WiBF Launches ‘Mental Health Champion of the Year’ Award in 2025

WiBF is proud to announce the launch of a new award category for the 2025 National Industry Awards: The Mental Health Champion of the Year. This initiative is a significant step forward in recognising individuals and organisations that are making a tangible impact on mental wellbeing in the banking and finance sector and beyond.
Global research demonstrates the urgency of this issue, with 36% of finance professionals reporting that they feel stressed and anxious more than 50% of the time. High-pressure work environments, demanding deadlines, and performance expectations can lead to burnout, anxiety, and depression. Prioritising mental health is critical not only for individual wellbeing but also for overall organisational success.

Defining a Mental Health Champion
This prestigious award will recognise individuals who have shown exceptional leadership in promoting mental health awareness, supporting the mental well-being of others, and making a positive impact in the mental health space. It is designed to celebrate those who have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to advocating for mental health, supporting individuals in their mental health journeys, and leading initiatives that foster a supportive, inclusive, and compassionate environment.

Key qualities include:
• Advocacy: Relentless dedication to mental health initiatives
• Leadership: Setting an example for peers and teams
• Empathy: Creating safe spaces for open conversations
• Action-Oriented Approach: Implementing meaningful programs and policies

Moving Beyond Policies to Real Impact
WiBF has worked with various Corporate members over the last year to design and implement this new award category including Tim Hewson, founder of Betterment Consulting Pty Ltd.
While progress has been made in mental health awareness and investment, Tim notes that organisations still struggle to translate funding into effective change. He advocates for a shift beyond Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), which often serve as a last resort, to prevention-focused environments that integrate mental health support into daily operations.
Tim Hewson brings a wealth of experience to this initiative, having spent 27 years in Banking and Finance across leadership roles in Sales, Product, and Strategy at institutions like CBA, Rabobank, and ING. His passion for mental health advocacy began in 2019 when he launched a men’s mental health community in Sydney’s Northern Beaches. By 2021, he had founded Mongrels Men Health and Wellbeing, an award-winning charity focused on preventing and reducing mental health illnesses and suicide among Australian men.
“With 43% of Australians facing a mental health challenge at some point in their life, it significantly impacts families, communities, colleagues, and workplaces,” says Tim. “Poor mental health is often invisible and silent, making it one of the greatest challenges to address.

Inspiring Industry-Wide Change
Through the Mental Health Champion of the Year award, WiBF hopes to encourage organisations to take bold steps in fostering mentally healthier workplaces. By raising the bar, we believe we can drive meaningful change and create a healthier, more supportive industry for all.
As the industry prepares for the 2025 WiBF National Industry Awards, this new category is set to highlight the unsung heroes championing mental wellbeing, paving the way for a more resilient and empowered workforce. To view all the key criteria for consideration by our judges please be sure to visit our website. https://wibf.org.au/events-and-webinars/national-industry-awards/

The recipient of the Mental Health Champion Award will be a leader in exemplifying leadership, compassion, and a deep commitment to improving the mental health of others, inspiring a culture of support, understanding, and positive change in their personal and professional environments. Is that you or someone you know? Nominations open soon, check the webpage below for the latest updates.