Tasmanian LiFE Awards – 2026 Nominee

As a confident advocate for mental health and suicide prevention, Jodie’s awareness of the systems and policies that shape people’s experiences of mental health sparked her determination to create change. She recognised that stigma and gaps in local support left many people feeling isolated. Her vision was to create a community-led model of connection, education, and care, one that empowers people to support each other and ensures no one feels alone in their struggles. It was from this inspiration that Stronger Together in Circular Head (STiCH) was born. The group was founded on the belief that by standing together, we can make our community a safer and more supportive place for all.

Since bringing together like-minded community members in 2019, under Jodie’s guidance, STiCH has delivered suicide prevention and mental health training, organised wellbeing events and strengthened both community connection and local support for those affected by suicide.

STiCH holds monthly meetings where the group reflects on its actions and plans future initiatives. Beyond these meetings, Jodie seeks guidance from colleagues and mentors, ensuring the work of STiCH remains impactful. A highlight of Jodie’s leadership is the development of the region’s ‘Community Connection Guide,’ now in its second edition and widely distributed throughout the region.

Through partnerships with schools, sporting clubs, service providers, individuals with lived experience, and government, Jodie ensures that STiCH’s initiatives are making a difference – transforming the way the community approaches suicide prevention, making a lasting difference in the lives of individuals and creating a more resilient community.