Advocate alumnus earns Australian Mental Health Prize

01 October 2024
Louise Byrne stands outdoors in front of green ferns, smiles at camera.
CQUniversity alumnus Dr Louise Byrne

By Mary Bolling

CQUniversity alumnus and former lecturer Dr Louise Byrne has been recognised for her leadership, named as the Lived Experience recipient of the 2024 Australian Mental Health Prize.  

The pioneering academic received the award at a UNSW Sydney ceremony on Monday 23 September 2024, alongside fellow mental health champions Professor Juli Coffin (Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Prize), Professor Michael Berk (Professional Prize) and Dr Marilyn June Anderson (Community Hero Prize).

Dr Byrne, who graduated with her PhD from CQUniversity in 2014, was a Lived Experience in Mental Health academic in CQU's School of Nursing and Midwifery until 2017.

The Lived Experience Mental Health Prize, presented by the Hon. Emma McBride MP, Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, and the Hon. Rose Jackson MLC Minister for Mental Health, recognises and celebrates outstanding mental health leadership by someone who has experienced mental health challenges, either personally or as a supporter, at a national level. 

“Lived Experience leaders bring practical knowledge essential for creating effective, compassionate services. By drawing on our unique insights and expertise, we can address deep-rooted challenges like marginalisation and loss of identity, leading to more inclusive systems,” Dr Byrne said.

“For genuine reform, it's crucial to share power at every stage – from setting priorities to implementing and evaluating services.”

Dr Byrne has spent more than 15 years driving groundbreaking research, instrumental in promoting the understanding and credibility of Lived Experience as a discipline. 

She led the development of the National Lived Experience (Peer) Workforce Development Guidelines, a key action of the Fifth National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan. It offers practical steps to integrate Lived Experience principles into mental health services nationwide. 

Through her roles at CQU, RMIT University, Yale University, and her strategic consulting and training, Dr Byrne has influenced mental health systems in Australia and internationally.

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.”

CQU’s School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Sciences Deputy Dean (Learning and Teaching) Associate Professor Julie Bradshaw said she first met Dr Byrne when she began teaching an innovative subject, on the role of recovery for mental health consumers.

“I also was witness to Louise’s journey as she undertook her PhD while working full time,” she said.

“Louise was always inspiring. She enthralled her students in her stories on what it is to live with mental health issues.

“She inspired in her stories of what it is to go through the recovery journey.

“I am proud to have known this wonderful scholar in the early stages of her work.”

CQU Head of Bachelor of Nursing course Justine Connor said she was very fortunate to work with Louise during her time at CQUniversity.

“Her generosity in sharing her lived-experience challenges to the faculty... Through her research, teaching and learning, she made a significant contribution to the students and staff that she engaged with in the School, as well as far-reaching international impacts within the Lived Experience workforce,” she said.

“I would like to offer my sincere congratulations to Louise on this important occasion and applaud her commitment and strong leadership in the area of Lived Experience workforce development.”

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