2023 Support Group Recognition Awards
The Support Group Recognition Awards celebrate and recognise WA Support Groups and individuals who have demonstrated excellence and positively impacted the community through their service delivery. The Awards are hosted by ConnectGroups, the peak body organisation for Peer Support Groups in WA.
Support Groups and individuals can be nominated by others, or can self-nominate. Awards Finalists will be selected by an assessment panel and will be announced in the lead up to ConnectGroups’ Ruby Red Gala, with winners announced and showcased on the event night.
Nominations have now closed, and finalists will be announced soon!
New and Emerging Support Group Award
In recognition of outstanding work conducted by a new Support Group. Open to Support Groups that were established less than 18 months ago.
Finalists:
- Dads in the Rough
- Kings Park Warriors
- The Men’s Wellness Wagon
Most Innovative Support Group Award
For a Support Group which has demonstrated innovative practice across its service delivery. Open to all ConnectGroups Support Group members.
Finalists:
- Activate Mental Health
- Grandparents Rearing Grandchildren WA
- On My Feet
Online/Facebook Support Group Award
In recognition of the work conducted by an Online/Facebook Support Group. Open to ConnectGroups members that provide support via a Facebook Group or other online platforms.
Finalists:
- Families 4 Families WA
- PDA Perth WA Parent Community
- The Platform WA
Regional/Rural Support Group Award
In recognition of the work conducted by a Support Group in Regional and Rural WA. Open to ConnectGroups members that operate in the regions.
Finalists:
- Busselton Hospice Care Inc.
- Greenbushes Acoustic
- South West Migrant Women’s Group
Rare, Genetic, and Undiagnosed Conditions Award
In recognition of the work conducted in the Rare, Genetic, and Undiagnosed (RGU) Conditions Sector. Open to Support Groups and organisations working in the RGU space.
Finalists:
- Sotos Syndrome Australia
- Trigeminal Neuralgia Support Group
- XYY Syndrome Association Australia Inc.
Pay it Forward Award
For a Pay it Forward project which demonstrated sustainable mental health impact to its members and the wider community. Open to ConnectGroups Support Group members that were successful grant recipients of the Pay it Forward program.
Finalists:
- Courageous Women Multicultural Network
- Dementia Carers Support Group (SWWHIC)
- Miracle Babies
Dream it Forward Award
For a Dream it Forward project which positively impacted Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander social and emotional wellbeing. Open to community groups or Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations which were successful Dream it Forward grant recipients.
Finalists:
- Kadajiny Aboriginal Corporation
- Miiya Kaadajiny
- Kwaalup Djet
Give it Forward Award
For a Give it Forward project which demonstrated significant innovation, capacity building or sustainability for their Support Group. Open to ConnectGroups Support Group members that were successful Give it Forward grant recipients.
Finalists:
- Dialysis and Renal Transplant Support Group (DART)
- Gynaecological Awareness and Information Network (GAIN Inc.)
- Type 1 Diabetes Collective
Support Group Champion Award
For an individual who has made a significant contribution to the philosophy of Peer Support.
Finalists:
- Julia McDonald (Trigeminal Neuralgia Support Group)
- Margaret Doherty (Mental Health Matters 2)
- Monique Alva (Endometriosis WA)
People's Choice Award
Nominated by ConnectGroups and voted on by the peer Support Group Sector, the People’s Choice Award goes to an individual who has shown outstanding levels of commitment over the past 12 months to ConnectGroups’ events, workshops, and forums, whilst also advocating for the wider community and peer Support Group Sector.