Strong Minds, Strong Mines

Australian Mental Health

Organisation of the Year

Strong Minds, Strong Mines (SMSM) is a mental health program founded in 2019 by Soa Palelei, inspired by his personal experience overcoming mental health challenges. The program supports workers in the FIFO (Fly-In Fly-Out) and DIDO (Drive-In Drive-Out) industries, aiming to raise mental health awareness and provide practical tools for resilience. Through Monthly Toolbox Presentations, Wellness Champion Training, and Leaders' Training, SMSM promotes open discussions, reduces stigma, and fosters a supportive work environment, prioritizing the mental well-being of workers in Australia's mining and construction sectors.

Richard Lim OAM

Australian Mental Health

Advocate of the Year

Richard Lim OAM came to Australia in 1980 after escaping the Pol Pot regime in Cambodia. Since arriving in Australia Richard has worked hard to achieve an education and has grown a successful pharmacy business which supports graduating students to gain experience. Richard is known for his generosity and support among many cultural groups and charities across Melbourne.

Benjamin Roberts (aka Ruefulben)

Australian Mental Health

Volunteer of the Year 

Ben Roberts, also known as Rueful Ben, is a multi-award-winning artist and mental health advocate. Founder of two renowned Australian folk acts, The Timbers and Ukulele Death Squad, he is now focused on a unique initiative to break mental health stigma. Ben aims to perform or create on all 577 Adelaide CBD streets, using each as an opportunity to spark important conversations and raise funds for charities. With a powerful podcast and strong social media presence, Ben’s work highlights vulnerability, normalizing mental health discussions one street at a time.

Anastasia Karagianni

Australian Mental Health

Youth of the Year

 Anastasia is a member of the Youth Leaders program at the Mental Health Foundation Australia (MHFA). As school captain at Cheltenham Secondary College, she has promoted mental health awareness, organised fundraising events, and advocated for MHFA as a key resource for her school community. Anastasia is also passionate about raising awareness of the mental health challenges faced by immigrant students.

Sivaganga Sahathevan OAM

Australian Mental Health

Musician of the Year

Sivaganga Sahathevan, a refugee from the Sri Lankan civil war, found solace and purpose through music. After settling in Preston, she introduced Carnatic music to the Darebin Music Feast in 1998, helping to raise awareness of Indian music in her community. Since 2001, her group has performed annually, donating proceeds to charities such as the Starlight Children’s Foundation and Girls from Oz. With the support of her team and mentors, including Dr. Chandrabhanu, Sivaganga’s efforts have raised $37,000 for these causes, enriching both the Indian and broader Melbourne communities through music.

Lewching Yip

International Mental Health

Advocate of the Year 

Lewching, a survivor of violence and intergenerational trauma, advocates fiercely for suicide prevention and mental health support. After fleeing family violence and navigating multiple challenges as an international student, she has become a prominent voice for cultural safety and systemic reform. Lewching works as a crisis intervention practitioner and is involved in various leadership roles, including deputy consumer co-chair of the National Mental Health Consumer and Carer Forum and a member of the ACT Ministerial Advisory Council for Multiculturalism. Her advocacy efforts include securing support for international students during the pandemic and launching Project Chosen Family to aid marginalized youths.