The Goanna Academy's MindED + CultureAWARE high school program has been awarded one of eight Wayahead Mental Health Matters Awards.
Founded in 2020 by Greg Inglis, the Goanna Academy represents Inglis' commitment to giving back to the community and improving mental health outcomes for Australians after his football career.
MindED is a mental fitness program that leverages Inglis' personal experiences and platform to improve mental health outcomes.
The program combines physical and mental exercises delivered over multiple visits.
The pilot program began in December 2020 in partnership with headspace Australia, and involved students from NSW Education and Sarah Redfern High School.
"In 2020, we worked with NSW Department of Education, Sarah Redfern Highschool, Minto and headspace to develop and deliver a pilot program linked back to the curriculum in NSW schools," a MindEd representative said.
"Since then, The Goanna Academy has continued working with NSW Education to establish opportunities to expand this program.
"In 2023, our delivery reach continued to grow, with MindED programs delivered in Western NSW, Northern NSW, Far North QLD, the South Coast with more programs planned across all of NSW and QLD."
Announced on Friday, the Wayahead awards are a key feature of Mental Health Month in October.
They recognise individuals and organisations that have made significant contributions to improving mental health awareness, understanding, and services within NSW communities.
Wayahead CEO, Sharon Grocott, praised the winners for their dedication to mental health awareness, education, and advocacy.
"Each of these projects has helped in their own innovative way to reduce the stigma of mental health and to open up the conversation in their communities," Mrs Grocott said.
"Our theme this year is 'Let's Talk About It,' and these initiatives are to be commended for their efforts in getting everyone to do just that for the sake of our wellbeing."
The 2024 Wayahead Mental Health Matters Awards recognised a diverse range of initiatives.
Winners include Mongrels Mens Health and Wellbeing (Northern Beaches) for the Mental Health Promotion Award, NSW Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors – STARTTS (Parramatta) for the Rainbow Inclusion Award, and Sydney University (Sydney) for the Workplace Wellbeing Award.
The Community Initiative Award went to Riding for the Disabled (Sydney), while the Sound Mentoring program (Sydney) received the Youth Award.
The MindED + CultureAWARE High School Program (Sydney) took home the Aboriginal Social and Emotional Wellbeing Award.
A Good Mind To podcast (Port Kembla) won the Media and the Arts Award, and Jenny Learmont (Bowral) was honoured with the Leadership through Lived Experience Award.
