Tasmanian LiFE Awards – 2026 Nominee
Communities in Action for Suicide Prevention LiFE Award
The Communities in Action for Suicide Prevention LiFE Award acknowledges the crucial role that communities play in identifying and taking action towards suicide prevention. This award recognises any group or community, whether it’s a sports club, community group, or a hobby group, that works together to prevent suicide. This may involve developing a local plan for mental wellbeing and suicide prevention or organising activities that bring the community together to facilitate social connection and provide opportunities to discuss mental health and suicide prevention.
Hilltop Hike
The Hilltop Hike is a three kilometre community walk to the top of Scenic Hill in Huonville, to raise awareness and funds for local mental health and suicide prevention initiatives. Founded in 2022 after the loss of two young people to suicide, it has become the Huon Valley’s largest community-driven fundraiser.
The Hilltop Hike brings together local businesses, schools, sporting clubs, and families to walk side by side, raising funds to support programs like the Huon Valley PCYC’s after school drop-in program. It’s a welcoming space where youth can connect with mentors, and access support.
From the beginning, the Hilltop Hike has grown because people of all ages and backgrounds have stood behind it. Entirely volunteer-run, every committee member has been personally touched by suicide. That shared experience gives their work authenticity and strength.
The difference the Hilltop Hike makes every year is evident, not just in dollars raised, but in the impact those funds deliver. Each year a Huon Valley–based beneficiary is chosen, to ensure the money and benefits stay within the community.
Recently, a Community Ambassador Program was launched to give local voices a platform. The ambassadors represent different corners of the community, and they help carry the message beyond events and into everyday conversations.
The Hilltop Hike shows what can happen when people move together to create an inclusive community. Every step taken, every dollar raised, and every story shared is part of building a future where seeking help is normal, support is accessible, and everybody feels they belong.
Proudly sponsored by Lifeline Tasmania
