Anne Pratt, known for her work with those suffering from mental illness, was awarded at the Australia Day ceremony in what she described as a moment that lifted the profile of her work. “For me, it was a great personal honour,” she said.

“Up until September, I was the coordinator of St Benedict's Community Centre for six-and-a-half years.

“I've worked very hard on the Home project, working with government to secure more funding.”

Ms Pratt said it was important to raise the profile of mental illness so that a change in the attitude towards it occurs.

“The community here in Queanbeyan is willing to do that and make changes in people's lives,” she said.

“I'm not a person that looks for rewards, but it's great that this work is acknowledged.”

Ms Pratt was not the only person who was acknowledged on Australia Day for their work with those suffering mental illness.

Mental health expert Professor Patrick McGorry was named Australian of the Year for his work as an advocate of the illness.

Ms Pratt said that the acknowledgements showed that people were now willing to do something about it.

“Things have changed over the years,” she said.

“Nine years back my husband died of mental illness. There was no support around.” She said it was time for people to step up and recognise the illness and she acknowledged the work done by St Benedict's, the Home board and others working on the current project.

Mayor Tim Overall applauded Ms Pratt's individual work in the community and said she had gone “above and beyond” to help make Queanbeyan a better place to live in.

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