Minister's Award

Awarded to Professor Penelope Hasking
An internationally recognised researcher of non-suicidal self-injury and suicide prevention, Professor Hasking has dedicated her career to transforming how mental health is understood, researched, and supported, particularly among Western Australian tertiary students. Learn more about Professor Hasking’s work.

Finalists:

• Brian Gallop
• Karri Ambler
• Sarah Papaelias
• Dr Tania Botha 

Lived Experience Impact & Inspiration Award

Awarded to Michael Elwan
The impact of Michael’s lived experience is felt across many settings, from service delivery and policy reform to public education and storytelling. Learn more about Michael’s work at Lived Experience Solutions.

Finalists:

• Amanda Aiyana
• Elaine Ashurst
• Rachel Burns
• Soa Palelei

Prevention or Promotion Award

Awarded to the Safe Community Living Program by Plan and Grow
Designed to tackle the root causes of reoffending, The Safe Community Living Program recognises that safety, stability, and dignity, are some of the most powerful tools to address criminal behaviours driven by unresolved trauma, unstable housing and unmanaged mental health challenges. Learn more about the Safe Community Living Program by Plan and Grow.

Finalists:

• ForWhen by NGALA
• Road Trauma Support WA by Injury Matters
• True Sport Mental Health & Wellbeing by SportWest
• WA Cricket

Innovation in Service Delivery Award

Awarded to Deadly Minds Matter by Shooting Stars and Raphael Services by St John of God

Deadly Minds Matter by Shooting Stars
Co-designed with the communities the program serves, Deadly Minds Matter is transforming mental health services for Aboriginal girls and women in regional and remote Western Australia. Learn more about the Deadly Minds Matter program by Shooting Stars.

Raphael Services by St John of God
Supporting new and expecting fathers, St John of God’s Raphael Services has transformed the scope of perinatal mental healthcare in WA. Learn more about Raphael Services by St John of God.

Finalists:

• Attachment & Biobehavioural Catch-up Program by NGALA, Lifespan Psychology Centre and Pregnancy to Parenthood
• Healthy Liyan by Garnduwa Amboorny Wirnan Aboriginal Corporation
• The Luminos Project by Samaritans WA, Ruah Community Services, The Telethon Kids Institute and University of Western Australia

Mental Health Education Award

Awarded to UWA Guild Student Assist
For thousands of Western Australian university students, the UWA Guild’s Student Assist team is a vital pillar of support, offering free, confidential support services by qualified social workers and counsellors. Learn more about the UWA Guild’s Student Assist team.

Finalists:

• Forest Crescent Primary School
• John Tonkin College
• School of Special Educational Needs: Medical and Mental Health
• The Y School

Mentally Healthy Workplace Award

Awarded to Talison Lithium
Recognising that employees in the mining industry report higher levels of psychological distress compared to the general population, Talison Lithium set out to prioritise psychological safety in the workplace. Learn more about Talison Lithium.

Finalists:

• Avivo
• Life Without Barriers
• My Way Community Alliance
• Strong Minds, Strong Mines
• WA Cricket

Mental Health Employee or Volunteer Excellence Award

Awarded to Vernon Dann
Serving as the Aboriginal Mental Health Coordinator at the Kimberley Mental Health and Drug Service since 2005, Vernon is a respected advocate at interagency forums and a driving force behind inclusive, culturally responsive mental healthcare in WA.  

Finalists:

• Graham Hughes
• Helen Tomlinson
• Jonah Palelei
• Samantha Mills

Diversity & Inclusion Award

Awarded to Thriving in Motion
While regular movement is known to improve mood and wellbeing, without dedicated spaces and programs, one of Australia’s most marginalised populations continues to be at higher risk of worsening mental health challenges. Learn more about Thriving in Motion’s Youth Moves program.

Finalists:

• Garnduwa Amboorny Wirnan Aboriginal Corporation
• Hope Affirm Thrive
• What Were You Wearing Australia
• Wungening Aboriginal Corporation

News & Media Award

Awarded to the Embracing the Mind podcast by Jack Boronovskis and Dr Alix Woolard
In a three-part investigative series in 2024, the Embracing the Mind podcast shone a light on a topic which has historically been under-reported and heavily stigmatised. Learn more or listen to the Embracing the Mind podcast.

Finalists:

• Taboo Education by Samantha Waite