LiFE Awards

For over two decades, the Suicide Prevention Australia LiFE Awards – Living is For Everyone have recognised outstanding contributions to suicide prevention.

The LiFE Awards aim to showcase the important work being done in states and territories across Australia by individuals and organisations to prevent suicide and support those in need.

Suicide Prevention Australia’s LiFE Awards are part of our commitment to shining a light on the dedication and passion exhibited by so many who work tirelessly towards our shared vision of a world without suicide.

There are six LiFE Award categories which recognise the diverse and innovative efforts being undertaken to help save lives by individuals and organisations at a state and territory level. We encourage everyone who believes that they fulfill these criteria to nominate for the 2027 LiFE Awards. Every year, we are deeply moved by the high quality of submissions from across Australia.

The 2027 LiFE Awards for each state/territory will be presented by Suicide Prevention Australia at ceremonies across the country. These presentations are an opportunity for individuals and organisations to showcase the important work they are doing in our communities to help prevent suicide. Final dates for these state ceremonies will be provided to all nominees.

State and Territory LiFE Awards recipients will be automatically eligible for the National LiFE Awards in their nominated category. National LiFE Awards recipients will be announced at the National Suicide Prevention Conference (NSPC27) at Princes Wharf No 1 in Hobart on Wednesday, 19 May 2027.

2027 LiFE Awards key dates

14 September 2026:
Nominations open

26 October 2026:
Nominations close

9 November – 14 December 2026:
State/territory judging

February – March 2027:
State/territory presentations
National judging

19 May 2027:
National LiFE Awards Gala Dinner @ NSPC27 – Hobart

Eligibility

Nominations are open to any individual or organisation in Australia that has showcased tangible outcomes in their involvement with suicide prevention initiatives and activities. You can nominate yourself or nominate an individual or organisation on their behalf within the state and/or territory they operate.

Please note:

  • You do not have to be a Member or Subscriber of Suicide Prevention Australia to apply.
  • Current staff or Board members of Suicide Prevention Australia are ineligible to nominate or be nominated.
  • Nominees are permitted to nominate for a maximum of three categories.

LiFE Award winners can reapply after one year has elapsed (i.e. if you received a LiFE Award in 2026, you can only reapply in 2028). You may nominate a different campaign, event, or initiative on the condition that there is a significant difference from the previously successful LiFE Award nomination.

The Suicide Prevention Australia team are available to assist you throughout the nomination process. For further information or clarification, please contact the team by calling 02 9262 1130 or emailing: membership@suicidepreventionaust.org

2027 LiFE Awards Nomination Guidelines

View Guidelines

Judging

The State Awards judging panel will comprise three independent judges, who will adhere to strict confidentiality and conflict of interest agreements. The panel will include a representative with lived experience, along with State/Territory Committee members.

The National Awards are judged by independent third parties under the guidance of our National LiFE Awards Chair.

State and National Awards judging panels will assess entries against the following criteria:

  • Completion of a nomination form
  • Clear description of the nominee’s role or the initiative nominated and how it aligns with their values
  • Reasoning for the initiative nominated or the nominee’s engagement in the initiative
  • Evidence of best practice with consideration to improvement practices showing sustainability
  • Engagement with lived experience of suicide
  • Evidence of collaboration with other stakeholders
  • What personal values and skills do they bring to suicide prevention?
  • What are the benefits/impacts of the nominee’s contribution to the sector?

Nominations

Nominations must be received by 11:59pm AEDT Monday 26 October 2026.

All applications must address the questions outlined in the Nomination Form.

The Nomination Form can be submitted online.

Complete online form

Other ways to complete form:

  • Email: Download the form and return via email to:
    membership@suicidepreventionaust.org
  • Post: Download and print the form and post your completed form to:
    Suicide Prevention Australia, GPO Box 219, Sydney NSW 2001.

