To view the photos from the evening, go to our facebook page www.facebook.com/actbelongcommit
Youth
Winner: Neve Guilfoile
Neve enjoys living an active life – physically, mentally and socially and contributes to numerous endeavours in her community. She is an active member of the 'peer pals' program at her school, Corpus Christi College, which supports students with disabilities develop their confidence, social skills and to be more involved in the mainstream school community.
Impressively, Neve was awarded a young Champion for the Every Australian Counts campaign for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) for her tireless efforts advocating for the scheme. This includes letterbox drops, packing materials for rallies and assisting her disabled brother to educate people about the NDIS at public events. Neve has demonstrated to the community how great life can be when you act-belong-commit and that you're never too young to start
Other finalists:
Derek Herron from Victoria Park
Jack Irwin from Doubleview
Adult
Winner: Amer Khan
Amer's small business, Sculpture Personal Training has the sole mission of enhancing the physical and mental wellbeing of all who attend his classes. Amer goes above and beyond to create an inclusive environment for everyone, from disadvantaged and disabled people, to those suffering weight-loss challenges; to parents with young children and those who have suffered significant personal difficulties in life. He is committed to fundraising for charities and organises regular social events for everyone in the community and has even signed Scuplture PT as an Act-Belong-Commit campaign partner.
Other finalists:
Pamela Bailey from Roleystone
Dawn Yates from Balga
Senior
Winner: Les Dearden
Les is a fantastic example of someone who epitomises the act-belong-commit ethos. His long list of contributions to the local community include teaching free Tai Chi at the local Milligan Community Centre, assisting as a handyman and gardening guru, and supporting fundraising efforts.
Most impressively, Les is the coach and coordinator for the local 'Big Issue Community Soccer Program' supporting marginalised people to become more productive members of their community through soccer.
Other finalists:
Hazel Green from Wickepin
Jean Baker from Gosnells
Act-Belong-Commit Partner
Winner: Men's Resource Centre - Albany
This is the Second year running that the Men's Resource Centre has won this Award. The Men's Resource Centre has a multi-faceted approach to promoting act-belong-commit to all members of the Albany community ensuring the message is heard loud and clear The Centre hosts an annual 'Act-Belong-Commit Fun Run and Family Walk' for the whole community as well as conducting Pit Stop Wellness checks for local businesses and community groups throughout the year. The events and activities contribute positively not only to the mental health of the community, but also to the overall physical health.
Other finalists:
St Bartholomew's House
Boddington Community Resource Centre
Act-Belong-Commit Site
Winner: City of Rockingham
This is the second year running that the City of Rockingham has won this category. The City's dedication to developing innovative community programs that get people thinking about their mental health and what they can do to stay mentally healthy is the key to their success. In particular, we applaud the city for its annual PhotoVoice competition and exhibition which encourages participants to take photos based on the mentally healthy theme. Rockingham was the first local government in Western Australia to become an Act-Belong-Commit community in 2008. Since then, over seven local governments have followed their lead.
Other finalist:
South West Women's Health and Information Centre
Primary School
Winner: Cooinda Primary School
Being part of the KidsMatter Framework has provided staff at Cooinda Primary School the ability to look closer at the mental health and wellbeing of students and the effect that it can have on their development.
Staff at Cooinda Primary School are committed to promoting positive mental health and well-being throughout the whole school community; including students, teachers and families.
Secondary School
Winner: Lockridge Senior High School
Lockridge Senior High School has organised a great range of activities to improve the mental wellbeing of students, teachers and parents. Events include a 'Harmony Day', 'Anti-bullying Day' and numerous fundraising activities. They have formed a wellbeing committee to guide the implementation of the Act-Belong-Commit Mentally Healthy Schools Framework within the school. These strategies are ensuring that good mental health practices are instilled.
Other finalists:
North Lake Senior Campus
Kalamunda Senior High School
La Salle College
