Nine awards presented for outstanding contributions to mental health
Winners of the WA Mental Health Awards – which aim to recognise and reward the achievements of those who demonstrate excellence, innovation and initiative in supporting consumers of mental health services – have been announced for 2021.
The Awards are hosted annually by the Western Australian Association for Mental Health with the support of the Mental Health Commission to recognise individuals, schools, workplaces, service providers and community organisations to improving the mental health and wellbeing of Western Australians.
This year there were 158 nominations across nine award categories with 27 individuals, schools, employers and community groups named as finalists.
The awards are judged by a panel from diverse parts of the mental health sector including individuals with lived experience. This year’s winners are:
Lived Experience Impact and Inspiration Award: Julian Pace. For outstanding contribution to mental health in WA by an individual who identifies as having a lived experience (consumer, carer or family member). Sponsored by the Mental Health Commission.
Diversity Award: Connection and Wellbeing Australia. For an individual, organisation or group that embraces diversity and promotes inclusion with an initiative that benefits a particular population group. Sponsored by Lotterywest.
Mental Health Employee or Volunteer Excellence Award: Irene Patroni. For outstanding contribution to mental health in WA by an individual employed or volunteering in the sector. Sponsored by Act-Belong-Commit.
Mentally Healthy Workplace Award: Clough. For a workplace that encourages, supports and promotes good mental health for its staff. Sponsored by the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia.
Mentally Healthy Education Award: Mount Barker Community College. For educational institutions that encourage, support and promote good mental health for its students, staff and volunteers. Sponsored by the Commissioner for Children and Young People.
Innovation for Change Award: Yawardani Jan-ga. For outstanding contribution to mental health in WA by an individual employed or volunteering in the sector. Sponsored by Youth Focus.
News Media Award: Shireen Narayanan, Invasion Films and Celia Tait, Artemis Media – Documentary: Wild Butterfly. For excellence in journalism and reporting on mental health. Sponsored by Western Australian Association for Mental Health.
Promotion or Prevention Award: Youth Focus. For outstanding contribution to prevention and/or promotion in mental health. Sponsored by Lifeline WA.
Minister’s Award: Juli Coffin. For someone who has displayed best practice at every level and a true dedication to service in the 2021 calendar year. Sponsored by Mental Health Minister Stephen Dawson.
As stated by Mental Health Minister Stephen Dawson:
“These Awards recognise outstanding commitment to improving the mental health and wellbeing of the most vulnerable people in our community.
“I would like to thank everyone who was nominated for this year’s awards for the outstanding work each of you do, every day of the year.
“I know every single individual and group working in our mental health sector is dedicated to promoting excellence and best practice, and the McGowan Government is proud to partner with you to provide better outcomes for all Western Australians.”
