Broome based Indigenous academic, Professor Juli Coffin, has been honoured among the 2024 Australian Mental Health Prize winners, awarded in the Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander category announced Monday evening.
Professor Coffin was recognised for her Yawardani Jan-ga Equine Assisted Learning program, which uses the healing power of horses to support the mental and emotional well-being of Aboriginal youth in the Kimberley region.
Professor Coffin, deeply connected to Nyangumarta country in the Pilbara, is a leading Aboriginal researcher dedicated to improving the social and emotional well-being of Aboriginal youth.
She established the Yawardani Jan-ga Equine Assisted Learning program, which fosters trust, connection, and empowerment among Aboriginal young people and youth, providing a safe space where a sense of control and self-reflection is developed and nurtured.
Yawardani Jan-ga—means "horses helping" in Yawuru language—reflects Professor Coffin's broader mission to incorporate cultural security into mainstream health and education systems, ensuring Aboriginal perspectives and practices are at the forefront.
As the Ellison Professor of Aboriginal Young Peoples' Social and Emotional Well-being at Murdoch University, Professor Coffin is committed to long-term, community-driven solutions that honour Aboriginal knowledge, build, and support healing on Aboriginal terms.
"Our work embedded is in the belief that Aboriginal communities have the power to heal and thrive from within. Imagine not having control over any part of your life—this is the reality for many of our youth," she said.
"Our program gives participants the chance to reclaim their sense of agency and inner strength. By embedding cultural security into health and education, we create environments where young people feel safe, respected, and truly empowered.
"We need to move away from the deficit-focused models that highlight what's broken and instead invest in approaches that build on our strengths and knowledge. Real change takes time and must honour our identity and cultural practices. This is about healing on our terms."
The other 2024 Australian Mental Health Prize winners were Dr Louise Byrne, Professor Michael Berk and Dr Marilyn June Anderson.
Professor Allan Fels, past winner and co-chair of the Australian Mental Health Prize Advisory Group, said: "The dedication of this year's winners highlights the power of personal experience, cultural security, and scientific innovation in mental health. Their work offers hope and tangible support to countless Australians."
"We are honoured to celebrate their achievements, inspiring us to prioritise mental wellbeing for everyone," he said.
UNSW Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Attila Brungs, said the winners "embody the spirit of innovation and commitment in mental health advocacy, research, and support".
"I congratulate them on driving meaningful change and inspiring a more inclusive and compassionate approach to mental wellbeing," he said.
The Prize was established by a group of eminent Australians in partnership with UNSW.
Co-chaired by Lucy Brogden AM and Professor Fels AO, the Prize Advisory Group comprises: Sophie Scott, Melinda Upton, Jeremy Coggin, Associate Professor Mat Coleman, UNSW Scientia Professor Henry Brodaty AO, UNSW Professor Kimberlie Dean, UNSW Scientia Professor Philip Mitchell AM, UNSW Professor Valsamma Eapen, and UNSW Professor Maree Toombs.
