Celebrating Recognition at the Town of Victoria Park Business Awards
On Friday, 30th October, Activate Mental Health was named a joint winner of the inaugural Not-for-Profit Business of the Year Award at the Town of Victoria Park Business Awards. As an unexpected bonus, we were also recognised as a finalist in the Business of the Year category, the evening's highest honour.
As a grassroots mental well-being organisation, this recognition means a great deal to our community. It reflects years of dedication from volunteers, members, supporters, sponsors and community partners who have helped us create welcoming spaces for connection, friendship and belonging.
A Decade of Connection in Victoria Park
The Town of Victoria Park has played a significant role in Activate Mental Health's journey. Our connection with the Town began in 2016 after winning a micro-grant community dinner. Since then, Victoria Park has become the home of many of our activities and an integral part of our story.
Today, we run a range of regular initiatives throughout the area, including:
Monthly Board Games Nights at the Victoria Park Community Centre
Monthly TED Talk Discussion Groups at the Victoria Park Community Centre
Monthly Silent Book Club gatherings at the Victoria Park Community Space
Fortnightly Coffee Catch-Ups at San Churros
Occasional Quiz Nights at local Victoria Park pubs
These events provide opportunities for people to meet others, build friendships, develop confidence and find a sense of community in a supportive and inclusive environment.
Recognising the Value of Community
This year's awards were particularly meaningful because it was the first time in the event's eight-year history that not-for-profit organisations were formally recognised.
To be acknowledged alongside so many outstanding local businesses and organisations was an honour in itself. Sharing the Not-for-Profit Business of the Year Award with Connect Victoria Park made the achievement even more special.
We were also thrilled to be named a finalist for Business of the Year. The award was ultimately won by Connect Victoria Park, recognising the extraordinary contribution they have made to the Victoria Park community for nearly 70 years. We congratulate their team on this well-deserved recognition.
Thank You to Our Volunteers
None of what we do would be possible without our volunteers.
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Ash, Brian, Charlotte, David, Doyle, Eva, Jackson, Mary, Mel, Prakriti, Sofia C and Sofia D, who host our regular Victoria Park events. We are also grateful to the many other Activate Mental Health volunteers who help facilitate events across Perth and contribute their time, energy and compassion to support others.
The Power of Partnerships
We would also like to thank our sponsors, Consumers of Mental Health WA, Rotary Club of Northbridge WA, Blooming Minds and ABS Institute. Their support helps us continue offering opportunities for connection and wellbeing across the Perth metropolitan area. Partnerships like these allow us to grow our impact and reach more people who may benefit from our community.
We are equally grateful to the Town of Victoria Park for its ongoing support. Through grant funding, we are able to offer our Board Games Night and TED Talk Discussion Group free of charge to participants. The Town has also provided valuable training and development opportunities that strengthen our organisation and help us better serve our members.
We are especially fortunate to have Mayor Karen Vernon as a long-standing supporter of our work and our community.
Looking Ahead
Awards are wonderful recognition, but for us, success has always been measured by the connections people make, the friendships that form and the sense of belonging our members experience.
We are proud to be part of the fabric of the Town of Victoria Park and look forward to continuing our mission of creating inclusive, welcoming spaces where people can connect and thrive.
At the end of the day, #itsmorefuntogether!
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