Awards

Co-Winner: Wayne Turale

The Rural Alive & Well Inc Outreach Support Program was developed approx. 4 years ago as a result of drought that had started to take serious affect on the farming communities throughout Tasmania. RAW as it is commonly known is a not for profit organisation formed to raise awareness of men's wellbeing with its motto; 'Talk to a mate' widely promoted!

Our objective is to provide quick response through early intervention to people at risk of harm and to promote help seeking avenues for individuals, communities experiencing mental health and welfare issues.

The principal object for which RAW is established is to create a strong, resilience and capacity of men, their families and the community to react to challenging life experiences with particular emphasis on mental health with a special focus on suicidal tendencies.

The RAW Outreach Team has grown from a single worker in 1998 to 6 out-reach workers statewide today. The Team consists of Outreach Team Manager Garry Sharp (Glamorgan Spring Bay), Wayne Turale (Central Highlands), Leonard Willsher (Southern Midlands), and Max Bessell (Forestry Communities) and will be complemented with the addition of 2 forestry community outreach workers by the beginning of October 2011. We see approximately 300 clients per month. The team has a mix of skills and experience in Mental Health & Suicide Prevention/Intervention work and is passionate and dedicated to seeing rural health promoted and delivered. RAW operates 24/7 with on-call shared between the outreach workers and is funded by Doha, DHS and DPIPWE.

Co-Winner: Helen Jappé

Helen grew up in the country towns of Mountain River and Maydena. After some years on the mainland, she and her husband moved back to Tassie and Ouse about seven years ago and bought the local Post office. After this, Helen commenced work as a Divisional Therapist at the Ouse District Hospital.

Following closure of the hospital, Helen was able to share her skills around the Central Highlands becoming involved in establishing a number of Day Centres in the area. Helen has a true passion for rural health, always going above and beyond her role and is an advocate for clients. With our geographical location we have a huge number of people who are socially isolated and through Helen's endeavours she has been able to make a big difference not only to our Centre clientele but also to the wider Community of the Central Highlands and its many visitors to the region.

Finalist: Libby Bayerle

Libby Beyerle has lived in rural communities all my life and together with my husband have raised four wonderful children. I currently work in the Meander Valley as the Community Health Social Worker. My passion for rural health is sustained by my experience of being privileged to work with diverse groups and individuals whose attitudes and resourcefulness constantly remind me to never underestimate the existing resilience and willingness of rural communities.

My role as a rural health worker is to facilitate connectedness and to explore opportunities for collaboration within the community. I am energized by the enthusiasm within the community to improve access to information and awareness of issues related to health & wellbeing. For me, the issue of health promotion is not about 'telling the community how to be healthy' but to support the community to be central to their own determination of 'being healthy' by being given access to information, services and resources which impact on their wellbeing.

Winner: Diane Swan

My name is Diane Swan and I moved to the Southern Midlands in 1993, with my husband and four young children.

Midlands Initiatives for Local Enterprise (MILE) is a not-for-profit organisation that since 1994, has worked for the betterment of the district. I joined MILE in 2004 and was elected president in 2008. I believe in MILE and what it strives to provide the community.

Finalist: Lynden Russell

At the age of 17 I started a Youth Drop in Centre called 'Av-A-Chat' in Scottsdale. I ran a youth group for over 10 years at Hilltop. The next year I took on the running of the Iconic Derby River Derby. From there I was asked to take on the North East Rivers Festival as the Director after its first year as a 10 day Festival. This year we are celebrating the fifth year of our amazing Family Festival that caters for everyone with 10 Events over 10 Days, focusing on 2 Big Weekends.

I am now a Chaplain at Bridport and Ringarooma. With the help of a Healthy Living Expert, we started two Organic gardens and orchards at these schools. I am encouraged by the majority of the students wanting to live a healthy lifestyle. I love to see young people reach their full potential in a healthy, caring and fun way.

Finalist: Dianne Coon

Dianne has displayed an outstanding dedication to Ambulance Tasmania on the West Coast for the past 17 years. She has been president and Secretary for Volunteer Ambulance Officers Tasmania (VAOT) and continues to hold executive positions with this organisation. She is on the National Volunteering Council and is a member of the Standby West Coast Regional Committee.

Dianne was instrumental in securing the major VAOT convention for 2011 to be held at Queenstown in November.

Based in Strahan, Dianne has made a remarkable difference to this community. She has constantly been available for callouts and to assist doctors and nurses in emergencies. Dianne is highly respected by her colleagues in health for her significant ability, character, dedication and commitment to the people of Strahan community.

Winner: Rural Alive & Well Inc. Outreach Team

The Rural Alive & Well Inc Outreach Support Program was developed approx. 4 years ago as a result of drought that had started to take serious affect on the farming communities throughout Tasmania. RAW as it is commonly known is a not for profit organisation formed to raise awareness of men's wellbeing with its motto; 'Talk to a mate' widely promoted!

Our objective is to provide quick response through early intervention to people at risk of harm and to promote help seeking avenues for individuals, communities experiencing mental health and welfare issues.

The principal object for which RAW is established is to create a strong, resilience and capacity of men, their families and the community to react to challenging life experiences with particular emphasis on mental health with a special focus on suicidal tendencies.

The RAW Outreach Team has grown from a single worker in 1998 to 6 out-reach workers statewide today. The Team consists of Outreach Team Manager Garry Sharp (Glamorgan Spring Bay), Wayne Turale (Central Highlands), Leonard Willsher (Southern Midlands), and Max Bessell (Forestry Communities) and will be complemented with the addition of 2 forestry community outreach workers by the beginning of October 2011. We see approximately 300 clients per month. The team has a mix of skills and experience in Mental Health & Suicide Prevention/Intervention work and is passionate and dedicated to seeing rural health promoted and delivered. RAW operates 24/7 with on-call shared between the outreach workers and is funded by Doha, DHS and DPIPWE.