Suicide Prevention Australia, the peak body, has announced the recipients of the 20th Annual National LiFE (Living is For Everyone) Awards which celebrate the commitment and determination of those working towards the reduction of suicide within our communities.
Suicide Prevention Australia CEO, Nieves Murray said, “The LiFE Awards honour those who have shown leadership, compassion, and innovation in their efforts to prevent suicide and support to those who are struggling. Each year, we are even more blown away by the calibre of nominations.
“We will continue to work together to turn the trend towards zero and today we celebrate the tireless efforts of those who have demonstrated excellence in suicide prevention.
Last night, the National LiFE Awards were announced during the Gala Dinner at the National Suicide Prevention Conference in Canberra.
Innovation Award
The recipient for innovation, Vicki McKenna, Head of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Lived Experience Network, Black Dog Institute. Vicki is both a Yawuru and Bunuba Jarndu (woman) with significant experience working in social and emotional wellbeing, suicide prevention, postvention support and care, and critical response work. Vicki is a trained counsellor and a child psychotherapist who also has lived experience, having lost family and community members to suicide and has her own experience of suicidality.
Impact Award
The recipient for impact, Karen Phillips, Former General Manager, StandBy Support after Suicide. Karen has made an outstanding contribution to the growth and development of one of the most significant postvention services in Australia. StandBy’s services have grown and matured under Karen’s leadership over the past 10 years from a small pilot service on the Sunshine Coast to a national service across all states and territories.
Impact Highly Commended Award
The highly commended recipient for impact, Lifeline Queensland (13YARN). 13YARN is the first national crisis support line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping. The team offer a confidential one-on-one yarning opportunity with a Lifeline-trained Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporter who can provide support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
“Suicide is a complex issue that requires a collaborative and multi-disciplinary approach. With the help of the many talented and dedicated individuals and organisations such as these LiFE Awards recipients, we are making important strides towards reducing the incidence of suicide in our communities.
“On behalf of Suicide Prevention Australia, I’d like to thank and congratulate the 2023 recipients for their vital contribution to the lives of others and all who submitted nominations. The LiFE Awards help showcase the important work so many do around Australia,” said Nieves Murray.
The 2024 LiFE Awards will open in the coming months. If you’d like to learn more head to our website for more information.
ENDS
To get help 24/7, phone Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467. If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, phone 000 for emergency services.
Help to report about suicide safely is available online: Go to https://mindframe.org.au/
Media enquiries:
Clare Kinsella 0427 689 689 or clarek@suicidepreventionaust.org
Georgina Beasley 0437 552 280 or georginab@suicidepreventionaust.org
About Suicide Prevention Australia
Suicide Prevention Australia is the national peak body and we’ve been providing support for Australia’s suicide prevention sector for more than 30 years. We support and advocate for our members to drive continual improvement in suicide prevention policy, programs and services. Our reach is broad, including member organisations, governments, businesses, researchers, practitioners and those with lived experience. We are focused on an integrated approach to suicide prevention encompassing mental health, social, economic and community factors. We believe that through collaborative effort and shared purpose, we can achieve our vision of a world without suicide.