The is awarded annually to an Australian who has made outstanding contributions to the field of mental health.
Co-Directors Professor Henry Brodaty and Professor Perminder Sachdev, both members of the Prize Advisory Board, encourage nominations that will recognise Australians who have made exceptional contributions to either the promotion of mental health, or the prevention and treatment of mental illness.
To be shortlisted or win the Prize is a great honour.
“We encourage you to nominate someone you work with or believe has had a positive impact in mental health,” said Professor Henry Brodaty.
Nominations of individuals who were previously nominated, but were not finalists, are welcomed.
This year’s Prize is more important than ever, as we are experiencing the social and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, which in turn affect our mental health and wellbeing. Now, more than ever, we must recognise the vital and ground-breaking work that many Australians are contributing to improve mental health.
“Mental health services in Australia have been under pressure for a long time and are frequently reported in a negative light. However, there are hundreds of private citizens who make big and small contributions, often with little or no support from government,” said Professor Perminder Sachdev.
“Please nominate one or more of them so that we as a society can recognise these selfless contributions.”
Ita Buttrose AC OBE, Chair of the Australian Mental Health Prize Advisory Group, will announce the finalists on Monday 26 October. The winner of the Prize will be announced at a gala event in November.
Last year’s dual winners of the award were Joe Williams, a tireless community advocate for suicide prevention, and Christine Morgan, a passionate and dynamic leader in mental health reform who was recently appointed as Suicide Prevention Advisor to the Prime Minister. Mr Williams runs an organisation called The Enemy Within and Ms Morgan is the CEO of the ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Mental Health Commission.
To make a nomination, simply submit the CV of the person you are nominating, along with 200 words outlining the work they do and how it is making an impact. Submit your entry at
Nominations close on Sunday 30 August 2020.
The Prize is supported by UNSW’s School of Psychiatry.
