Community & Business
19 October, 2021
Local doctor centre stage for Queensland mental health awards
THE finalists have been announced for the 25th annual QLD Mental Health Week Achievement Awards, and mental health providers servicing Far North Queensland have dominated the shortlisted candidates.
THE finalists have been announced for the 25th annual QLD Mental Health Week Achievement Awards, and mental health providers servicing Far North Queensland have dominated the shortlisted candidates.
Out of 33 shortlisted finalists, 10 are individuals or providers that are either based in, or provide mental health related services in, rural and remote areas in Far North Queensland.
Mareeba’s Dr Tahnee Bridson has been nominated for two awards, the Jeff Cheverton Individual Award and the Jude Bugeja Peer Award. Dr Bridson was inspired to become a psychiatrist following the suicide of her friend and mentor.
In addition to her work as a doctor in Far North Queensland caring for those with mental illness, Tahnee also volunteers to run Handn- Hand Peer Support Inc. which she founded in March 2020, providing support to 2000 healthcare workers nationwide.
Doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers have increased rates of burnout, mental illness and suicide. In March 2020, Hand-n-Hand was set up in response to the COVID-19 pandemic by Dr Tahnee Bridson in Far North Queensland.
The group gained over 400 participants in less than 24 hours, indicating the need for grassroots, peer led initiatives. It’s a free peer support program which began in Queensland but has expanded to healthcare workers nationwide.
The awards, Queensland’s only state-wide mental health awards, recognise and celebrate individuals, groups and organisations working to reduce stigma and support and empower those living with mental illness.
Open Minds has been hosting the awards since its conception in 1996, to celebrate the often-unsung heroes working to raise awareness and reduce stigma of mental illness.
Paula Mayson, CEO of Open Minds said “This year we saw a record number of entries for the awards from throughout Queensland, and they were of a very high calibre.
"Just being a finalist is a huge achievement in itself, and our 2021 finalists should be very proud of themselves and the work they do.
The awards ceremony is a great way to acknowledge those working hard to really make a difference to the lives of those with mental illness.”
The panel of judges shortlisted the finalists from a record number of nominations submitted this year – with over 100 worthy nominations submitted.
The winners of each of the 11 categories will be announced during the Awards Breakfast Ceremony on Friday 15th October at the Brisbane Convention Centre.
Some of the categories come with prize money to enable the winner to continue their fantastic work in mental health.
Additionally, the overall winner is awarded the Earle Duus Memorial Award and receives a $4,000 prize to continue their incredible work in mental health.
Just days ago Dr Bridson won both the Jeff Cheverton Individual Award and the Jude Bugeja Peer Award at the awards ceremony in Brisbane.
However she was unable to attend in person due to being stuck in Victoria for the time being.