For further information or clarification, please contact the team by calling 02 9262 1130 or emailing: membership@suicidepreventionaust.org

Download form
National LiFE Awards recipients with Nieves Murray

LiFE Award categories

Best Practice in Workplace (Organisations only)

This award recognises an organisation that demonstrates exceptional commitment to suicide prevention and mental wellbeing in the workplace.

It appreciates workplaces that go above and beyond to support the health, safety, and sustainability of their workforce by embedding effective structures, policies, and practices that:

  • Promote mental health and wellbeing,
  • Prevent suicide, and
  • Provide compassionate support for those impacted by suicide.

These workplaces lead by example, reflecting best practice in employee wellbeing and creating supportive, inclusive environments where people feel safe, valued, and connected.

Communities in Action

The Communities in Action category honours the vital role that individuals and organisations play at the local level in driving suicide prevention efforts.

This award recognises grassroots leadership and community-led initiatives that foster connection, build resilience, and create safe spaces for conversations about mental health and suicide prevention.

Examples may include the development of a local suicide prevention or mental wellbeing plan, or community-based activities that strengthen social ties and support help-seeking.

At its core, this category celebrates the power of communities working together—because lasting change in suicide prevention starts with action at the local level.

Innovative Practice and Research

This category recognises innovative research and practical initiatives—led by individuals or organisations—that enhance our understanding and effectiveness in suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention.

It highlights forward-thinking approaches that may respond to emerging challenges or strengthen best practice in suicide prevention. This includes:

  • Research that delivers new insights or advances knowledge in the field;
  • Innovations that improve how we address, prevent, or respond to suicidal behaviours; and
  • Practical actions that make a measurable impact within communities.

These contributions help shape a more informed, effective, and responsive suicide prevention sector—one that is equipped to meet both current and future challenges.

Outstanding Contribution - Individual or Organisation

Separate Award Categories for Individuals and Organisations

In recognition of the unique and powerful contributions made by both individuals and organisations, we will be accepting separate nominations for each in the Outstanding Contribution category.

We encourage nominations from individuals and organisations who work to reduce the rate and impact of suicide, and who have tremendous heart, skills and experience. Whether they are volunteers or working in paid positions or an organisation it is through their efforts, insight and initiative that our communities become stronger and more resilient. They support individuals and communities, and stand up for better services in suicide prevention, intervention and postvention.

Priority Populations

This award celebrates innovative service delivery by an individual or organisation that demonstrates cultural responsiveness, breaks down barriers, promotes inclusion, and delivers improved outcomes for those at risk.

It recognises initiatives that make a meaningful difference by:

  • Addressing, preventing, or responding to suicidal behaviours in populations and communities disproportionately impacted by suicide; and/or
  • Identifying critical service gaps and embedding creative, evidence-informed solutions that better support people in need.

These efforts drive equitable access, foster community trust, and contribute to lasting, positive change in suicide prevention.

Thank you to our 2026 LiFE Awards sponsors

National LiFE Awards Gala Dinner Sponsor:

 

LiFE Awards Gala Dinner Venue Sponsor:

 

City of Sydney logo

Victoria LiFE Awards:

 

Oliver Wyman logo

New South Wales LiFE Awards:

Western Australia LiFE Awards:

 

Men's Talk logo

Australian Capital Territory
LiFE Awards:

 

Acorn logo

Previous recipients

2026 recipients

National Award Recipients

National Best Practice in Workplace Award

  • Strong Minds, Strong Mines (WA)

National Communities in Action Award

  • Mind-Ed (WA)
    Highly Commended: The Older Mens Network Inc (TOMNET) (QLD)

National Innovative Practice & Research Award

  • Nicole Sadler (ACT) AND
  • Stay Strong Program at Menzies School of Health Research (NT)

National Outstanding Contribution — Individual

  • AJ Williams-Tchen (VIC)

National Outstanding Contribution — Organisation

  • Talk Out Loud: Youth Suicide Prevention Network of SA (SA)
    Highly Commended: I Got You (ACT) AND
    Switchboard Victoria’s Suicide Prevention Program (VIC)

