2025 State and Territory LiFE Awards

For 22 years, we have been recognising excellence in suicide prevention with the Suicide Prevention Australia LiFE Awards – Living is For Everyone.

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.

There are five categories that recognise the diverse and innovative efforts being undertaken to save lives and reduce suicide. These categories acknowledge individuals and organisations at a state and territory level, with all award recipients automatically proceeding as finalists in the national awards.

Nominations are received from across Australia and, every year, we are deeply moved by the high quality of submissions. Suicide Prevention Australia is committed 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.

2024 National LiFE Awards took place on Wednesday 1 May 2024, in Adelaide.

Nominations for individuals, organisations and projects have now closed but were available in the following five categories:

Communities in Action

Recognises the critical role that individuals and organisations in communities play in identifying and taking action in suicide prevention. This may involve the development of a local plan for mental wellbeing and suicide prevention, or an activity that brings the community together to facilitate social connection and provides opportunities to talk about mental health and suicide prevention. This award acknowledges that communities working together are at the heart of suicide prevention strategies.

Outstanding Contribution

Recognises 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 work tirelessly to make sure that those who are thinking that life is not worth living are given the right tools to get them back on track. They support individuals and communities, and standup for better services in suicide prevention, intervention and postvention.

Priority Populations

Recognises innovation in service delivery by an individual or organisation that is culturally responsive, overcomes barriers, promotes inclusion and delivers improved outcomes for all. The submission should outline the objectives and positive impact it has on the intended populations and groups, specifically:

• addressing, preventing or responding to suicidal behaviours in populations and groups disproportionately affected by suicide or
• highlighting the gaps and identifying strategies and embedding innovative solutions specifically for people in need.

Innovative Practice and Research

Recognises innovative practices and research by individuals and organisations to strengthen our understanding of effective suicide prevention, intervention and postvention strategies. This category highlights initiatives that may target recent events which threaten mental health, and recognises research into strengthening best practice in suicide prevention, specifically those that further:

• greater knowledge, insights or innovations in suicide prevention in the field of research or
• innovative action to address, prevent, or respond to suicidal behaviours and their impact on the local community.

Best Practice in Workplace

Recognises an individual or organisation that demonstrates outstanding commitment to preventing suicide among its employees. These are individuals and organisations that provide significant support to their employees, assisting the health and sustainability of their workforce. This award recognises the good work being done to help their employees by providing structures and supports that prevent suicide and/or assist if they have been impacted by suicide. The workplace will reflect best practice and can be held up as an example of excellence.

Eligibility

Nominations were open to any individual or organisation in Australia that has showcased tangible outcomes in their involvement with suicide prevention initiatives and activities. Individuals or organisations can nominate in more than one category.

Previous LiFE Award recipients can reapply after one year has elapsed (ie. if awarded in 2024, can reapply in 2026). You may nominate a different campaign, event, or initiative on the condition that there is a substantial difference to the previous year’s LiFE Award.

Please refer to our Nominations Guidelines document for additional information.

State/Territory LiFE Award recipients will automatically be eligible for the National LiFE Award in their nominated category and recipients will be announced at our National Suicide Prevention Conference in Perth on 21 May 2025.

For further information or clarification please contact the team at Suicide Prevention Australia by calling 02 9262 1130 or emailing events@suicidepreventionaust.org.

2025 LiFE Award documents

Thank you to our 2025 LiFE Awards sponsors

National LiFE Awards Gala Dinner Sponsor:

State LiFE Awards In-Kind Sponsors:

New South Wales

Queensland & Victoria

South Australia

All State and Territory LiFE Award recipients were automatically eligible for the National LiFE Award in their nominated category. National LiFE Award recipients were announced at the National Suicide Prevention Conference in Perth on Wednesday 21 May 2025.