MEDIA RELEASE - 30th Queensland Mental Health Awards Finalists Announced
Finalists have been announced for the 2026 Queensland Mental Health Awards, marking 30 years of recognising the individuals, organisations and initiatives improving mental health and wellbeing outcomes across Queensland.
The Awards, established in 1996, celebrate leadership, innovation and community impact across the state’s mental health sector and this year also sees the introduction of a new award category in the not-for-profit space.
Hosted by Open Minds, part of Vertaview Group, the Queensland Mental Health Awards highlight the contributions of people and organisations working to reduce stigma, strengthen communities and support Queenslanders experiencing mental ill health.
Open Minds CEO Karen Hale-Robertson said the finalists reflected the depth of commitment and innovation being demonstrated across Queensland.
“For 30 years, these awards have recognised the individuals, organisations and communities that strengthen and advance mental health support across Queensland. While every year is special, this year’s celebration of three decades of achievement, innovation and dedication across the sector is particularly significant.
“This year’s finalists again represent a diverse range of people and programs making a meaningful difference in the lives of others and demonstrating the importance of connection, inclusion and early support in creating stronger, healthier communities,” Ms Hale-Robertson said.
An expert judging panel selected finalists from nominations received from across Queensland and represent a broad cross-section of the community, including lived experience advocates, community organisations, schools, workplaces and mental health professionals.
The Awards continue to recognise excellence across areas including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health, community support, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, lived experience leadership, LGBTQIA+ inclusion, early years support and workplace wellbeing.
2026 Queensland Mental Health Awards Finalists
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Award: Cherbourg Suicide Prevention Action Network (SPAN) and Youth 2 Knowledge (Y2K)
Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Award: Habib Mahomed Jamal and Dr Nga Tran
Early Years Award: C&K Kirwan Community Kindergarten – Wellness Wednesday and The Woods Early Education Centre- Creek Kindy
Jeff Cheverton Individual Award: Dr Leon Stensholm, Suzanne Dang, Tayler Stevenson, Denise Abreu, Susan McHugh, Susan Gilmartin and Bettina Rowley
Jude Bugeja: Lived Experience Excellence Award: Andrew Namestnik, Samuel Harris, Tracey Tyley, Justin Geange, Naseema Mustapha, Suzanne Dang, Eating Disorders Queensland and Joyce Huang
LGBTQIA+ Award: Haven Psychology, Mara’s Café and Beyond Restrictions
Not-For-Profit: CQ Community Suicide Prevention Network Inc., Lookout07, Mind Australia Transitional Recovery Program, Upbeat Arts Ltd, Stride Mental Health – Better Mental Health, Closer to Home, Eating Disorders Queensland
Schools Award – Primary and Secondary: Carinity Education Southside, Prenzlau State School, Carinity Education Rockhampton, Maryvale State School, GOALED Support Package, Smiling Minds = Thriving Community, Loreto College Coorparoo, and PERMAH Power-Up
Workplace Award: Community Wellbeing: Transform Life- Complex Care Team, QAGOMA Arts and Health Program, Compass House Mental Health and Mental Health Lived Experience Peak Qld (MHLEPQ)
Workplace Award: Employee Wellbeing: Queensland Country Bank, Emmaus College, ECT and Specialist Services (Mood Disorder Clinic), Richmond Fellowship Queensland, Queensland Health Workplace Mental Health and Wellbeing and What do we need to THRIVE in our workplace?
Winners in each category, along with the recipient of the Earle Duus Memorial Award, will be announced at the Queensland Mental Health Awards breakfast on Friday 9 October 2026 at Brisbane City Hall as part of Queensland Mental Health Week.
About the Awards
The Queensland Mental Health Awards recognise achievements, leadership, innovation and community impact in mental health across Queensland. Hosted by Open Minds, the Awards have celebrated excellence in the sector since 1996 and are held annually during Queensland Mental Health Week.
