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Commissioner Alan Woodward recognised with LiFE Award for outstanding contribution to suicide prevention
Commissioner Alan Woodward was recognised by Suicide Prevention Australia with the presentation of a LiFE Award for his outstanding contribution to address, prevent, or respond to suicidal behaviours and their impact on people, families, communities, and the Australian population.
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The Commission’s Chair, Mrs Lucy Brogden AM, said “Alan is a true leader in suicide prevention in Australia and internationally. Alan has made a significant contribution to reducing suicide in Australia. I’ve known Alan since he was on the Executive at Lifeline Australia and have watched the impact of his knowledge create positive and lifesaving change. He is an avid researcher and evaluator, with a profound determination to ensure hope is accessible to all. I have thoroughly appreciated the contribution Alan makes as a member of the Advisory Board of the National Mental Health Commission and I’m delighted to see him recognised in this way.”
Over 20 years, Commissioner Woodward has built a career in the field of mental health, crisis support and suicide prevention as an executive leader, a service and program developer, an evaluator and researcher and as an expert advisor to governments and peak bodies. He was appointed to the Advisory Board of the National Mental Health Commission in August 2019 and most recently served as a member of the National Suicide Prevention Taskforce which formed the recommendations for the National Suicide Prevention Final Advice.
“We are all delighted to see Alan recognised in this way. Alan is a considered, generous and compassionate man who makes a wise contribution to the mental health and suicide prevention sectors. I’m pleased to congratulate Alan and share my gratitude with him for the support and guidance he provides the Advisory Board of the National Mental Health Commission as well as the generous mentorship he offers those around him, including our team members. We are all thrilled to see him recognised,” said Ms Christine Morgan, CEO, National Mental Health Commission.
The Commission acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands throughout Australia. We pay our respects to their clans, and to the elders, past and present, and acknowledge their continuing connection to land, sea and community.
Diversity
The Commission is committed to embracing diversity and eliminating all forms of discrimination in the provision of health services. The Commission welcomes all people irrespective of ethnicity, lifestyle choice, faith, sexual orientation and gender identity.
Lived Experience
We acknowledge the individual and collective contributions of those with a lived and living experience of mental ill-health and suicide, and those who love, have loved and care for them. Each person’s journey is unique and a valued contribution to Australia’s commitment to mental health suicide prevention systems reform.