National Priority Populations Award

  • International Student Suicide Prevention Research Program (VIC)
    Highly Commended: Culture Care Connect – Suicide Prevention Team

State and Territory Award Recipients

Best Practice in Workplace Award

  • Natasha Bender (NSW)
    Highly Commended: 24/7 Workplace EAP Support, Hunterlink
  • Rookwood Weir Project (QLD)
  • National Association of Women in Construction – NAWIC TAS (TAS)
  • Strong Minds, Strong Mines (WA)

Communities in Action Award

  • Trek of All Trades (ACT)
  • Blue Mountains Safe Space for Suicide Prevention (NSW)
  • Ngawurramangajirri (we care for each other group) (NT)
  • The Older Mens Network Inc (TOMNET) (QLD)
  • SPRING Youth Support (SA)
    Highly Commended: Talk Out Loud
  • Cygnet Community Hub (TAS)
  • Lets Talk Foundation (VIC)
  • Mind-Ed (WA)

Innovative Practice and Research Award

  • Nicole Sadler (ACT)
  • Human Nature Adventure Therapy (NSW)
  • Stay Strong Program at Menzies School of Health Research (NT)
  • A/Prof Jacinta Hawgood and STARS (QLD)
  • Aboriginal Voices Project AND Talk Out Loud (SA)
  • Dr Miranda Hann (TAS)
  • Coroners Prevention Unit (VIC)
  • The Bidi Wungen Kaat Centre (WA)

Outstanding Contribution — Individual

  • Leesa Mountford (ACT)
  • Katherine Newton (NSW)
  • Lidia Di Lembo (NT)
  • Darrin Larney (QLD)
    Highly Commended: Katie Acheson
  • Dr John Brayley (SA)
  • Tanya Stephenson (TAS)
  • AJ Williams-Tchen (VIC)
  • Michael Elwan (WA)
    Highly Commended: Tina Baldwin

Outstanding Contribution — Organisation

  • I Got You (ACT)
  • Mindframe program, Everymind (NSW)
    Highly Commended: Gidget Foundation Australia
  • SabrinasReach4Life (NT)
    Highly Commended: Waterlily Healing Indigenous Corporation
  • UnitingCare – Standby Support AND UnitingCare – Family and Disability Services (QLD)
  • Talk Out Loud: Youth Suicide Prevention Network of SA (SA)
  • Switchboard Victoria’s Suicide Prevention Program (VIC)
  • Strong Minds, Strong Mines (WA)

Priority Populations Award

  • A Gender Agenda (ACT)
    Highly Commended: Defence Suicide Prevention Program
  • Human Nature Adventure Therapy (NSW)
    Highly Commended: I-SPOT, Indigenous Suicide Prevention Online Training
  • Culture Care Connect – Suicide Prevention Team AND Stay Strong Program at Menzies School of Health Research (NT)
  • Samuel Harris (QLD)
  • Aboriginal Voices Project (SA)
    Highly Commended: Refugee and Asylum Seeker Suicide Prevention Training
  • Albie House (TAS)
  • International Student Suicide Prevention Research Program (VIC)
    Highly Commended: LGBTIQA+ Aftercare by Mind Australia
  • Michael Elwan – Lived Experience Solutions (LEXs) (WA)

2025 recipients

National Award Recipients

National Communities in Action Award
Multi Agency Collaborative Site Visits under the South Australian Suicide Prevention Act

National Best Practice in Workplace Award
KeyBuild Services
Highly Commended – Skretting Australia

National Innovative Practice & Research Award
COMPAS

National Priority Populations Award
Men in Mind Professional Training Program

National Outstanding Contribution Award
TrackSAFE Foundation
Highly Commended – Anna Bernasochi; Kesi-Maree Prior

