A moment to honour our mental health champions

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Award

  Cherbourg Suicide Prevention Action Network (SPAN)

  The Cherbourg Suicide Prevention Action Network (SPAN) has transformed the R U OK? message into a culturally led, community-driven approach to suicide prevention. Through local leadership, safe spaces, community events and youth engagement, the group has reduced stigma, strengthened help-seeking behaviours and inspired other First Nations communities to follow its model.

• Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Award

  Dr Nga Tran

  Dr Nga Tran provides culturally safe, trauma-informed psychiatric care for refugees and asylum seekers facing significant barriers to mental health support. Through accessible specialist services, collaboration with interpreters and community organisations, and a commitment to equity, she helps vulnerable people achieve recovery, stability, dignity and inclusion.

• Early Years Award

  C&K Kirwan Community Kindergarten - Wellness Wednesday

  The Wellness Wednesday initiative at C&K Kirwan Community Kindergarten creates a supportive environment where children and families develop emotional wellbeing, resilience and healthy habits together. Through play-based experiences, mindfulness, movement and family engagement, the program builds emotional literacy, self-regulation, confidence and stronger connections across the kindergarten community.

• Jeff Cheverton Individual Award

  Sponsored by The Royal Australian & New Zealand College of Psychiatrists

  Bettina Rowley

  Bettina Rowley is an accredited mental health social worker and clinical leader whose work has transformed support for veterans experiencing tinnitus-related psychological distress. Through developing a specialised cognitive behavioural therapy program, advocating for equitable access to care, and mentoring clinicians, she has improved wellbeing, strengthened relationships, and helped veterans reconnect with their communities.

• Jude Bugeja: Lived Experience Excellence Award

  Sponsored by Queensland Alliance for Mental Health

  Eating Disorders Queensland

  The Eating Disorders Queensland (EDQ) Lived Experience Team is transforming eating disorder recovery through peer-led support, education, advocacy and systems change. Drawing on lived and living experience, the team creates hope, reduces isolation, expands access to specialist services, and ensures consumer voices shape more inclusive, recovery-focused mental health support across Queensland.

• LGBTQIA+ Award

  Sponsored by headspace National

  Mara's Café

  Mara’s Café is a student-led initiative at Brisbane State High School that strengthens inclusion, belonging and wellbeing for LGBTQIA+ students and their allies. Through peer leadership, awareness campaigns, strong referral pathways and community partnerships, the group reduces isolation, encourages help-seeking, and creates a safer, more connected school culture.

• Not-For-Profit Organisation Award (Small)

  CQ Community Suicide Prevention Network Inc.

  CQ Community Suicide Prevention Network Inc. is a volunteer-led network that has strengthened suicide prevention across Central Queensland since 2014. Through free education, training, community awareness campaigns and collaborative initiatives, the network empowers individuals and organisations to create a suicide-safer community while fostering connection, hope, and meaningful community participation.

• Schools Award: Primary & Secondary

  GOALED Support Package - A Whole-School Approach to Mental Health and Wellbeing

  The GOALED Support Package at Redbank Plains State High School provides personalised, relationship-based support for students in out-of-home care. Through mentoring, wellbeing planning, career development and coordinated partnerships, the program strengthens belonging, resilience and engagement, creating meaningful pathways for vulnerable young people to succeed at school and beyond.

• Workplace Award: Community Wellbeing

  Sponsored by Richmond Fellowship Queensland

  Rise: Queensland's Mental Health Lived Experience Peak, formerly Mental Health Lived Experience Peak Queensland (MHLEPQ)

  Mental Health Lived Experience Peak Queensland (MHLEPQ) is Queensland’s peak body for people with lived and living experience of mental health challenges. Through systems advocacy, leadership development, policy influence and community engagement, the organisation amplifies consumer voices, promotes human rights, fosters inclusion and empowers people to shape a more responsive and equitable mental health system.

• Workplace Award: Employee Wellbeing

  Queensland Country Bank

  Queensland Country Bank places employee wellbeing at the centre of its organisational culture through a comprehensive approach that integrates mental health, flexibility, inclusion and workplace support. Through Mental Health First Aid training, wellbeing-focused leadership, generous employee benefits and innovative initiatives such as Sonder, the organisation empowers employees and their families to thrive.