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 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.

Australian Capital Territory
LiFE Awards:

Key Information

• Nominations open: Monday, 14 September 2026
• Nominations close: Monday, 26 October 2026
• State and Territory LiFE Award presentations hosted: February and March 2027
• National LiFE Award Gala Dinner: Wednesday, 19 May 2027, as part of the National Suicide Prevention Conference held in 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, that 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.

Please note that nominees are permitted to nominate for no more than three categories.

LiFE Awards winners can reapply after one year has elapsed (ie. if awarded in 2026, you can 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.

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

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.
• Level of engagement with people with a 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?