- 30th Annual Queensland Mental Health Award winners named.
- 12 awards were presented across multiple categories including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health, LGBTQIA+ inclusion, early years support, workplace wellbeing and lived experience leadership.
- Eating Disorders Queensland was a standout winner, taking home three awards: the Jude Bugeja Lived Experience Excellence Award, the Not-For-Profit (Large) Award and the prestigious Earle Duus Overarching Award.
The 2026 Queensland Mental Health Awards recognised outstanding leadership, innovation and community impact across the state's mental health sector at a ceremony at Brisbane City Town Hall on Friday, 9 October 2026.
In its 30th year, the Queensland Mental Health Awards, hosted by Open Minds, part of Vertaview Group, highlight the contributions of people and organisations working to reduce stigma, strengthen communities and support Queenslanders experiencing mental ill health.
Open Minds CEO Karen Hale-Robertson said the Awards were an opportunity to celebrate the people and organisations whose commitment, ideas and leadership were creating meaningful change in communities across Queensland.
“Every one of this year’s winners demonstrates what is possible when compassion, innovation and a genuine commitment to improving mental health come together,” Ms Hale-Robertson said.
“Recognition matters and by sharing the achievements of people and organisations making a difference, we not only celebrate their contribution, we help elevate ideas and approaches that can inspire positive change across the wider mental health sector.
“Open Minds has a long history of supporting Queenslanders experiencing mental health challenges, so we are enormously proud to have provided a platform that celebrates the people and organisations who share that commitment to building stronger, more inclusive communities.”
An expert judging panel selected finalists from nominations received from across Queensland and represent a broad cross-section of the community, including lived experience advocates, community organisations, schools, workplaces and mental health professionals.
The Awards continue to recognise excellence across areas including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health, community support, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, lived experience leadership, LGBTQIA+ inclusion, early years support and workplace wellbeing.
2026 Queensland Mental Health Awards Winners
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Award: Cherbourg Suicide Prevention Action Network (SPAN)
Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Award: Dr Nga Tran
Early Years Award: C&K Kirwan Community Kindergarten - Wellness Wednesday
Jeff Cheverton Individual Award: Bettina Rowley
Jude Bugeja: Lived Experience Excellence Award: Eating Disorders Queensland
LGBTQIA+ Award: Mara's Café
Not-For-Profit (Small): CQ Community Suicide Prevention Network Inc.
Not-For-Profit (Large): Eating Disorders Queensland
Schools Award - Primary and Secondary: GOALED Support Package – A Whole-School Approach to Mental Health and Wellbeing – Redbank Plains Sate High School
Workplace Award: Community Wellbeing: Rise: Queensland's Mental Health Lived Experience Peak, formerly Mental Health Lived Experience Peak Queensland (MHLEPQ)
Workplace Award: Employee Wellbeing: Queensland Country Bank
Earle Duus Overarching Award: Eating Disorders Queensland
About the Awards
The Queensland Mental Health Awards recognise achievements, leadership, innovation and community impact in mental health across Queensland. Hosted by Open Minds, the Awards have celebrated excellence in the sector since 1996 and are held annually during Queensland Mental Health Week.
ENDS
Interview opportunities and photos available on request.
Details on Award Submissions Here
About us:
The Vertaview Group brings together leading not-for-profit human and social service providers to amplify pursuit of our shared and enduring social impact. We are driven by our passion for every individual’s right to connect and realise the possibilities available to them and we believe that when values aligned organisations come together, the entire community benefits.
Contact details:
Brooke Stoddart
Head of Brand & Marketing
Vertaview Group
M: 0494 664 393 E: [email protected]
