The Mental Health Advocate of the Year Award

The Mental Health Advocate of the Year award aims to recognise individuals from Australia who significantly contribute to the mental health sector.  The selection panel will consider the following in assessing and comparing nominations:

• A person who strives to educate others and grow mental health literacy.
• A person who undertakes positive mental health initiatives in the community.
• A person who is respectful and supportive of those with mental health issues in the community.
• A person who approaches the problems associated with mental health in creative and innovative ways.
• A person who promotes an inclusive and respectful attitude to those with mental health difficulties and those who care for them.
• A person who demonstrates the importance of mental health issues within the community.
• Someone who seeks to remove the stigma surrounding mental health issues and who seeks positive outcomes for those impacted by mental health issues.

The Mental Health Organisation of the Year Award

The Mental Health Organisation of the Year award aims to celebrate an inspiring organisation that has exceptional service delivery in Australian mental health. The selection panel will consider the following in assessing and comparing nominations:

• An organisation that strives to educate, support, and advocate for mental well-being and seeks to break the stigma surrounding mental health issues
• An organisation that has demonstrated an innovative and creative approach to its service delivery.
• An organisation which promotes an inclusive and respectful attitude to those with mental health difficulties and those who care for them.
• An organisation whose programs or initiatives address significant challenges, achieve a desired outcome, and/or positively impact on the community’s mental health.
• An organisation whose programs or initiatives and impacts or outcomes are sustainable and replicable by other similar organisations aiming to improve community mental well-being.
  

The Mental Health Volunteer of the Year Award

The Mental Health Volunteer of the Year award aims to celebrate the achievements and contributions of a selfless volunteer in Australia who contributed tirelessly to the Mental Health Sector. 

The selection panel will consider the following in assessing and comparing nominations: 

• A person who strives to educate others and grow mental health literacy 
• A person who undertakes positive mental health initiatives in the community 
• A person who is respectful and supportive of those with mental health issues in the community 
• A person who approaches the problems associated with mental health in creative and innovative ways 
• A person who promotes an inclusive and respectful attitude to those with mental health difficulties and those who care for them 
• A person who demonstrates the importance of mental health issues within the community 
• Someone who seeks to remove the stigma surrounding mental health issues and who seeks positive outcomes for those impacted by mental health issues 

The Mental Health Youth of the Year Award

The Mental Health Youth of the Year award aims to recognise a young person aged 16 to 25 years who has demonstrated an outstanding and exceptional contribution to mental health in Australia. 

The selection panel will consider the following in assessing and comparing nominations: 

• A person who has demonstrated excellence in the mental health sector by way of education, support, advocacy, or awareness 
• A person who undertakes positive mental health initiatives in the community 
• A person who inspires others with an innovative and creative approach towards increasing positive mental health in the community 
• A person who seeks to remove the stigma surrounding mental health issues and who seeks positive outcomes for those impacted by mental health issues 
• A person whose future plans and goals are likely to create a major shift in service delivery/societal attitude towards mental health 
  

The Mental Health Senior of the Year Award

The Mental Health Senior of the Year award aims to recognise and celebrate the important work of a senior Australian, over 60 years of age, many of whom work quietly in the community with a focus on mental health.



The selection panel will consider the following in assessing and comparing nominations:

• A person who has demonstrated a caring, inclusive, and respectful approach towards those with mental health issues or carers
• A person who has made a considerable contribution to the knowledge base of mental health in Australia
• A person who strives to educate others and grow mental health literacy
• A person whose positive attitude towards better mental health has inspired and been the seed for change in their community and family
• A person who demonstrates the importance of mental health issues within the community
• Someone who seeks to remove the stigma surrounding mental health issues and who seeks positive outcomes for those impacted by mental health issues
  

The Mental Health Musician of the Year Award

The Mental Health Musician of the Year award aims to recognise and celebrate the important role of music in supporting good mental health.

The selection panel will consider the following in assessing and comparing nominations for a piece of music:

• Does the piece contribute to calmness, positivity, and/or resilience?
• Could the piece have broad application in a mental healing context?
• Does the piece demonstrate exceptional musicality?
• Note: The winning musician/group will be invited to perform the piece at The Official Launch of National Multicultural Mental Health Month at Australian Indian Community Charitable Trust (AICCT) – October 4th 2025. MHFA would have the unlimited rights to use all or part of the winning piece of music free of charge in MHFA marketing material while giving credit to the owner.
  

The Mental Health International Advocate of the Year Award

The Mental Health International Advocate of the Year award aims to celebrate the achievements and contributions of a selfless advocate outside of Australia who contributed tirelessly to the Mental Health Sector.

The selection panel will consider the following in assessing and comparing nominations:

• A person who strives to educate others and grow mental health literacy
• A person who undertakes positive mental health initiatives in the community
• A person who is respectful and supportive of those with mental health issues in the community
• A person who approaches the problems associated with mental health in creative and innovative ways
• A person who promotes an inclusive and respectful attitude to those with mental health difficulties and those who care for them
• A person who demonstrates the importance of mental health issues within the community
• Someone who seeks to remove the stigma surrounding mental health issues and who seeks positive outcomes for those impacted by mental health issues