This report discusses suicide, mental health, and suicide prevention.

Waterlily Healing Indigenous Corporation and Perfectly Imperfect Consulting, based on Larrakia Country in Darwin, have received the 'Community' Award at the 2025 Barbara Hocking Memorial Awards.

Hosted by suicide prevention organisation R U OK?, the awards recognise efforts to create a world where we are all connected and protected from suicide across four categories: Workplace, Education, Community and Conversation Leader.

The judging panel recognised Karyn Anne Moyle and her team for "empowering those in their world to meaningfully connect and lend support to each other when they are struggling with life, particularly through culturally safe, trauma-informed programs that empower Aboriginal communities to speak openly about mental health, grief, and suicide".

Together, the two organisations deliver initiatives such as Painting Suicide, Grief and Loss Healing Circles, Deadly Thinking Youth, and Aboriginal Mental Health First Aid. These programs use storytelling, yarning, art, and sensory-based learning to create safe spaces for honest dialogue across urban centres, remote communities, prisons, youth detention centres, and schools.

Aunties Place, a youth-focused healing space in Palmerston, offers nourishing meals, peer support, and a culturally grounded environment where young people feel safe, seen, and supported. It has become "a trusted refuge" for those experiencing emotional distress, grief, or suicidal thoughts, the Awards organisers said.

In announcing the award, R U OK? Board Member and member of the judging panel, Brenden Maher highlighted the value of their efforts.

"Waterlily Healing and Perfectly Imperfect are creating spaces where asking 'are you OK?' is not just possible, it's a regular part of any day. By weaving cultural knowledge, lived experience and trauma-informed care into every conversation, they're helping communities feel safe to speak up, connect, and heal together," he said.

On receiving the award, Ms Moyle reflected on what drives her to support her community.

"As an Aboriginal woman, I have my own lived experience and like many, I have lost friends and family members to suicide," Ms Moyle said.

"I am so grateful to be able to teach my people how to have the tools to have these conversations and offer them a healing place to come to. We've got a lot of trauma, yes we know that, but it's about how do we support this next generation."

R U OK? chief executive Katherine Newton reflected on the significance of the awards and the impact this year's recipients have had within their communities.

"Barbara Hocking's legacy reminds us that change begins with compassion and connection," said Ms Newton.

"The 2025 award recipients carry forward her mission to break down stigma, and create spaces where people feel confident to ask, 'Are you OK?' and importantly, those on the receiving end of the question are listened to without judgement.

"Importantly, award recipients champion the 'Ask R U OK? Any Day' message in their communities, with a strong focus on fostering regular conversations throughout the year. Their work is a powerful reminder that meaningful conversations can - and do - change lives."

The Barbara Hocking Memorial Awards were first presented in 2019 in memory of the late Barbara Hocking OAM.

Ms Hocking, who passed away in 2016, was one of Australia's leading advocates for people affected by mental illness.

Her leadership and achievements leave a lasting legacy in how people living with mental illness and their families are treated and regarded.

She was the first full-time Executive Director of SANE Australia - a national charity working for a better life for all people affected by mental illness through education and support, applied research and campaigning for improved services and attitudes. As well as being a Director of SANE Australia, she also served on the boards of Mental Health Australia and R U OK?

Details of all categories, finalists and winners for the 2025 Barbara Hocking Memorial Awards can be found online at www.ruok.org.au/barbara-hocking-memorial-award.

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