What’s Happening?
Queensland Country Bank has won the Workplace Award for Employee Wellbeing at the 2026 Queensland Mental Health Awards.
The bank received recognition for its approach to supporting employees’ mental health, flexibility and inclusion. Its workplace initiatives also aim to strengthen wellbeing across the organisation.
The award was presented at Brisbane City Town Hall on Friday, 9 October 2026. Hosted by Open Minds, part of Vertaview Group, the ceremony celebrated leadership, innovation and community impact across Queensland’s mental health sector.
Why It Matters
Employee wellbeing is central to Queensland Country Bank’s organisational culture, according to the awards organisers.
The bank’s approach combines mental health support, workplace flexibility and employee benefits. It also includes wellbeing-focused leadership and initiatives designed to support employees and their families.
Open Minds CEO Karen Hale-Robertson said this year’s winners demonstrated the importance of compassion and innovation.
“Every one of this year’s winners demonstrates what is possible when compassion, innovation and a genuine commitment to improving mental health come together,” Ms Hale-Robertson said.
Local Impact
Queensland Country Bank’s recognition highlights the importance of employee wellbeing within Queensland workplaces.
The award acknowledges an organisational approach that supports mental health, inclusion and flexibility. It also recognises initiatives intended to help employees and their families thrive.
The awards celebrate contributions from workplaces and community organisations across the state, including those working to improve mental health awareness and support.
By The Numbers
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30 years of the Queensland Mental Health Awards were celebrated in 2026, recognising achievements in the sector since 1996.
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12 awards were presented across categories covering community support, mental health leadership, inclusion and workplace wellbeing.
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Three awards went to Eating Disorders Queensland, including the Jude Bugeja Lived Experience Excellence Award, Not-For-Profit (Large) Award and Earle Duus Overarching Award.
Zoom In
Queensland Country Bank’s employee wellbeing approach includes Mental Health First Aid training, flexible workplace arrangements and employee benefits.
The organisation also uses wellbeing-focused leadership and initiatives such as Sonder to support staff and their families.
Together, these measures form part of the bank’s approach to integrating mental health and inclusion into its workplace culture.
Zoom Out
The Queensland Mental Health Awards recognise individuals and organisations working to reduce stigma, strengthen communities and support Queenslanders experiencing mental ill health.
An expert judging panel selected finalists from nominations submitted across the state. The nominees represented workplaces, schools, community organisations, lived experience advocates and mental health professionals.
The awards also recognise contributions to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, LGBTQIA+ inclusion and early years support.
Hale-Robertson said recognising achievements could help share ideas and approaches across the mental health sector.
“Recognition matters and by sharing the achievements of people and organisations making a difference, we not only celebrate their contribution, but we help elevate ideas and approaches that can inspire positive change across the wider mental health sector. Open Minds has a long history of supporting Queenslanders experiencing mental health challenges, so we are enormously proud to have provided a platform that celebrates the people and organisations who share that commitment to building stronger, more inclusive communities.”
What To Look For Next?
The Queensland Mental Health Awards are held annually during Queensland Mental Health Week, providing an ongoing platform for recognising mental health achievements.
Queensland Country Bank’s award acknowledges its existing workplace wellbeing initiatives, including staff training, flexibility and employee support.
The recognition also contributes to the awards’ broader aim of highlighting approaches that can inspire positive change across Queensland’s mental health sector.
