We created the Lifetime Achievement Awards to recognise Queenslanders who have had lifetime careers in the mental health, alcohol and other drugs, or suicide prevention sectors, demonstrating leadership and significant contribution to reform.
These awards are presented annually at our Leading Reform Summit and are open to nomination from the sector and the community.
Why is this important?
The Lifetime Achievement Awards honour the significant and lifetime work by individuals in the mental health, alcohol and other drugs, and suicide prevention sectors.
Recognising and celebrating people’s achievements and commitment over many years is an important acknowledgement of the considerable and sustained effort required to achieve system reform and change.
Eligibility and award criteria
The Lifetime Achievement Awards recognise individuals who have made an exceptional and sustained contribution over 20 years or more to mental health, alcohol and other drugs, and/or suicide prevention reform. Eligible nominees must:
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Demonstrate long-term service of over 20 years, leadership and achievement, with contributions that have had a lasting impact on policy, practice, systems, services, research or community outcomes
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Be Queenslanders, or have spent a significant period contributing to mental health and wellbeing outcomes in Queensland
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Come from any sector, including public, private or non-government organisations, lived experience leadership, peak bodies, advocacy organisations, or academia
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Be at or near the culmination of their career (including retired individuals).
Lifetime achievement may be demonstrated against one or more of the following criteria:
- Criterion 1: History of service
The nominee’s history of service to the mental health, alcohol and other drug, and/or suicide prevention sectors—in particular, positions of leadership the nominee has held such as on boards or as chair of committees. Any other known history, such as participation on committees and workgroups, and any examples of the nominee representing the sector officially as a liaison to other organisations or at state, national or international meetings.
- Criterion 2: Leadership impact and significant contribution to reform
The nominee has established and distinguished leadership in mental health, alcohol and other drug, and/or suicide prevention including, but not limited to, positively leading and influencing policy and/or practice at a state, national or international level. This may include government committees and workgroups, advocacy, senior positions, other training, mentoring or committee participation. How have they made a difference?
Nominations for the Lifetime Achievement Awards are now open here.
Emerging Leader Award
In addition to the Lifetime Achievement Awards, this year the Commission will also award the Emerging Leader Award. To recognise an individual who is at an early or mid-career stage and is already demonstrating strong leadership potential, influence, and commitment to improving outcomes in mental health and wellbeing, alcohol and other drugs and/or suicide prevention in Queensland.
Eligibility
- Early to mid-career (e.g. up to 10 years in the mental health/alcohol and other drugs/suicide prevention sector)
- Be a Queenslander or currently contributing to mental health and wellbeing outcomes in Queensland
- Demonstrates leadership regardless of role or title (formal or informal leadership)
The emerging leader's achievements may be demonstrated against one or more of the following criteria:
- Criterion 1: Demonstrated Leadership
The nominee has shown emerging and impactful leadership within the mental, alcohol and other drugs, and suicide prevention sectors. This may include taking initiative, leading projects, influencing practice or policy, and being recognised by others for their contribution and leadership potential.
- Criterion 2: Contribution and Impact
The nominee has made a meaningful contribution to the mental health, alcohol and other drugs, and suicide prevention sectors, demonstrated through tangible outcomes or improvements in services, systems, communities or lived experience engagement. Their work shows innovation, problem-solving and positive impact.
- Criterion 3: Future Leadership Potential
The nominee demonstrates strong potential to continue contributing as a leader in the mental health, alcohol and other drugs, and suicide prevention sectors. They show a clear commitment to learning and growth, and a vision for how they can help shape the future of reform in Queensland.
The Queensland Mental Health Commissioner selects award winners from the nominees and will consult as appropriate.
Nominations for the Emerging Leader Award are now open here.
Submit a nomination
The Lifetime Achievement Awards and Emerging Leader Award are open to nomination from the sector and the community.
Two people are required to support an award nomination.
You should include a statement of the case for the nominated individual, with regards to the award criteria. Letters of support from others to support the nomination are encouraged but not required.
Please prepare your responses in advance of submitting your nomination via the online nomination forms.
Nominations for the Lifetime Achievement Awards and Emerging Leader Award are now open!
Once you have submitted your nomination you will receive a confirmation email with the details of your submission. Should you wish to change any aspect of your nomination, please contact us at summit@qmhc.qld.gov.au.
