selectability programs shortlisted as finalists in the Mental Health Week Awards

Two innovative selectability programs have been recognised statewide for their support to those living with mental illness, after being named finalists for the 2023 Queensland Mental Health Week Achievement Awards.

Our BikeShed program and Palm Island’s ‘Mahie Club’ were named among 33 finalists across 11 categories, the winners of which will be announced in October.

The awards, Queensland’s only state-wide mental health awards, celebrate individuals, groups and organisations working diligently to reduce stigma and support and empower those living with mental illness.

Both the BikeShed and Mahie Club are programs that are tailored to meet the diverse needs of our consumers.

Finalist: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Award category: selectability (Palm Island) Mahie Club

selectability is Palm Island’s only community-managed mental health service and as a result, we have secured our position as part of the fabric of the community.

After 8 years of supporting the wellbeing of locals, selectability has become trusted to provide effective and culturally safe programs.

The Mahie Club (pronounced Miyee, meaning food) serves as an example of our collaborative approach to service development and delivery – selectability employees and consumers worked together to develop a program that is tailored to their needs.

The program has had an extremely positive reception from our consumers, providing them with a welcoming space to attend, meet with friends, as well as cook and eat nutritious food.

Palm Island regional coordinator, Janine Wyles, said Mahie Club provided a good opportunity for individuals to develop skills in preparing food for themselves.

“The benefit of programs like this is the increase in social connection and self-confidence through a shared motive, which, in this case, can be something simple like cooking breakfast,” said Janine. 

“All of our consumers love the program, which has grown into such a welcoming space.”

Finalist: Workplace Award: Community Wellbeing category: selectability (BikeShed)

Our BikeSheds provide a welcoming space where anyone can drop in, borrow a bike and go for a ride, do some bike repairs in the workshop or sit down for a coffee and a chat.

The open-door policy allows locals to attend the BikeShed free of charge, creating an inclusive environment that is consumer-focused.

This sense of community directly combats aspects of loneliness, which is a key trigger for suicide.

More recently our Youth BikeShed program has been engaging 10-24-year-olds, in meaningful projects while supporting them to improve their physical and mental health.

The initiative primarily focuses on intervention, while promoting positive behaviour and diverting from anti-social or criminal activity.

As a result, selectability’s BikeShed program directly enhances quality of life by reducing loneliness, highlighting access to further mental wellbeing services, and promoting healthy lifestyles for many regional Queenslanders across our wide footprint.

Congratulations to our finalists. We also congratulate Grant Westthorp, former Well Man Coordinator, who was named as a finalist for the Jeff Cheverton Individual Award! Keep an eye on the Well Man Facebook page for updates!

The winners of each category will be announced at the Awards Breakfast Ceremony on Friday 13 October at Victoria Park, Herston.