Tasmanian LiFE Award Winners Announced
MEDIA RELEASE
Tasmanian LiFE Award Winners Announced
Key Points:
- 1.SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY – Outstanding Contribution by a Young Person LiFE Award: Meriem Daoui (South)
- 2.Lifeline Tasmania – Communities in Action for Suicide Prevention LiFE Award: Eureka Clubhouse (South)
- 3.Mental Health Council of Tasmania – Outstanding Contribution to Suicide Prevention LiFE Award: Jane Austin (Statewide)
- 4.Newport & Wildman – Innovative Practice and Research Award: Laura Grattidge (North)
- 5.TasNetworks – Best Practice in Suicide Prevention by a Workplace: The Kingsway Barber Shop (North)
- 6.Exceptional Contribution to Suicide Prevention in Tasmania – Community Owned Response to Eliminating Suicide (CORES)
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.
-ends here-
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
Related Resources

Redress Support Service
Support for people engaging with the National Redress Scheme. This scheme was established for people who have experienced institutional child sexual abuse....

Family Law Pathways
Family Law Pathways Networks is a networking program for professionals working with families who are separating, or have separated....

Child Inclusive Mediation
Child Inclusive Mediation provides a safe way of communicating your child’s feelings to assist in decision-making after changes to the family situation....

Suicide Prevention
The Tasmanian Suicide Prevention Network is a growing network that meets every quarter and is auspiced by RA Tas....

Aboriginal Cultural Connections
Culturally sensitive support for Aboriginal individuals and communities in Northern Tasmania including Flinders and Cape Barren Islands....

Organisation Wellbeing Services
A specialist service to help Tasmanian business and community organisations address the personal support and professional development needs of management and staff....

Bringing Up Great Kids
Parenting is one of the most important jobs we will ever have. This workshop provides parents with some tips and tools on parental responses that encourage helpful family relationships....

Elder Relationship Service
Counselling support for families who need help negotiating complex issues related to ageing....

Counselling After Separation
Counselling for people who have separated and are seeking support with challenges or adjustment after separation....

Property Mediation
Reaching a property settlement after separation can bring relief and independence. Mediation can help you resolve settlement together....

SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY
SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY works to promote positive mental health and prevent suicide by normalising conversations about mental health and encouraging people to seek help when they need it....

Find & Connect
The Find & Connect support service aims to improve the lives of Forgotten Australians and Former Child Migrants....

Counselling
Counselling is suitable for anyone looking to strengthen relationships, overcome trauma, improve self-confidence and establish positive habits....

Forced Adoption Support Service
This program provides specialist support to any person who has been impacted by forced adoption practices....

Family Dispute Resolution
Family Dispute resolution (FDR), often referred to as Mediation, can assist with negotiating matters relating to children, property (Property Settlement Mediation) and workplace issues. ...

Supporting Children After Separation
A specialist counselling and support service for children and adolescents aged 5-18 years of age from separated or separating families....

Children’s Contact Service
The Children's Contact Service makes it possible for contact arrangements to take place with a minimum of stress both for children and their parents....
Family Separation (Farsi, Tigrinya, Nepali and Burmese – Audio Translations)
We have a range of services available for all people to help deal with family separation including mediation, counselling and the Children's Contact Service. ...