What’s Happening?
CQ Community Suicide Prevention Network Inc. has won the Not-For-Profit (Small) Award at the 2026 Queensland Mental Health Awards.
The volunteer-led organisation received recognition for its work strengthening suicide prevention across Central Queensland through education, training and community awareness.
The award was announced at Brisbane City Town Hall on Friday, 9 October 2026. Open Minds, part of Vertaview Group, hosted the ceremony to celebrate achievements across Queensland’s mental health sector.
Why It Matters
CQ Community Suicide Prevention Network Inc. helps individuals and organisations strengthen their understanding of suicide prevention.
Through free education, training and collaborative initiatives, the network encourages community participation and helps people develop stronger connections.
Open Minds CEO Karen Hale-Robertson said the awards recognised people and organisations making meaningful contributions to mental health.
“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.
Local Impact
The award recognises the network’s contribution to suicide prevention across Central Queensland.
Its volunteer-led approach brings together community awareness campaigns, educational activities and partnerships. These initiatives aim to reduce stigma, encourage community involvement and strengthen suicide prevention efforts.
The recognition also highlights the role of local organisations in creating communities where people feel supported and connected.
By The Numbers
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2014 marked the beginning of CQ Community Suicide Prevention Network Inc.’s work strengthening suicide prevention across Central Queensland.
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30 years of the Queensland Mental Health Awards were celebrated in 2026, recognising achievements in the sector since 1996.
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12 awards were presented across categories covering mental health leadership, community support, inclusion and workplace wellbeing.
Zoom In
CQ Community Suicide Prevention Network Inc. operates as a volunteer-led organisation focused on building a suicide-safer community.
Its activities include free education and training, community awareness campaigns and collaborative initiatives.
Through these efforts, the network helps individuals and organisations take part in suicide prevention while encouraging connection, hope and meaningful community participation.
Zoom Out
The Queensland Mental Health Awards recognise leadership, innovation and community impact across the state’s mental health sector.
An expert judging panel selected finalists from nominations received across Queensland. The nominees represented community organisations, lived experience advocates, schools, workplaces and mental health professionals.
The awards also recognise contributions to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, LGBTQIA+ inclusion, early years support and workplace wellbeing.
Hale-Robertson said celebrating these achievements could inspire positive change throughout the sector.
“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.”
What To Look For Next?
The Queensland Mental Health Awards will continue to recognise achievements in the sector through their annual celebration during Queensland Mental Health Week.
For CQ Community Suicide Prevention Network Inc., the award acknowledges its ongoing commitment to education, awareness and collaborative suicide prevention across Central Queensland.
The awards also provide a platform for sharing initiatives that support mental health and strengthen communities throughout Queensland.
