With the pressures of COVID-19 restrictions, followed by the current cost of living issues, the work of mental health professionals has rarely been so important.
Now is the time to put them in the spotlight and recognise the amazing work they do in communities across Australia.
On June 14, nominations opened for the Australian Mental Health Prize, which seeks to recognise the important and ground-breaking work that many Australians do in this area.
This year organisers have expanded the nomination categories for the first time.
Lucy Brogden, co-chair of the Australian Mental Health Prize Advisory Committee, said she was looking forward to shining a light on those that had shown outstanding leadership.
“There is no doubt that the past few years have been some of the most challenging in recent history,” Ms Brogden said.
“Yet many inspiring Australians have shown true leadership in supporting good mental health and the prevention and treatment of mental illness, in areas such as advocacy, research or community service.
“We want people across the country to nominate these heroes so that we can acknowledge their important work.”
Co-chair and past winner of the prize, Professor Allan Fels, is encouraging the public and organisations to nominate those who are making an incredible difference.
“Australia has produced some astoundingly effective mental health initiatives and programs,” Mr Fels said.
“Recognising this work will help to keep mental health on the national agenda and support good mental health in this country.
“While a lot has been achieved and is in progress, there is still so much more to be done.
“I strongly encourage all Australians to nominate someone whom they believe should be recognised for their critical work in mental health.”
This year, the prize has expanded to accept nominations in four categories:
- Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander: To recognise and celebrate outstanding Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander mental health leadership at a national or community level;
- Lived experience: To recognise and celebrate outstanding mental health leadership by someone with lived experience of mental health, either personally or as a supporter, at a national level;
- Professional: To recognise and celebrate outstanding mental health leadership in the clinical, academic or professional sectors at a national level; and
- Community hero: To recognise and celebrate outstanding mental health leadership at a state or community level.
The Australian Mental Health Prize was established in 2016 by the University of New South Wales.
Henry Brodaty, professor of Ageing and Mental Health at UNSW, said leadership came in many shapes and sizes.
“Which is why we feel it is important to broaden the nominations across four significant categories,” Mr Brodaty said.
“While we will continue to recognise people who have dedicated their lives to improving the mental health of Australians, we specifically wanted to shine a light on the incredible work of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health leaders.
“(As well as) people with lived experience, who have so much insight and wisdom to share.
“We also wanted to recognise our community heroes, as a great deal of innovative work begins at a grass-roots level in local communities.”
To enter, nominators will answer three questions about the nominee’s contribution to mental health and how it is making an impact.
You can nominate a deserving Benalla and district-based mental health professional by visiting australianmentalhealthprize.org.au