Strong Minds, Strong Mines has been honoured as the Mental Health Organisation of the Year by the Mental Health Foundation Australia. Founded in 2019 by Soa Palelei, SMSM was born out of his personal journey overcoming mental health challenges and has since become a leading advocate for mental wellbeing in Australia’s FIFO (Fly-In Fly-Out) and DIDO (Drive-In Drive-Out) industries.

The program is designed to raise mental health awareness, break the stigma surrounding mental health issues, and provide workers with practical tools to build resilience in high-pressure environments. SMSM offers a range of services including monthly toolbox presentations, wellness champion training, and mental health training. These initiatives promote open discussions about mental health, empowering workers to seek support and foster a more positive, supportive workplace culture.

By focusing on the unique challenges faced by workers in mining, construction, and other remote industries, SMSM is making a significant impact on improving the mental health and wellbeing of thousands across Australia.

At the 2024 WHS Awards, Strong Minds, Strong Mines was named a finalist in two categories: the Work Health & Wellness Award and the Training & Information Award, recognising its significant contribution to workplace mental health and safety in the mining and resources sector.

The Work Health & Wellness Award honours organisations that demonstrate exceptional commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of their workforce through proactive strategies, programs, and support services.

The Training & Information Award acknowledges innovative and effective training initiatives that promote WHS knowledge, awareness, and capability within the workplace.

Through its tailored wellness champion and mental health training, psychosocial risk awareness workshops, and on-site engagement sessions, SMSM has created lasting change by equipping workers and leaders with practical tools to foster safer, healthier, and more inclusive workplaces—particularly for FIFO and DIDO communities.

At the 2024 Western Australian Community Achievement Awards, Soa “The Hulk” Palelei was named a finalist for the Awards Australia Foundation Diversity and Inclusion Award, in recognition of his tireless advocacy for mental health, cultural respect, and inclusion across communities and industries.

Presented by the Awards Australia Foundation Ltd (AAF), this award honours individuals who advance social welfare, promote reconciliation, and celebrate diversity to foster a more inclusive society.

As the leading ambassador for Strong Minds, Strong Mines, Soa uses his platform and lived experience to break down stigma, empower culturally diverse and remote workers—especially in the FIFO/DIDO mining sector—and inspire positive change through courage, compassion, and connection.

Soa Palelei won the Mental Health Lived Experience Advocate of the Year at the AMHF – WA Men’s Wellbeing Awards.

The WA Men’s Wellbeing Awards, presented by the Australian Men’s Health Forum (AMHF), are a recognition program aimed at celebrating and acknowledging the efforts of individuals and organisations that contribute significantly to the health and wellbeing of men in Western Australia. These awards highlight the initiatives, programs, and advocacy efforts that have made a positive impact on men’s mental and physical health within the community.

The awards cover various categories, recognising achievements in areas such as mental health advocacy, lived experience, community support, and innovative health programs. The Mental Health Lived Experience Advocate of the Year award, which Soa Palelei won, specifically honours an individual who has used their personal experiences with mental health challenges to advocate for better mental health awareness, support, and services. This award celebrates those who inspire and lead by example, showing the importance of lived experiences in driving change and reducing the stigma around mental health issues.

Soa Palelei has won the 2024 Community Citizen of the Year Award from the Council of Cockburn. The award recognises his outstanding contribution to the community, especially in the field of mental health and suicide prevention.

The Auspire – Australia Day Council WA Community Citizen of the Year Awards are presented by local governments within communities across Western Australia. The joint patrons of the Community Citizen of the Year Awards are His Excellency the Honourable Chris Dawson AC APM, Governor of Western Australia, and Mrs Darrilyn Dawson.

Outstanding contribution and community service include areas such as education, health, fundraising, charitable and voluntary services, business, employment, sport, arts, the environment, social inclusion, or any other area that contributes to the advancement and wellbeing of a community.

In the 2023 LIFE Awards, Soa Palelei won his second Outstanding Contribution Award, while Strong Minds, Strong Mines received its first Workplace Award for their excellent demonstration of suicide prevention within the community.

The Workplace Award honours a business or employer that actively works to address, prevent, or manage suicidal behaviour and its effects on the community at large, as well as promotes suicide prevention in the workplace.

The Outstanding Contribution Award emphasises the efforts of individuals or organisations that have made a notable contribution to addressing, preventing, or responding to suicidal behaviours and their impact on people, families, communities, and the Australian population.

At the 2023 WHS Awards, SMSM was recognised for its outstanding efforts in Workplace Diversity & Inclusion and Leadership, acknowledging its commitment to creating a more inclusive, respectful, and mentally resilient workforce. Through its innovative wellness champion and leadership training, SMSM has empowered leaders and employees alike, equipping them with the tools to break the stigma surrounding mental health while ensuring a safer and more inclusive workplace for all.

Founded to support the mental well-being of FIFO and DIDO workers in the mining and resources sector, Strong Minds, Strong Mines has been recognised for its commitment to fostering a mentally healthy workplace. As a finalist for the 2023 Mentally Healthy Workplace Award, presented by the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of WA, SMSM has been acknowledged for its proactive initiatives in addressing mental health challenges among remote workers. Through innovative workshops, Lifestyle Team app support, and community-driven activities, SMSM continues to break the stigma surrounding mental health while providing critical resources to improve workplace wellbeing and resilience in the industry.

Strong Minds, Strong Mines won the Mental Health Organisation of the Year award at the 2022 Australian Mental Health Awards.

Established in 1930, the Mental Health Foundation Australia (MHFA) is the oldest mental health association in Australia. It focuses on strengthening the understanding of the importance of mental wellbeing and educating the community about available treatment options for mental illness.

MHFA has been part of the national and international mental health movement for over 70 years.

Strong Minds, Strong Mines was one of the finalists for the Mentally Healthy Workplace Award at the 2022 Western Australian Association for Mental Health Awards, alongside other organisations: Roy Hill, Page Group, and AMCAP.

The WA Mental Health Awards intend to acknowledge the efforts of those working within the traditional mental health sectors and the growing community engagement across mental health and wellbeing.

The Mentally Healthy Workplace Award category recognises workplaces in Western Australia that promote excellent mental health services for their staff and volunteers through initiatives, programs, procedures, policies, and/or organisational culture.

Awards Australia recognises the Strong Minds, Strong Mines in its 2022 Community Achievement Awards National edition. 

Soa Palelei as the main wellness ambassador of the organisation accepted the award for their effort to promote mental health awareness to workers of the FIFO/ DIDO industry and youths of Western Australia.

Founded in 2002, the Western Australian Community Achievement Awards aims to encourage, acknowledge, and reward the valuable contributions of individuals, communities, and businesses in making a difference in the community.

Soa’s early intervention and personal approach to mental health led him to win the Outstanding Contribution Award category at the 2021 LIFE (Living Is For Everyone) Awards, presented by Suicide Prevention Australia.

Established to recognise excellence in suicide prevention, the 2021 LIFE Awards emphasise the efforts of individuals or organisations that have made a noteworthy contribution to addressing, preventing, or responding to suicidal behaviours and their impact on people, families, communities, and the Australian population.

Formed in 2001 to advocate for men’s representation in the health sector in Australia, the Australian Men’s Health Forum recognises the work of individual practitioners making a difference in improving the lives and health of men and boys at a local level through its 2021 Men’s Health Award, presented annually during Men’s Health Week.

As the leading wellness ambassador for Strong Minds, Strong Mines, Soa Palelei won the People’s Choice Award as a Local Champion for Western Australia, through his work in eradicating mental health stigma and discrimination in a predominantly male sector, particularly among FIFO/DIDO workers.