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Last night, Western Australians were recognised for their leadership and commitment to mental health at the 2019 Western Australian Mental Health Awards.

Almost 150 nominations were received across eight categories, with the winners selected for their dedication to improving the mental health and wellbeing of Western Australians.

The Mental Health Minister awarded Perth Inner City Youth Service the Diversity Award, for its strong focus on assisting young LGBTIQA people who are experiencing disconnection from their family, and associated mental health challenges and homelessness.

The Pilbara’s Aboriginal Males Healing Centre won the Lotterywest Innovation for Change Award and Coondanup College was awarded the Mentally Healthy Education Award.

The awards are followed by the two-day 2019 WA Mental Health Conference which starts today at the Hyatt Perth with more than 400 delegates attending from across Australia.

With the theme, Strengthening our Community, the conference explores opportunities to work together to holistically address mental health issues in WA.

Keynote speakers include:

• Australian College of Mental Health Nurses’ 2017 Mental Health Nurse of the year Matt Ball,
• �Թ���վ Mental Health Commissioner Professor Helen Milroy, and
• Tennis champion Jelena Dokic who will share her struggles both on and off the court and how she found the strength and hope to forge on.

The conference and the awards are hosted by the Western Australian Association for Mental Health, with the support of the Western Australian Mental Health Commission.

As stated by Mental Health Minister Roger Cook:

“We know it takes a whole of community approach to tackle mental health and wellbeing.

“By bringing the sector together, and recognising the outstanding work of individuals and organisations, we can share best practice and develop partnerships, so that the whole Western Australian community benefits.

“If we work together to harness our collective strengths across Government and non-government organisations, we can more holistically help people living with mental health issues.”