How to write
a great nomination
Behind every nomination is a powerful story waiting to be heard. Whether you’re putting forward an inspiring individual or a groundbreaking organisation, a strong nomination can help their impact shine.
But what separates a good nomination from a memorable one? If you’re thinking about nominating someone in the Queensland Mental Health Awards, this is your guide.
You know their work matters. Make others feel it too.
Writing a compelling nomination isn’t about flowery language or buzzwords. It’s about clarity, honesty and providing tangible examples. Judges don’t know the nominee personally. Your job is to make them care.
Imagine having a conversation with a friend and telling them about the amazing work an organisation or individual have been doing in their specific field. You’re not pitching an idea. You’re capturing truth. Don’t be afraid to go deep. Real, tangible results speak volumes.
Start with the facts. Then build the picture.
Begin by laying out what they do in clear terms. Eg. What problem are they tackling? What exactly have they done that’s different? Who benefits from their work, and how?
From there, bring it to life with concrete examples. Eg. Emma helped 14 young people access safe housing within three months. The organisation trained over 200 frontline workers across regional Queensland with zero funding in year one.
These aren’t just numbers. They’re proof of commitment, grit and impact.
Practical tips to make your nomination unforgettable
- Use plain language.
Skip the jargon. Write like you speak. If it sounds too formal, rewrite it. Judges are people, not policy documents.
- Be specific.
Don’t just say they’re passionate or a leader. Show us.
- Include outcomes and impact, not just activities.
It’s not just what they did. It’s what changed because of it.
- Let their voice shine if you can.
If you’ve heard the nominee speak about their work, include a quote. Something short. Something real. This brings personality and emotion to the page.
- Stick to the word limits.
More isn’t always better. Say it simply, then stop.
Common mistakes to avoid
Vagueness
Phrases like “made a big impact” or “transformed lives” don’t tell us anything without context. Always ask how and show the impact with real life examples.
Listing roles instead of results
Saying someone was on three boards and two committees is less persuasive than sharing what they actually did on those boards. Always think impact!
Forgetting to proofread
Typos won’t ruin a great story. But clean writing helps judges focus on the message. Make it easy for them to digest.
You’re the voice behind their impact
If you’re reading this, you already know someone doing amazing work. They’re not asking for recognition. That’s why your voice matters. You’ve seen the late nights. The hard decisions. The breakthroughs. Now you get to put that into words.
This isn’t about perfection. It’s about showing someone’s real contribution in a way that resonates. Don’t hold back.
Your words could be the reason someone’s work is celebrated, funded or finally seen. Be part of recognising extraordinary efforts in Mental Health through the Queensland Mental Health Awards, hosted by Open Minds.