SportWest is proud to announce its recognition as a finalist in the 2025 WA Mental Health Awards, under the Promotion or Prevention Award category for its impactful True Sport Mental Health & Wellbeing Initiative.
Hosted by the Western Australian Association for Mental Health (WAAMH), the WA Mental Health Awards celebrate outstanding contributions to mental health across the state. This year, over 100 nominations were received across nine categories, highlighting the breadth of innovation and dedication within the community.
SportWest’s True Sport Mental Health & Wellbeing Initiative was selected for its commitment to embedding mental health awareness and support into the fabric of community sport. The initiative empowers sporting clubs and organisations to foster inclusive, supportive environments that promote mental wellbeing and reduce stigma.
SportWest CEO, Troy Kirkham said the nomination reflects the organisation’s deep commitment to using sport as a vehicle for positive change.
“We believe sport has the power to unite communities and support mental health in meaningful ways. Being named a finalist in the WA Mental Health Awards is a testament to the incredible work of our team and partners who have championed mental wellbeing through the True Sport initiative. In partnership with the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport, Western Australia is setting the national standard for mental health support in community sport with this groundbreaking program. ” Troy Kirkham said.
An independent University of Western Australia evaluation revealing the exceptional success of SportWest's True Sport Mental Health & Wellbeing Initiative. The comprehensive evaluation found that 97% of participants were satisfied with the program, with 100% of workshops receiving outstanding ratings and significant improvements in mental health literacy across the sector.
Key achievements include:
- 100 State Sporting Association employees from 38 organisations completed mental health training
- Statistically significant improvements in mental health literacy among sport sector workers
- 96% of participants confirmed the resources were valuable and intended to promote them to clubs and volunteers
- 91% agreed Mental Health Champions significantly enhance organisational capacity to manage mental health situations
Winners will be announced at a gala celebration on World Mental Health Day – 10 October 2025, at Beaumonde on the Point, East Perth overlooking the Swan River.
SportWest congratulates all fellow finalists and looks forward to continuing its work in building mentally healthy sporting communities across Western Australia.
For more information about the WA Mental Health Awards and to view the full list of finalists, visit WAAMH Awards.
Please contact Bronte Vause, Communications Manager via email brontevause@sportwest.com.au for media enquiries.
