In a ceremony hosted at UNSW Sydney, the 2023 Australian Mental Health Prize has shone a spotlight on remarkable individuals who have made significant strides in the field of mental health advocacy.
The prestigious awards, presented by the Hon Emma McBride MP, Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, honor those who have demonstrated outstanding dedication to advancing mental health causes. The winners of the 2023 Australian Mental Health Prize are as follows:
Megan Krakouer – Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander: This award acknowledges and celebrates exceptional leadership in Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander mental health, whether at a national or community level.
Dr. Geoffrey Toogood – Lived experience: Dr. Toogood’s remarkable journey, marked by personal experience with mental health challenges, has earned him recognition for outstanding mental health leadership on a national scale, both as a survivor and supporter.
Professor Maree Toombs – Professional: This award recognizes and commends exceptional mental health leadership in the clinical, academic, or professional sectors on a national level.
Ali Faraj – Community hero: Ali Faraj’s impactful contributions to mental health leadership within a state or community context have earned him well-deserved recognition.
Professor Attila Brungs, Vice-Chancellor and President, expressed admiration for the awardees, stating, “These remarkable individuals have not only inspired us but provided a guiding light for our nation’s mental health journey. Their unwavering dedication to creating change serves as a testament to the power of resilience, compassion, and innovation in transforming the mental health landscape. We are privileged to honor their exceptional contributions to our society.”
Professor Allan Fels AO, a past winner and co-chair of the Australian Mental Health Prize Advisory Group, added, “These remarkable winners epitomize community leadership and resilience, channeling their personal experiences into transformative initiatives. Through their innovative efforts, they’ve dismantled stigma, ignited crucial conversations, and left an indelible impact on the landscape of mental health.”
The 2023 Australian Mental Health Prize not only recognizes these exceptional leaders but also serves as a reminder of the importance of mental health advocacy in creating a more compassionate and understanding society.
