The LiFE Awards (Living is for Everyone) are designed to acknowledge the extraordinary work being done throughout the country in suicide prevention and showcase dedication, innovation and leadership.
The ambition of Suicide Prevention Australia is to celebrate and amplify initiatives that are breaking new ground so that others can learn and embed best-practice suicide prevention solutions across their communities. The LiFE Awards are a vehicle for highlighting best practice across the sector so that everyone can learn from them and be able to introduce new suicide prevention solutions into their own communities.
The recipients of the Tasmanian LiFE Awards were announced on Wednesday 12 March 2025, during a ceremony at the Hotel Grand Chancellor in Launceston. The event hosted by Relationships Australia Tasmania and the Tasmanian Suicide Prevention Community Network, brought together community members and service providers, serving as a platform to acknowledge and celebrate the impactful work in the suicide prevention space undertaken by individuals and organisations.
The ceremony marked the 20th annual Tasmanian LiFE Awards, celebrating two decades of recognising exceptional contributions to suicide prevention across the state.
CEO of Relationships Australia Tasmania and Chair of the Tasmanian Suicide Prevention Community Network, Dr Michael Kelly said the LiFE Awards recognise the passion and commitment to suicide prevention that is displayed by Tasmanians across the state.
“This year we celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Tasmanian LiFE Awards – an incredible milestone that highlights the significant and positive work being done by communities across Tasmania to prevent suicide” Dr Kelly said.
“I’ve been involved in the LiFE Awards since 2013 and each year I’ve continued to be inspired by the level of care, innovation and commitment of so many Tasmanians who contribute so much to reducing the impact of suicide. The work does not go unnoticed and makes sure that individuals, groups, communities and workplaces receive the best possible support. Every action, big or small makes a difference,” said Dr Kelly
A total of 28 nominations were received from across the state, highlighting a wide range of initiatives, from grassroots projects to local support services.
There are five LiFE Awards presented each year; the recipients for 2025 are:
Priority Populations
Sponsored by Mental Health Council of Tasmania
NOTE: There are joint recipients in this category
Men’s Resources Tasmania – Building Pathways Coaching and Mentoring Program
Men’s Resources Tasmania’s Building Pathways program is one way Men’s Resources Tasmania working to improve services for men and boys in Tasmania. Years of personal and professional experience, facilitating men’s groups and executive coaching has led to the creation of strengths-based, goal-oriented and trauma-informed ways practice. We train inmates to be peer support workers, giving them highly valuable skills for their future, and created a new level of support for new inmates at a time when they are most at risk, as well as creating support for the general prison population.
Home Base – Housing and Accommodation Support Initiative
The Housing and Accommodation Support Initiative (HASI) provides support to individuals with mental ill-health at risk of homelessness, helping them maintain stable housing and reducing the risk of suicide. By offering tailored psychosocial support and collaborating with stakeholders, HASI improves mental health outcomes, housing stability, and reduces the pressure on acute mental health services, while aiming for expansion to address the unmet need for psychosocial support in Tasmania.
Communities in Action: The Lounge (New Mornings)
Sponsored by Lifeline Tasmania
The Lounge is a non-clinical support program providing a safe space for women facing mental ill-health, grief, and intellectual disabilities. Operating twice weekly, it offers activities like crafts, excursions, and shared refreshments to increase social connection and minimise isolation. The program works with external service providers, providing warm referrals to specialised care when needed. Focused on empowering women, The Lounge helps participants build confidence, recognise their strengths and their full potential, promoting a sense of belonging and community among those facing life’s challenges
Outstanding Contribution: Kylie Delaney
Sponsored by SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY
Kylie has worked in social work for over 18 years, blending lived experience with academic insight to shape change in suicide prevention. Now acting regional manager at Wellways Tasmania, she brings heart to policy, strategy, and reform. As an autistic advocate, Kylie uses storytelling to explore mental health, identity, and belonging. Her voice bridges systems and people, through writing, research, and peer spaces that support thousands worldwide. “I dream of a world where suicide is no longer part of the conversation — not because we silence it, but because we’ve built lives so full of connection the need for it fades.”
Innovative Practice and Research: A Tasmanian Lifeline
Sponsored by Newport & Wildman
A Tasmanian Lifeline (ATL) began as a COVID-19 response to support isolated older Tasmanians and has since evolved into a vital, statewide telephone service offering psychosocial and emotional support for all ages. Integrated into the State Government’s Suicide Prevention Strategy, ATL provides early intervention by addressing psychosocial factors contributing to suicidality. Focusing on building resilience and empowering callers, ATL helps individuals improve coping mechanisms and manage their mental and emotional health through a strength-based approach.
Best Practice in a Workplace: Skretting Australia
Sponsored by TasNetworks
In response to a community tragedy, Skretting Australia partnered with Rural Alive and Well (RAW) and Converge International to provide vital mental health support and training, including mental health first aid and Accidental Counsellor training for staff. They also developed a Community Action Plan for Suicide Prevention in collaboration with Relationships Australia Tasmania, aimed at reducing stigma and enhancing mental health literacy within the workplace.
About Relationships Australia Tasmania
RA Tas is a Tasmanian not-for-profit whose purpose is to create a connected and respectful Tasmania. We believe in the power of connection, and support Tasmanians to build individual resilience, respectful relationships and connection to communities.
Alongside general counselling, RA Tas offers support to Tasmanians through a range of specialist teams in Hobart, Launceston and Devonport.
More information about the services and support we offer can be found on our website www.tas.relationships.com.au
About Tasmanian Suicide Prevention Community Network
The Tasmanian Suicide Prevention Community Network (TSPCN) values the input and actions of all Tasmanians who are interested in or affected by suicide. The network offers a platform for individuals and organisations to share their experiences and have a say in decision-making processes.
Through the TSPCN, members come together to discuss and address issues related to suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention. The network’s core belief is that everyone has a role to play in preventing suicide, and communities that are resilient and willing to openly discuss suicide-related matters are better equipped to tackle the problem.
More information about the Tasmanian Suicide Prevention Community Network can be found on our website: ww.suicidepreventiontas.org.au
Suicide Prevention Australia would like to thank all those who submitted a nomination for the awards. We recognise that through our collective efforts, we are stronger together in preventing suicide.
Recipients of the Tasmanian State LiFE Awards automatically progress into the running of the National LiFE Awards which will be held during the (#update with relevant info)
For more information about the LiFE Awards, click here.
