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 LiFE Awards are designed 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. They 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.
On Tuesday, 18 March 2025 Suicide Prevention Australia hosted the WA State LiFE Award at Scarboro Surf Life Saving Club. The evening showcased the important work being done in Western Australia by individuals and organisations to prevent suicide and support those in need.
The evening was led by WA State Committee Chair, Jo Drayton, who alongside Suicide Prevention Australia CEO, Nieves Murray announced the following recipients:
Best Practice in Workplace Award: Moorditj Koort Aboriginal Corporation – Culture Care Connect Program
The Culture Care Connect Community Controlled Suicide Prevention Program is a culturally safe model that provides early intervention, prevention strategies and measures. The program is run in the south metro region of Perth and the team has 4 members including 2 local residents of the Kwinana area. The objective is to remove barriers for Aboriginal people who are seeking to access mental health services by increasing access to culturally safe services. The program is informed by Aboriginal people and continues to advocate strongly for the voice of Aboriginal people with lived experience of mental health and suicide to inform the Culture Care Connect Program, and the health system more broadly.
Communities in Action Award: Multi-faceted Suicide Prevention/Postvention Response into Kellerberrin
In 2023, the small community of Kellerberrin experienced a tragic event that profoundly affected the community: a homicide/suicide. In the wake of this incident, the Western Australia Police tasked Holyoake’s Wheatbelt Suicide Prevention Coordinator (WSPC) to establish and oversee postvention and bereavement responses. Holyoake’s WSPC conceptualized the creation of an interagency drop-in support service, that didn’t require a referral or scheduled appointment and provided FREE accessible and broad ranging therapeutic support. The service was specifically designed to support those that had been bereaved or impacted and for those that the critical incident had provoked earlier incidences.
Innovative Practice and Research Award: COMPAS
COMPAS (Checking on Mental Health, Providing Alternatives to Suicide) is an innovative screening and referral program designed to identify individuals at risk of suicide, and proactively reach out to offer support. Associated with a 41.7% reduction in suicidal behaviour within one year, the service COMPAS offers acts as life-saving support before crises occur. In partnership with Curtin University, COMPAS ensures the highest standards of service, research, and training. Focus on early intervention and collaboration with lived experience representatives, community partners, and universities provides an impactful contribution to suicide prevention.
Outstanding Contribution Award: Kesi-Maree Prior
Kesi-Maree Prior, a proud Bidjara and Kamilori Woman, has made exceptional contributions to suicide prevention, postvention, and aftercare in the Pilbara region. As a dedicated advocate, she has fostered vital partnerships between mainstream and Aboriginal community-controlled health services. In her role as coordinator of the Culture Care Connect Program, Kesi has led consultations and co-design sessions, resulting in the establishment of culturally safe aftercare services in Newman, Hedland, and Roebourne. Her efforts have built a foundation of trust and respect within these communities, ensuring that services are effectively tailored to meet local needs and support mental health and well-being.
Priority Populations Award: Holyoake Wheatbelt Suicide Prevention Services
Holyoake has successfully facilitated 15 AgriBalance workshops across the Wheatbelt region, upskilling over 150 agri-business professionals. Pre and post workshop evaluations indicate 100% of participants recommending the training, with all reporting increased mental health literacy, suicide awareness, and greater confidence in supporting clients in distress. Due to high demand, ten additional workshops have already been scheduled for 2025. Also developed an Agricultural Wellbeing Factsheet and Mental Health and Wellbeing Continuum, offering vital information to those in agriculture, the shearing industry, and road transport, as well as the professionals who support them.
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.
We would also like to extend a special thank you to Paul Litwin and Men’s Talk for providing the venue at Scarboro Surf Life Saving Club for the event.
Recipients of the WA State LiFE Award automatically progress into the running of the National LiFE Award which will be held during the National Suicide Prevention Conference in Perth on Wednesday, 21 May.
For more information about the LiFE Awards, click here.
