ED-Connect initiative. By adopting a whole-child approach, Kinross has fostered a positive and safe culture, resulting in fewer conflicts and increased student confidence.
Finalists: Halls Head College Education Support Centre, Maryteresa Higgins from, and Westfield Park Primary School.
Mentally Healthy Workplace Award
Presented by: Happiness Foundation and Happiness Co ;
This award recognises a WA workplace that encourages excellent mental health for its staff and volunteers through initiatives, programs, procedures, policies and/or organisational culture.
Winner: Mineral Resources Limited
From a two-person crushing contractor in 1992 to an ASX50 mining giant, Mineral Resources has become a leader in lithium, iron ore, energy, and mining services. Mineral Resources prioritises the health and wellbeing of its workforce, championing mental health initiatives and creating a culture of care.
The company actively supports employees facing mental health challenges by promoting psychological wellbeing and reducing stigma. They have trained mental health champions, partnered with Mental Health First Aid Australia, and initiated the Mind Matters series to educate employees and families.
Finalists: Mineral Resources, Zonta House, Melchor Contracting, and Water Corporation.
Mental Health News Media Award
Presented by: Western Australian Association for Mental Health
Winner: Martin Wilson, Nicole Ferraro, Third Storey Pictures & HelpingMinds
PIECES is a powerful drama about a group of people living with mental illness who embark on an art therapy class that transforms their lives. Led by Director and Producer Martin Wilson, Producer Nicole Ferraro, and with support from HelpingMinds and Third Storey Pictures, the film explores complex mental illness across a range of relatable characters to break down stigma and stereotypes.
Finalists: Caitlin Paroczai, Tom Wildie, and Rebecca Trigger.
Congratulations to all the Winners and Finalists
The WA Mental Health Awards showcase the dedication and contribution of individuals and teams who work to promote positive mental health.
Thank you for being part of the WA Mental Health Awards. Winners were announced at the Awards Celebration Ceremony on Thursday, 23 November at Hyatt Regency, Perth.
Judging Process
A judging panel mental health representatives and individuals with lived experience assessed all nominations and ranked entries in each category based on written nominations.