State and Territory Award Recipients

Best Practice in Workplace Award

  • Open Minds Lismore NSW
  • KeyBuild Services QLD
  • Aunties Place NT
  • Moorditj Koort Aboriginal Corporation – Culture Care Connect Program WA
  • Multi Agency Collaborative Site Visits Under the SA Suicide Prevention Act SA
  • Skretting Australia TAS

Communities in Action Award

  • Perinatal Mental Health Week (PMHWeek) NSW
  • Bereaved by Suicide Support Group – Lifeline Canberra ACT
  • HopeStairs Project QLD
  • Aunties Place NT
  • The Australian BPD Foundation VIC
  • Multi-faceted Suicide Prevention/Postvention Response into Kellerberrin WA
  • Multi Agency Collaborative Site Visits Under the South Australian Suicide Prevention Act SA
  • The Lounge (New Mornings) TAS

Innovative Practice and Research Award

  • A Tasmanian Lifeline
  • StandBy Peer Support Model NSW
  • CALM Program QLD
  • Aunties Place NT
  • Regional Outcome Review Initiative (RORI) VIC
  • COMPAS WA
  • Support After First Responder and Military Suicide Studies SA

Outstanding Contribution Award

  • Anna Bernasochi VIC
  • Aunties Place NT
  • Kesi-Maree Prior WA
  • Kylie Delaney TAS
  • Perrin Abbas SA
  • Safe Space Blacktown – Stride NSW
  • Safe Space Neami QLD
  • TrackSAFE ACT

Priority Populations Award

  • Aftermath Alliance: StandBy and SA Police SA
  • Aunties Place NT
  • Holyoake Wheatbelt Suicide Prevention Services WA
  • Home Base – Housing and Accommodation Support Initiative TAS
  • Men in Mind Professional Development Program VIC
  • Men’s Resources Tasmania – Building Pathways Coaching and Mentoring Program TAS
  • Suicide Prevention for CALD Communities Project, Educaid Australia NSW

2024 recipients

Innovative Practice and Research

Industrial Metaverse – Suicide Prevention Virtual Reality Experience (WA)

Laura Grattidge (TAS)

Prevent a Suicide What to Say App (VIC)

RESPOND Training, MATES in Construction (QLD)

Sandersan Onie, The Hope Exchange (NSW)

 

Communities in Action

Community Owned Response to Eliminating Suicide (CORES) TAS

Eureka Clubhouse TAS

Karri Ambler, StandBy Support After Suicide WA

Karyn Moyle, Perfectly Imperfect Consulting NT

Live4Life VIC

Murrumbidgee Local Response Group NSW

Seeds of Hope – Barossa Suicide Prevention Network SA

Taylor Brown, I Got You Limited ACT

Tuhono Program, Mozzy Foundation QLD

Outstanding Contribution

Dr Claire Kelly and Dr Laura Hart – teen Mental Health First Aid VIC

Gidget Foundation Australia Founders NSW

Jane Austin TAS

Karyn Moyle, Perfectly Imperfect Consulting NT

Dr Kathryn Turner QLD

LewChing Yip ACT

Sophie’s Legacy SA

The MAN UP Initiative WA

Priority Populations

13YARN (Lifeline Australia) NSW

DB Teen Program – Lifeline WA

Heather Latimer, Villy Australia NT

Life Skills Toolbox, OzHelp Foundation ACT

Matthew Newlands SA

Meriem Daoui TAS

My Circle QLD

UrHere – Wellways Australia VIC

 

 

Workplace

Bupa Suicide Prevention Strategy SA

Healthier Illawarra Men NSW

Jamie Mallinder – Suicide Risk Screening Tool WA

SafeSide Project, Department of Defence Mental Health & Wellbeing Branch ACT

The Kingsway Barbershop TAS

 

2023 recipients

Impact

Impact (Highly Commended)

Innovation

Karen Phillips, Former General Manager, StandBy Support after Suicide

Lifeline Queensland (13YARN)

Vicki McKenna, Head of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Lived Experience Network, Black Dog Institute

