An orange logo on purple background, title reads MHCC ACT Media Release

Canberra Celebrates Champions at 2024 Mental Health Month Awards 

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Media release

The local 2024 Mental Health Month Awards have shone a spotlight on the outstanding contributions of individuals, groups, and organisations working to improve mental health and wellbeing in the ACT. Held as part of Mental Health Month, this year’s awards honoured local champions who have made significant strides in reducing stigma, supporting recovery, and promoting a more inclusive and mentally healthy community. 

The winners represent a broad cross-section of the community, from carers and advocates to innovative mental health practitioners and organisations fostering lived experience-led change. Their achievements highlight the importance of community-driven mental health initiatives and the impact of peer support, education, and advocacy on improving mental health outcomes across the region. 

“Each of this year’s award winners embodies the spirit of resilience, innovation, and community. Their dedication to improving mental health in Canberra and beyond is both inspiring and essential to the wellbeing of so many individuals. We are incredibly proud to recognise their contributions,” xxx said. 

“These awards celebrate not only individual achievements but also the collective efforts of our community to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for those affected by mental health challenges. Canberra’s mental health sector continues to lead the way in advocating for person-centred care and promoting positive change.” 

The 2024 Mental Health Month Awards were presented to the following recipients: 

General Community Awards 

  1. Community Connection through Recovery Award – Nova Marmion 
  1. Innovative Person-Centred Supports Award – Vendra Begonja 
  1. Leadership Through Lived Experience Award: Consumer – Beth Garwood 
  1. Mental Health Carer Award – Dalanglin Dkhar 
  1. Mentally Healthy Community Award (Group) – Mental Illness Education ACT Volunteer Program 
  1. Mentally Healthy Community Award (Individual) – Ravi Krishnamurthy 

ACT Mental Health Consumer Network Awards 

  1. ACT Mental Health Consumer Network Scholarship – Julia Bocking 
  • Lived Experience Ally Recognition Award (Group) – ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Partnership Group 
  1. Lived Experience Ally Recognition Award (Individual) – Catherine Vonarx 
  1. David Perrin Award – Amy Warner 
  1. Consumer Small Business Grant – Felicity Maher 

“These individuals and groups are changing lives and leading by example. They demonstrate how lived and living experience and compassion can drive real change in mental health services and attitudes. Their efforts are making our community stronger and more connected,” xxx said. 

The 2024 Mental Health Month Awards are a vital part of raising awareness, reducing stigma, and encouraging more people to seek support in their mental health journeys. As Canberra continues to lead in mental health advocacy and peer support, these awards highlight the critical work being done at all levels to create a healthier, more supportive community. 

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