2026 Mental Health Matters Awards
Event Details
Date: Friday, September 25th, 2026
Time: 11:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Location: Grand Ballroom - Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
Dress Code: Semi-formal
What to expect
Join us for an inspiring day that recognises the individuals, groups, and organisations making a real difference to mental health across NSW. The Awards shine a spotlight on programs, initiatives, and achievements that are improving awareness, strengthening services, and promoting wellbeing in our communities.
More than just an awards ceremony, this is a chance to celebrate innovation, dedication, and community spirit, from grassroots projects and peer-led initiatives to large-scale partnerships driving real change. Enjoy a two-course sit-down meal with drinks, hear from special guest speakers, and connect with advocates, leaders, and supporters from across the mental health sector.
Be part of an event that honours impact, shares inspiring stories, and showcases the incredible work transforming mental health in NSW.
For all invoice-related payments, please reach out to promo.admin@wayahead.org.au
Awards
Mental Health Matters Youth Award - Sponsored by the Office for Youth
This award recognises outstanding excellence and innovation in programs, projects, or initiatives that place young people at the centre of prevention and early intervention efforts. It honours work that strengthens wellbeing, builds resilience, and supports young people to access the tools, knowledge, and environments they need to thrive.
Mental Health Matters Community Initiative Award - Sponsored by Beyond Bank
This award celebrates small, grassroots, community‑driven groups, projects, and events that are dedicated to strengthening the mental health and wellbeing of marginalised communities, with a particular focus on people from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds. It recognises initiatives that break down barriers, create culturally safe spaces, and support access to meaningful, culturally appropriate information and services. Whether through ongoing peer‑support groups, local programs, or community events that raise awareness and foster connection, this award honours efforts that have made a genuine, positive difference in the lives of community members.
First Nations Social and Emotional Wellbeing Award - Sponsored by the Mental Health Commission
This award honours the programs, projects, individuals, and community‑led initiatives that make an exceptional contribution to strengthening the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. It recognises those who uplift community resilience, nurture cultural identity, foster healing, and create environments where First Nations individuals, families, and communities can thrive in mind, spirit, and connection.
Outstanding Achievement in Mental Health Promotion Award
This award recognises outstanding excellence and innovation in mental health promotion activities, programs, or initiatives that meaningfully elevate community awareness, reduce stigma, and strengthen wellbeing. It honours efforts that inspire understanding, encourage early support‑seeking, and improve mental wellbeing and/or mental ill-health.
Julie Leitch Leadership through Lived Experience Award
This award honours an individual with lived experience of mental ill-health, mental illness, or someone caring for a person with lived experience, who has shown outstanding leadership in amplifying lived‑experience voices and advancing meaningful social change that improves the lives of others on similar journeys. Whether through the creation of a specific program, the stewardship of community initiatives, or a lifelong commitment to driving social change, this award honours those who lead with courage, authenticity, and unwavering dedication to a more compassionate and inclusive future.
Leadership in Workplace Psychosocial Safety Award - Sponsored by Actevate
This award recognises a workplace initiative or program that demonstrates outstanding commitment to creating safe and supportive work environments. This award celebrates those who go beyond compliance to champion proactive, innovative, and evidence‑informed approaches that reduce psychosocial risks and strengthen wellbeing across their workplace. Nominees show clear leadership in embedding psychosocial safety into everyday practice through one or a combination of - strong governance, inclusive culture, meaningful worker participation, and systems that prevent harm. They demonstrate the courage to challenge stigma, the foresight to invest in sustainable change, and the ability to translate policy into real, measurable improvements for staff.
Mental Health Matters Media and the Arts Award
This award celebrates individuals and organisations that use media and the arts to illuminate experiences of mental health and mental ill‑health through thoughtful, informative, and responsibly crafted storytelling. It recognises creative works such as journalism, visual art, film, theatre, music, or other artistic expressions that inform, challenge stigma, spark conversation, and foster greater understanding within the community.
Mental Health Matters Rainbow Inclusion Award
This award honours programs, projects, or initiatives that demonstrate a strong commitment to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of LGBTIQA+ communities. It recognises efforts that create inclusive, affirming, and safe spaces that work to ensure LGBTIQA+ individuals feel seen, supported, and empowered in their mental health journeys.
Lineup
The Hon. Rose Jackson, Minister for Mental Health
The Hon. Rose Jackson MLC, Minister for Water, Minister for Housing, Minister for Homelessness, Minister for Mental Health and Minister for Youth. She has served as Minister for Mental Health since 2023 and is responsible for the NSW Government’s mental health portfolio, including the delivery and ongoing development of mental health services across the state.
Mitch Brown
Mitch Brown is a former AFL player who played 94 AFL games for the West Coast Eagles between 2007 and 2016. As a proud bisexual man and mental health advocate, he uses his lived experience to advocate for inclusion, authenticity & positive masculinity. Through sharing his personal experiences, Mitch encourages people to prioritise their wellbeing, seek support when needed, and help reduce stigma surrounding mental health challenges.
Jodi Gordon
Jodi Gordon is an Australian actress, model, entrepreneur and mental health advocate, best known for her roles in Home and Away, Underbelly and Neighbours. Alongside her successful career in television and media, Jodi has developed a strong focus on mental health, bringing almost three years of frontline experience with SANE Australia, where she progressed to Senior Peer Psychosocial Recovery Facilitator within a national digital mental health service. A passionate advocate for reducing stigma and promoting lived experience, she addressed Parliament House in 2024 and was appointed a Wayahead Ambassador for Mental Health Month in 2026. She also became Vichy Laboratoires’ first Australian Global Brand Ambassador in 2026 and is the founder of The Modern Recovery Group, a private digital recovery practice.
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