A LEADER in mental health advocacy and former student of St Mary’s College Ipswich, has been named as the recipient of the school’s highest award, the Mercy Medallion.
Hannah Hyatt joined other distinguished winners of the medallion including current Queensland premier,
Anastacia Palaszczuk, when she accepted her award at the college’s Gala Dinner on the weekend.
Principal, Paula Goodwin, in presenting the medallion said recipients of the award represented someone who had displayed, acted or served with commitment and personal ethos that epitomised the Mercy tradition as established by Catherine McAuley.
“The awardee through their enduring efforts and qualities, inspires and empowers St Mary’s College students – past present and future,” she said.
Principal Goodwin outlined Hannah’s achievements since she left St Mary’s in 2010. In part it said:
“As we come to the close of Mental Health Awareness Week it is fitting that the recipient this year is a woman recognised for her outstanding and pioneering work in mental health advocacy in the community both locally and at a national level.
From volunteering and working as a senior member of the Headspace Ipswich Youth reference group through to sharing her own story with mental health through Sane Australia she has encouraged young people to take charge of their own wellbeing.
Earlier this year Hannah was selected as a National Youth Week champion in recognition of her community service.
She was recognised for this work and she now sits on a national advisory board committed to discussions surrounding an early psychosis youth service.
Hannah’s efforts demonstrate that everyone has the power to overcome adversity and to create positive change in the world.
She dedicates herself to helping those who are marginalised by mental illness, whilst also dealing with her own mental health challenges with strength and grace.”
In accepting the medallion Hannah said she now draws on her own experiences to reach out and assist others.
“In order to help you don’t need all the answers, you just need to listen,” she said.
“Showing kindness, dignity and respect is what’s needed and I got that support here at St Mary’s.”
