North West Hospital and Health Service (North West HHS) is delighted to announce the winners of the Child and Youth Mental Health Service (CYMHS) Art Competition 2024.

This initiative, aimed at engaging youth with mental health services and promoting local talent, has succeeded in reducing stigma and fostering community spirit.

The CYMHS Art Competition 2024 focused on promoting mental health service awareness and well-being among young people. School students aged 12 to 18 years from North West Queensland were invited to design an original art piece to be featured on CYMHS shirts and other promotional products.

The competition aimed to raise awareness about youth mental health, encourage help-seeking, create an accepting environment, and reduce stigma to increase understanding and access to mental health services.

The winners of the competition are Harper-Jaye Beetham in first place with the artwork Mindfulness, Emily Wilson in second place with Harmonious Track, and Jasmine Kingston in third place with Crushing. Special mentions were awarded to Lily Cooney and Brianna Hatherall for their outstanding contributions.

The winning entries were chosen for their artistic merit and profound expression of the competition's themes of raising awareness about mental health and well-being throughout the North West. The finalists stood out among a talented pool of entries, showcasing a remarkable diversity of perspectives and experiences from across North West Queensland.

North West HHS Chief Executive Sean Birgan said the competition aimed to bring young people together and provide a platform for discussing and educating about the importance of mental well-being.

"The creativity and insight demonstrated by these young artists are truly inspiring,” Mr Birgan said.

“Their artworks not only highlight the importance of mental health awareness but also serve as a powerful reminder of the talent and potential within our community.

"We are incredibly grateful for the support from Glencore Mount Isa Mines, whose contributions have made this competition possible. The prizes, including laptop computers, tablets, and Sportspower vouchers, are a testament to our commitment to nurturing the artistic talents of our youth while promoting mental health awareness.

"The use of these artworks in mental health and health service promotions will ensure that the messages of hope, resilience, and understanding reach a broader audience.

"We believe that through these initiatives, we can make a significant impact on the mental well-being of our young people and the wider community."