Open Minds is excited to announce the winners of the 28th Queensland Mental Health Week Achievement Awards.
These esteemed awards celebrate outstanding individuals, organisations, and initiatives that have made remarkable contributions to improving mental health outcomes throughout Queensland.
The winners were selected from a strong pool of nominations, showcasing excellence in promoting mental health, reducing stigma, and supporting those living with mental illness.
Open Minds Chief Executive Officer, Kate Johnson said these awards are the state’s leading event dedicated to recognising the extraordinary efforts of those who truly make a difference in the mental health sector.
“This year’s recipients have been celebrated for their significant contribution and exceptional dedication to fostering inclusion, raising awareness, and enhancing the wellbeing of Queenslanders,” said Kate.
“We are immensely proud of the high standard of this year’s nominations. Each finalist exemplifies an unwavering commitment to advancing mental health services and advocacy. These awards not only honour their remarkable achievements but also underscore the collective progress we are making in this vital field.”
The winners in each of the 11 award categories were revealed during the Awards breakfast ceremony held on Friday, 11 October 2024, at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.
This event highlights the often-unsung heroes within the mental health community and encourages ongoing efforts to enhance mental health support across Queensland.
The winners represent a diverse range of sectors, reflecting a broad commitment to mental health improvement. They include schools promoting student well-being, workplaces advancing employee mental health, and community programs addressing isolation. Each finalist plays a critical role in elevating mental health services, education, and advocacy.
Winners in each category will receive $500 in prize money, while the overall winner was honoured with the Earle Duus Memorial Award which includes a $4,000 prize.
ENDS
Meet our winners
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Award
Sponsored by Richmond Fellowship Queensland
Yarns Heal – A statewide suicide prevention program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, particularly those identifying as LGBTQIA+ Sistergirl and Brotherboy. Yarns Heal offers culturally safe suicide prevention training, group support, and aftercare for families affected by suicide, ensuring culturally sensitive mental health interventions.
Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Award
Sponsored by Queensland Mental Health Commission
Queensland Transcultural Mental Health Centre – A statewide specialist service delivering culturally responsive mental health care for CALD communities, offering prevention, promotion, and early intervention programs alongside clinical care. Their bicultural workforce strengthens trust and integration for CALD individuals.
Early Years Award
Sponsored by Health and Wellbeing Queensland
Zero to Four Family Support Service – This service recruits and trains volunteers to support families with young children, focusing on mental health, early childhood development, and preventing re-entry into the child protection system. Through playgroups and mentoring, the program improves parenting confidence and child wellbeing.
Jeff Cheverton Individual Award
Sponsored by Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists
Ross Romeo – State Coordinator of CORES, Ross has trained 7,000 Queenslanders in suicide intervention, expanding the service statewide. His work includes organising bereavement groups and self-care workshops, making significant contributions to reducing suicide and promoting mental health awareness.
Jude Bugeja Lived Experience Excellence Award
Sponsored by Queensland Alliance for Mental Health
Nicki Walsh – Nicki uses her lived experience to shape perinatal and infant mental health services at the Queensland Centre for Perinatal & Infant Mental Health. Her projects, such as Q-LEAP, focus on consumer participation and early intervention for young families.
LGBTQIA+ Award
Sponsored by headspace
Queensland Council for LGBTI Health – ILC Disabilities Team – Since 2021, the team has provided social opportunities and training to reduce isolation for LGBTQIA+ individuals with disabilities. Their innovative LGBTQIA+ Disabilities training program enhances best practice care across Queensland.
Not-for-Profit Large Award (101+ Staff)
Sponsored by HESTA
Griffith Centre for Mental Health – Lived Experience Network – A community of over 140 individuals with lived experience, co-producing mental health research to ensure services are responsive to community needs. Lived Experience Network promotes safe co-production practices to foster impactful research outcomes.
Not-for-Profit Small Award (1-100 Staff)
Sponsored by Queensland Health
Youth Flourish Outdoors (YFO) – Provides trauma-informed, nature-based therapy for children and young people, fostering resilience, self-discovery, and belonging through outdoor activities. YFO is a trusted provider for youth facing severe trauma.
Schools Award
Sponsored by CheckUP
The Australian Trade College North Brisbane – Powered with Positivity Program – Addresses mental health risks in trade careers through positive psychology and a three-phase wellbeing approach, focusing on connection, growth, and independence.
Workplace Award: Community Wellbeing
Sponsored by Queensland Country Bank
Torque It Out by Wheelnutz Garage – Provides walk-in, no-appointment mental health support in a garage environment for men, blending automotive activities with therapeutic care to reduce stigma and promote mental wellbeing.
Workplace Award: Employee Wellbeing
Sponsored by Office of Industrial Relations
Powerlink Queensland – SpeakSafe Program – In partnership with Humanology Group, SpeakSafe focuses on psychological safety and mental health, improving engagement and flexible work conditions for over 1,500 employees.