Live4Life awarded the 'Communities in Action' Award at the National LiFE Awards

Image Description: Bernard Galbally, our CEO, and Cathryn Walder, Community Engagement Manager,' holding the Communities in Action' Award at the National LiFE Awards.

Live4Life is honoured to have won the 'Communities in Action' Award at the National LiFE Awards hosted by Suicide Prevention Australia.

The National LiFE (Living is for Everyone) Awards were held at a Gala Dinner on 1 May at the Adelaide Convention Centre.

Bernard Galbally, our CEO, and Cathryn Walder, Community Engagement Manager, were there to receive the Award, which showcases the important work being done in Australia by individuals and organisations to prevent suicide and support those in need. We'd like to thank all those who work hard in Live4Life communities to support young people — and the Live4Life Crews and Crew4Life members in particular, who bring so much as Mental Health Ambassadors.

The 'Communities In Action' Award recognises the critical role that individuals and organisations in communities play in identifying and taking action in suicide prevention. It acknowledges that communities working together are at the heart of suicide prevention strategies.

On accepting the award Bernard said the following;

‘Firstly, I want to acknowledge all the other finalists in the Communities in Action category. We are honoured to be considered alongside these extraordinary organisations and I’d like to congratulate everyone involved.  

Thank you to Suicide Prevention Australia for these important awards. I am not sure if you are aware of the impact of just been nominated for this award has …in our communities it is huge. Everyone walks that little bit taller. It strengthens everyones commitment to this work …so thank you.

Live4Life brings communities together. Live4Life is the only youth mental health and suicide prevention model designed by and for rural and regional communities, where the suicide rate is 40% higher than urban areas and where 63% of young people trying to seek help are unable to access the mental health services they need.

Live4Life was developed from lived experience. It was developed out of need. It is an evidence-based, community led, prevention initiative with proven outcomes. 

Live4Life is now in 13 Victorian rural communities and 1 interstate community  in Tasmania, with a waitlist of over 20 more LGAs. There are 157 organisations who are active members of the Live4Life School and Community Partnership Groups. 

This is often the first time that local governments, all schools, health organisations and other community organisations work together on a single issue. I want to thank each and every one of them, for their commitment to improving the mental health and wellbeing of young people and reducing suicide.

Finally – Live4Life is led by young people – our peer leaders, the Crew. “

This award belongs to all of these young people, their schools, our lead agencies, partner organisations our amazing staff, volunteers and Board who are making a positive and lasting impact in their communities. We accept this award proudly on their behalf.’

A congratulations to our fellow nominees as well: Murrumbidgee Local Response Group; Taylor Brown, I Got You; Tuhono Program, Mozzy Foundation; Karyn Moyle, Perfectly Imperfect Consulting; Karri Ambler – StandBy Support After Suicide; Eureka Clubhouse; and Barossa Suicide Prevention Network.

The Awards ceremony was held during the 25th National Suicide Prevention Conference, 30 April-2 May 2024, in Adelaide.

7News Young Achiever Awards

Thanks to the dedication of Crew and Crew4Life, Live4Life has also been announced as a finalist in the 7News Young Achiever Awards in the Spirit Super Connecting Communities category. The Award celebrates young individuals driving grass-roots, ‘real life’ initiatives that demonstrate genuine involvement, long-term value and add to the life of their community.

The 7NEWS Young Achiever Awards acknowledge, encourage and, most importantly, promote the positive achievements of all young people throughout Victoria, 30 years of age and under (as of 31 December each year). Congrats to our fellow finalists Blessing Bags Melbourne, Brea Dorsett, Mohammed Alebrahimi and Nikita Chopra!

The Awards Gala Presentation will take place on Friday 14 June 2024.