WHEN Daniel Krynauw first walked through the doors of headspace Ipswich, he was a social work student taking his first steps into the world of youth mental health.
Years later, he is walking into the same centre as an award-winning clinician and supervisor — recognised on the national stage for his contribution to Australia’s youth mental health workforce.
Mr Krynauw was named a national award winner at the inaugural National headspace Early Career Awards, presented at the National Portrait Gallery in Canberra, a milestone that reflects both his personal journey and the impact of supported career pathways in regional communities.
Now working at headspace Ipswich as a clinician and supervisor, Mr Krynauw supports young people with complex mental health needs while mentoring the next generation of graduates entering the field.
His progression from student to supervisor within the same service highlights the importance of continuity of care and workforce retention in regional areas, where attracting and keeping skilled clinicians remains an ongoing challenge.
“This award has been such an encouragement for the work that I do here at headspace Ipswich,” Mr Krynauw said.
“It’s allowed me to reflect on the journey that’s led me to this point, and I’m really grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given along the way.”
A key part of Mr Krynauw’s role now involves supervising clinicians participating in the headspace Early Career Graduate Program — the same program that helped shape his own career.
“I get the honour and privilege to supervise graduates going through the program, and it’s incredible to see how quickly these clinicians grow into their roles,” he said.
“The early career program definitely kick-started my career in mental health. It provided a level of support and scaffolding that, as a graduate, you don’t typically get. Without that support, it’s easy for early career clinicians to burn out quickly.”
The National headspace Early Career Awards were introduced this year to recognise the contributions of emerging clinicians, clinical educators and centres that are helping to strengthen Australia’s youth mental health workforce.
Headspace CEO Jason Trethowan said the inaugural awards were an opportunity to acknowledge the dedication of clinicians, students and services shaping the future of youth mental health care.
“I am proud of the outstanding contributions everyone has made in ensuring the next generation of mental health professionals are equipped to support more young people,” he said.
For Ipswich, Mr Krynauw’s national recognition is more than a personal achievement. It is a reminder of the lasting impact local youth mental health services can have — not only on the young people they support, but on the clinicians who grow, stay and lead within their communities.
