Outstanding Achievement in Injury Prevention or Recovery within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities
Finalists:
- Anglicare WA & Parenting Connection WA – Beautiful Bumps Kalgoorlie
- Karratha Central Healthcare – Roebourne Falls Prevention Project
- Mental Health Commission – Strong Spirit Strong Mind Youth Project
- University of Western Australia, School for Indigenous Studies – Lancet Commission on Self-Harm
Winner:
Indigenous Consulting Group – Aboriginal Mental Health First Aid
Indigenous Consulting Group is an Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisation that works with and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians. They deliver the Aboriginal Mental Health First Aid program, an evidence-based initiative that equips Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Western Australia with culturally safe mental health support skills.
This initiative fosters local capacity, upskills frontline service providers, and supports broader community wellbeing, building a critical foundation towards Closing the Gap targets. Indigenous Consulting Group’s Aboriginal instructors are accredited by Mental Health First Aid Australia, and hold qualifications in counselling, psychology and/or narrative therapy providing professional mental health expertise.
Since January 2023, Indigenous Consulting Group have delivered over 284 workshops to over 3,000 community members and frontline workers, reaching metropolitan, rural and remote communities of Western Australia. The demonstrated state-wide reach of this evidence-based initiative continues to build the mental health support network of Western Australian communities. Congratulations to Indigenous Consulting Group.
Outstanding Achievement by a Local Government in Injury Prevention or Recovery
Finalists:
- City of Mandurah & South Metropolitan Health Service – Mandurah ‘Improve Your Health’ and ‘Move Your Body’ Falls Prevention Projects
- Shire of Esperance – Esperance Coastal Safety Workgroup
Winner:
City of Stirling – Stirling Local Drug Action Team Alcohol and Other Drug Action Plan Development Process
In response to rising Alcohol and Other Drug issues in the City of Stirling, the Stirling Local Drug Action Team reviewed their governance and structure to provide further direction and ongoing commitment in 2023. This included the Stirling Local Drug Action Team establishing a Strategic Working Group and partnering with North Metropolitan Health Service to develop a three-year Alcohol and Other Drug Action Plan.
This initiative aims to address Alcohol and Other Drug challenges within the City of Stirling through community development and evidence-based harm minimisation strategies. In late 2024, the Stirling Local Drug Action Team held three community workshops with a diverse range of stakeholders to identify priority areas, define objectives, and develop strategies.
This process aimed to ensure that the Alcohol and Other Drug Action Plan is relevant and supported by the local community, resulting in a practical and sustainable approach to Alcohol and Other Drug harm prevention in the City of Stirling.
Outstanding Achievement in Influencing Injury Policy or Research
Finalists:
- Curtin University – WAVE Project: Alcohol Advertising and Aquatic Environments – Building Evidence for Change
- Health Communication Resources Inc. – Addressing Family Violence Through Systems Mapping
Winner:
Edith Cowan University – Workplace Exposures of Wildland Firefighters in Western Australia.
Living in a bushfire-prone state, it is evident that bushfires, also known as wildfires, have become increasingly prevalent. Many of the firefighters responding to wildfires are volunteers, often working extended hours in hazardous conditions without the same level of occupational health protection as career firefighters.
In response, this insightful study examined the occupational hazards faced by wildland firefighters in Western Australia. This research combined qualitative and quantitative methods to assess airborne contaminant exposures, secondary exposure risks from contaminated personal protective equipment and firefighter perceptions of personal protective equipment.
The study was the first in Australia to use real-time monitoring of volatile organic compounds and particulate matter during both bushfires and prescribed burns. It also identified gaps in knowledge regarding smoke toxicity and PPE use among firefighters, contributing to improved workplace policies.
This initiative has provided important evidence to support firefighter health and safety improvements. It has influenced operational policies at the and the Department of Fire and Emergency Services and the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, contributing to efforts to increase the safety of local firefighters.
Excellence in Injury Recovery
Finalists:
- Curtin University – GriefAware
- St John Western Australia – Early Intervention Physiotherapy Program
Winner:
East Metropolitan Health Service – Bidi Wungen Kaat – Transitional Care Unit
The East Metropolitan Health Service Prevention and Recovery Unit is a short-term sub-acute service for consumers with severe high-prevalence mental health illness and moderate risk profile who require additional clinical support and life skills to successfully transition from an acute inpatient unit or require additional support in the community.
It was identified that the most prevalent presentation to the Unit is emotionally unstable personality disorder, associated with high suicide risk, and self-injurious behaviours with people often wanting to increase their capacity to manage chronic suicidality, crisis and the associated injury risk in the community. However, they continued to encounter systemic, societal and personal barriers that prevented their ability to effectively seek help.
In response, the Suicide Intervention Group was implemented in 2024 to de-center the clinical expertise of suicidality and empower residents to be experts in their own journeys, manage their own experiences and know how to access appropriate support and interventions in the community.
The program covers key topics including reducing the stigma and increasing understanding around suicidal ideation, understanding levels of distress, implementing safety planning, and developing practical skills and resources to manage suicidality in the community.
Excellence in Injury Prevention or Safety Promotion
Finalists:
- Epilepsy WA – Seizure Safety Month 4 Epilepsy WA
- Kidsafe WA – Safety Island: An Interactive E-Learning Tool
- Steering Healthy Minds – Steering Healthy Minds (Highly Commended)
- TRANSAFE WA – iNSTRUCKTA! Road Safety Education Truck (Highly Commended)
Winner:
Neami National – Perth Metropolitan Suicide Prevention Coordinators
The Perth Metropolitan Suicide Prevention Coordinators work to advance suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention activities in the metropolitan area. The Suicide Prevention Coordinators’ primary focus is to initiate, coordinate, and manage a variety of programs that promote a collaborative and evidence-based approach to suicide prevention in local metropolitan communities. By fostering a network of support and cooperation, the coordinators engage with local government bodies, service providers, and community groups to implement targeted prevention strategies.
The program has been successful in building the capacity of communities and service providers to effectively address suicide-related issues, preventing and reducing the impact of suicide and mental health crisis within the Western Australian community.
This initiative has also supported multiple community-driven projects aimed at increasing mental health literacy and awareness. These combined efforts have not only raised awareness and provided much-needed resources, but they have also created lasting partnerships and networks that enhance the community’s ability to identify, respond to, and prevent suicide and mental health crises.
Thank you to everyone who joined us at the 2025 Injury Matters Injury Prevention & Safety Promotion Awards and congratulations to all finalists and winners.
