March 2024

Relationships Australia today announced the 2024 Tasmanian LiFE Awards winners.
Chair of the Tasmanian Suicide Prevention Community Network Dr Michael Kelly said the LiFE Awards celebrate the passion and commitment to suicide prevention that is displayed by Tasmanians across the state.

“This year marked the 19th year of the Tasmanian LiFE Awards and saw an impressive thirty nominations across the five categories, setting a record high” Dr Kelly said.
“The winners of the LiFE Awards were unveiled last night during a ceremony held at Crowne Plaza in Hobart. The event brought together community members, service providers, and Deputy Lord Mayor of Hobart Cr Helen Burnet. This gathering served as a platform to acknowledge and celebrate the impactful and life-affirming initiatives undertaken by individuals and organisations”.

There are five LiFE Awards presented each year; the winners are:

1.SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY
Outstanding Contribution by a Young Person LiFE Award:

Meriem Daoui (South)

Meriem, a 23-year-old advocate from Kingston, is deeply committed to suicide prevention and mental health awareness. Her personal journey, marked by battles with depression and eating disorders, fuels her passion for supporting others facing similar struggles. Meriem, a marathon runner and oncology nurse now studying medicine, shares her inspiring story of overcoming adversity, including moving to Tasmania, wearing the hijab, and enduring bullying. Her values of compassion and resilience drive her mission to reduce mental health stigma through open conversations.

2.Lifeline Tasmania
Communities in Action for Suicide Prevention LiFE Award

Eureka Clubhouse (South)

Eureka Clubhouse’s multifaceted approach to mental health is evident in innovative activities such as the Clubhouse Band (Mentally Healthy as Anything), walking soccer, karaoke, art therapy and community currency programs that offer diverse avenues for members to explore interests, build friendships, and acquire valuable life skills.

3.Mental Health Council of Tasmania
Outstanding Contribution to Suicide Prevention LiFE Award

Jane Austin (Statewide)

Over the past 17 years, Jane, a champion for Tasmanian suicide prevention, has navigated complex government structures and advocated for policy change in key roles within the Department of Health. Her unwavering commitment has led to the establishment of multiple suicide prevention strategies, the Tasmanian Suicide Register, and community-led initiatives.

4.Newport & Wildman
Innovative Practice and Research Award

Laura Grattidge (North)

Laura is a compassionate advocate for suicide prevention, undertaking a Ph.D. focused on community-based and youth suicide prevention in rural areas. Through her work in various roles and international forums, Laura’s impact extends across sectors and communities, driving policy change and fostering a better understanding of suicide prevention.

5.TasNetworks
Best Practice in Suicide Prevention by a Workplace

The Kingsway Barber Shop (North)

The Kingsway Barbershop team in Launceston underwent mental health first aid training to support clients experiencing mental health challenges and guide them towards the appropriate support services.

In addition to the five awards, the TSPCN also took the opportunity to acknowledge the Community Owned Response to Eliminating Suicide (CORES) Program by presenting them with an ‘Exceptional Contribution to Suicide Prevention in Tasmania’ award.

For the past 20 years, those involved with CORES program have consistently addressed the issue of suicidality across Tasmania. The driving force behind CORES is a team of program staff and facilitators at Kentish Regional Clinic, who bring motivation and a wealth of knowledge to suicide prevention. CORES invests in volunteers to become facilitators, and volunteers bring stories of lived experience, and deliver and sustain the community networks. Inclusivity and community-ownership are central, with CORES accessible to all Tasmanians, communities and workplaces.

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Media Contact: A.Mark Thomas, M&M Communications, 0422 006 732

About Relationships Australia Tasmania

At Relationships Australia Tasmania we provide families, couples, individuals, older people, children and communities with tools and strategies, so that they have healthy, positive lives. We help more than 8000 Tasmanians every year to transform and change their lives through counselling, mediation, dispute resolution, support and training.

Our focus is on:

• healthy relationships, conflict resolution, parenting, cultural issues and mental health
• We offer people the services and support they need, when they need it to assist them when life presents challenges.
• Services are available to all people regardless of cultural background, family structure, economic situation, religious beliefs, gender or sexual orientation.

More information about the services and support we offer can be found on our website www.tas.relationships.com.au