The nominations for 2022 are now CLOSED

The Mental Health Matters Awards recognise the outstanding achievements of individuals, groups and organisations that have worked to improve understanding, awareness, service provision and the general mental health of communities in NSW over the past year (2021— 2022).

Nominations close Friday, August 5th 11:59pm.

Prizes for award winners
The winner of each award category will receive $1000 and an engraved award plaquette.

Know someone doing excellent work in mental health? You can nominate yourself, a program you work for/with, or a program or person you know.

For full category descriptions, requirements and links to nominate, please see below.

Nomination questions

Please read the following information before submitting a nomination

  • Projects, programs or initiatives nominated must be accessible to, and have relevance for, the people of NSW.
  • We do not accept nominations for service in multiple categories.
  • Only one nomination for an organisation or individual will be accepted; nomination submissions will be judged on the quality of nomination, not quantity.
  • Staff and volunteers of WayAhead, and/or any of the sponsors of the Awards (including, but not limited to, ACON) are not eligible for nomination.
  • Previous award winners are not eligible for self-nomination for three years following the receipt of their award.

We are here to help and answer any questions you may have about the Awards or the nomination process, including support to complete your nomination. Contact us on (02) 9339 6004 or promo.admin@wayahead.org.au

Nomination questions

Award Nominations

Click on your category below to submit your nomination.

Mental Health Matters Youth Award

Recognising excellence and/or innovation in programs, projects or initiatives that have focused their efforts on prevention and early intervention with young people.

Apply here

Mental Health Matters
Community Initiative Award

Recognising small, grass-roots, community-run groups, projects or events whose key aims are to improve the mental health and wellbeing of marginalised communities, particularly Culturally and Linguistically Diverse communities, and facilitate access to culturally appropriate information and services. This may also include ongoing groups focused on mental health or awareness-raising events that have impacted the local community.
Apply here

Aboriginal Social and Emotional
Wellbeing Award

Recognising programs, projects, people or initiatives that enhance the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal communities.

Apply here

Outstanding Achievement in Mental Health Promotion Award

Recognising excellence and/or innovation in mental health promotion activities programs or initiatives that contribute to increased awareness, reduced stigma, and enhanced wellbeing related to mental health and/or mental ill-health.

Apply here

Julie Leitch Leadership through Lived Experience Award

Recognising an individual with lived experience of mental ill-health, mental illness, or a carer of someone with lived experience, who has made outstanding contributions to advocacy and social change benefitting people with lived experiences. This can relate to a specific program the person has initiated/coordinated, or a dedication to lifelong work in this area.

Apply here

WayAhead Workplaces Wellbeing Award

Recognising organisations who have actively created a positive work environment for all employees and support employees in their mental health & wellbeing in the workplace. The prize for this award includes special access to some features of the WayAhead Workplaces program.

Apply here

Mental Health Matters Media and the Arts Award

Recognising individuals or organisations who have created thoughtful, informative and responsibly reported media and/or artistic projects relating to mental health illness. This may include such things as journalism, visual art projects, theatrical projects, or musical projects.

Apply here

Mental Health Matters Rainbow Inclusion Award

Recognising mental health-related programs, projects or initiatives that demonstrate commitment to the mental health and wellbeing of LGBTIQA+ people.

Apply here