Communities in Action

Leesa Mountford, Founder, I Got You, ACT

Sabrina’s Reach4Life, NT

Jamie Mallinder, Marsh/Independent Community Advocate, WA

Outstanding Contribution

Christine Morgan, CEO, National Mental Health Commission, NSW

Karen Phillips, General Manager, StandBy Support after Suicide, QLD

Soa Palelei, Wellness Ambassador, Strong Minds, Strong Mines, WA

Priority Populations

Health in Gear Program (OzHelp), ACT

Lifeline Queensland (13YARN), QLD

Vicki McKenna, Head of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Lived Experience Network, WA

Workplace

Shayne Connell, CEO, LivingWorks Australia, NSW

Strong Minds, Strong Mines, WA

Fulton Hogan, VIC

Tasmanian recipients

Tracey Martin-Cole, Mental Health Council Tasmania – Outstanding Contribution to Suicide Prevention

Stronger Together in Circular Head (STICH) – Lifeline Communities in Action for Suicide Prevention

Jasmine Ellis, SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY! – Outstanding Contribution to Suicide Prevention by a Young Person

Grumpy Goats Co Care Farm, Newport and Wildman – Innovative Practice and Research

Simplot – Ulverstone site, TasNetworks – Best Practice in Suicide Prevention by a Workplace

2022 recipients

Leadership

Innovation

Impact

Scientia Professor Helen Christensen AO

ifarmwell.com, UniSA

PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia)

Communities in Action

Hoops 4 Health, Northern Territory

Happiness Co, Western Australia

Outstanding Contribution

Professor Helen Christensen AO, New South Wales

Edie Weiss, Grape Vine Group, Queensland

AnglicareSA, South Australia

Priority Populations

Parents Beyond Breakup, New South Wales

Leilani Darwin, Black Dog Institute, Queensland

ifarmwell (University of South Australia), South Australia

PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia), Victoria

Workplace

Lifeline Macarthur and Western Sydney with the Lifeline Mobile Café initiative, New South Wales

Mackay Regional Council, Queensland

2021 recipients

Leadership

Innovation

Impact

Alan Woodward

#ChatSafe, Associate Professor Jo Robinson, Orygen

Associate Professor Maree Toombs

Communities in Action

The Illawarra Shoalhaven Suicide Prevention Collaborative (the Collaborative), New South Wales

The Sons of the West (run by the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation), Victoria

Rotary Club of Gladstone Port Curtis – Project We Care, Queensland

The Learning from Lived Experience Project (LfLE), South Australia

City of Rockingham, Western Australia

Outstanding Contribution

Alan Woodward, New South Wales

Laurencia Grant, Northern Territory

Alison Kelly, Queensland

Soa Palelei (Strong Minds, Strong Mines), Western Australia

Priority Populations

#chatsafe, Victoria

Helen Lambert (The Little Red Threat Book), Northern Territory

Maree Toombs, Queensland

CYPRESS Program, Western Australia

2020 recipients

Lifetime Achievement Award

Emerging Researcher

Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Award

Communities Matter – Organisation 

Communities Matter – Individual

Media 

Workplace

Hon. John Dawkins MLC

Dr Zac Seidler

Dr Lynore Geia

Grapevine Group

Lindy MacGregor

SANE Australia – Better Off With You Campaign

Ambulance Tasmania

2019 recipients

Leadership Award

Emerging Researcher

Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Award

Communities Matter – Organisation 

Communities Matter – Individual

Media 

Workplace

Brendan Maher

Dr Angela Nicholas

Tony Lee

Jewish Care

Justin Geange

Illawarra Mercury

Hydro Tasmania

2018 recipients

Leadership Award

Emerging Researcher

Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Award

Communities Matter – Organisation 

Communities Matter – Individual

Media 

Workplace

Jorgen Gullestrup

Alison Kennedy

Babana Aboriginal

Far North Queensland Suicide Prevention Taskforce

Joe Williams

Dannielle Miller

Huon Aquaculture

Imagine a world without suicide.
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