Winners of 6th Annual Mental Health Awards 2023

We are thrilled to share with you the outstanding achievements and contributions of individuals, organisations, and groups who have been recognized as the winners of the Mental Health Awards 2023, hosted by the Mental Health Foundation Australia (MHFA).


These remarkable winners have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the cause of mental health and their efforts are truly commendable. They have made a significant impact in reducing stigma and improving mental health outcomes for countless individuals across Australia.

About the Mental Health Awards

During National Multicultural Mental Health Month, the Mental Health Foundation Australia will be presenting the Mental Health Awards 2023. These awards aim to recognise and celebrate the achievements of individuals, organisations and groups who work tirelessly to remove stigma and raise awareness for mental health.


These individuals and groups provide support and build resilience in the lives of those impacted by mental healt­­­h issues across Australia. They inspire us through their achievements and challenge us to make our own contribution towards a better community with better mental health for all.


Awards will be given out across eight categories based on meeting or exceeding the judges’ criteria.

Key Dates

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  • Nominations open – August 10th 2023
  • Nominations close – 11:59pm September 10th 2023 
  • Award recipients announced – October 2nd 2023
  • Awards presented at: The Official Launch of National Multicultural Mental Health Month – October 16th 2023


Nomination Categories

Eligibility

  • Nominees must be Australian Citizens (except in the two International categories)
  • Self-nominations will not be accepted (except in the music category)
  • Nominees must be at least 18 years of age or older for the Advocate of the Year award, and between 16-25 years to be eligible for the Youth of the Year award
  • Unsuccessful nominees may be re-nominated in subsequent years
  • Successful nominees from prior years may not be nominated in the same category for the next 2 years
  • No weight is given to how many times a person is nominated
  • Groups of people or a couple will normally not be eligible; though in exceptional circumstances the selection panel reserve the right to consider such nominations

Criteria for Nominations

In choosing the recipients for the awards, regard is given to the nominee’s achievements in the 2022/23 financial year as well as the contributions past and present made towards positive mental health within the Australian community.


The selection criteria are:

  • A significant positive contribution towards the mental health sector
  • An inspirational role model for the mental health sector to follow
  • Demonstrated innovation/excellence in service delivery

Assessment Criteria

  • Mental Health Advocate of the Year

    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

  • Mental Health Organisation of the Year

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


    • An organisation which strives to educate, support, and advocate for mental wellbeing and which seeks to break the stigma surrounding mental health issues.
    • An organisation which 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 wellbeing.



  • Mental Health Volunteer of the Year

    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

  • Mental Health Youth of the Year

    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 toward mental health

  • Mental Health Senior of the Year

    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

  • Mental Health Musician of the Year

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


    • 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?





  • Mental Health International Advocate of the Year

    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



  • Mental Health International Volunteer of the Year

    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



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