Recognising excellence in mental health work

Members of the community are encouraged to nominate individuals and organisations for the 2008 Mental Health Good Outcomes Awards.

Parliamentary Secretary to the Health Minister John Hyde said the awards celebrated excellence and innovation in mental health throughout Western Australia.

"The Mental Health Good Outcomes Awards are a wonderful opportunity to recognise the dedicated Western Australians who work to improve our mental health and well-being," Mr Hyde said.

“The awards showcase a wide range of achievements in fields such as mental health research and education, health promotion and the media. 

“I am pleased to announce that a new award has been created to honour the late Dr Mark Rooney, a psychiatrist who was a leader in WA Mental Health and chair of the WA Branch of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists for many years.  The award will recognise improved outcomes in child and adolescent mental health, an area that Dr Rooney was passionate about and where he made a remarkable contribution.”

The 2008 categories are:

·        John Da Silva Carers Award (group or individual);

·        Freehills Award for Mental Health Employee;

·        Government organisations;

·        Non-Government organisations (not-for-profit and private), sponsored by

St John of God Health Care;

·        Consumer representative (group or individual);

·        Edith Cowan University Award for Mental Health Promotion and Mental Illness Prevention;

·        Curtin University of Technology Award for Mental Health Research

and Education;

·        Dr Mark Rooney Award for Improved Outcomes in Child and Adolescent

Mental Health;

·        Media achievement; and

·        the Leanne Wood Award for Excellence.

Margaret Cook, of Children of Parents with a Mental Illness, was the winner of the 2007 Mental Health Good Outcomes Consumer Representative Award.  Ms Cook said the award meant a lot to her as it is was a culmination of years of work.

“The award recognised that people with a mental illness can make a difference,” she said. 

“Consumers have an important role in talking to and working with health providers and the general community.  We need to understand where people and the mental health system are coming from to make positive changes.

“I felt the award was worthwhile as it was not just about me.  It really acknowledged the people that I work for - all parents and all children who are affected by mental illness.”

Mr Hyde said the Department of Health’s Mental Health Division were presenting the awards in partnership with sponsors who promoted mental health in the workplace and the broader community.

“Thanks to the awards sponsors, the winners in each category will receive a $1,000 prize and a trophy” he said. 

“Award finalists and winners will attend a gala breakfast with Health Minister Jim McGinty on October 7 - a highlight of Mental Health Week. 

“As part of creating a mentally healthy community, the Mental Health Division is also working with the West Australian Music Industry Association to run the WAM Song of the Year Competition.   All are welcome to find out the winners at a concert at the Fly By Night Club on October 9.”

The Mental Health Good Outcomes Awards nominations close on 5pm, August 15.  For a nomination package, phone the Mental Health Division on 9222 4099.  Details of the WAM Song Competition and concert are available from:  http://www.wam.asn.au