The Barbara Hocking Memorial Awards
Recognising those in the community who help create a world where we’re all connected and are protected from suicide
Barbara Hocking OAM (d. 2016) was one of Australia's leading advocates for people affected by mental illness.
Her leadership and achievements leave a lasting legacy in how people living with mental illness and their families are treated and regarded.
Barbara was the first full-time Executive Director of SANE Australia - a national charity working for a better life for all people affected by mental illness through education and support, applied research and campaigning for improved services and attitudes. As well as being a Director of SANE Australia, she also served on the boards of Mental Health Australia and R U OK?
The Barbara Hocking Memorial Awards is a biennial event that aims to:
- recognise and celebrate the people and organisations who have made an outstanding effort to support R U OK? in their community.
- inspire others to support R U OK?.
- encourage others to have regular meaningful conversations and invest more time in the people around them.
- honour nominees who have demonstrated positive engagement with the
‘Ask R U OK? Any Day’ message, with a focus on fostering meaningful conversations and suicide prevention.
CATEGORIES
The categories recognises individuals, organisations, and community groups that contribute to mental health advocacy by actively promoting the R U OK? message.
Workplace
The Workplace Award recognises an organisation or group (not an individual) that fosters a mentally healthy environment through proactive policies, mental health initiatives, and by building an R U OK? Culture.
Education (school, TAFE or university)
The Education Award recognises a school, TAFE or university (not an individual) that prioritises mental health and well-being across the learning environment.
Conversation Leader
The Conversation Leader Award recognises individuals who embodies
the values of R U OK? by encouraging and leading open, honest
and meaningful conversations.
Community Group
The Community Award recognises a community group or grassroots organisation (not an individual) that champions the R U OK? message in their local community.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
- Please submit your nomination by completing the form below by 3 June 2025.
- Only individuals or organisations based in Australia are eligible.
- Self-nominations are accepted.
- Current R U OK? staff, board members, and R U OK? Community Ambassadors are not eligible.
- Previous nominees can be nominated again if they meet the eligibility criteria. Note: Previous winners are not eligible in the same category to allow us to recognise others in the community.
SUBMIT YOUR NOMINATION
2023 HONOUR ROLL
Hover over the images to read stories from previous winners.
R U OK? IMPACT
The R U OK? vision is a world where we're all connected and are protected from suicide. Our mission is to inspire and empower everyone to meaningfully connect with the people around them and support anyone struggling with life.
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