The Maggie Awards

Acknowledging exemplary care of our consumers or outstanding contribution to Statewide Mental Health Services (SMHS) services

Statewide Mental Health Services introduced the annual Magnolia (‘Maggie’) Award in 2023. The Maggie Award recognises employees of Statewide Mental Health Services who have provided outstanding service. 

Named the ‘Maggie Award’ to honour Dr Margaret Tobin a former leader in mental health services reform in Australia (Vale Dr Tobin) and Margaret Bowen (Margy). Margaret has worked for well over 40 years in Tasmanian Mental Health facilities as a House Services Assistant. Margaret exemplifies the qualities integral to providing dignified and compassionate care to our consumers. ‘Margy’ exemplifies the characteristics we wish to see upheld in the “Maggies” and we are grateful for the quiet, unassuming example of this that she provides us with everyday.

The Magnolia flower has been chosen as the emblem for this award in recognition of both Dr Margaret Tobin’s advocacy for mental health and Margaret Bowen’s example of frontline care and compassion. The Magnolia flower symbolises multiple qualities, including perseverance and dignity, subtlety, and strength. The symbolism of the Magnolia flower will be the very attributes award recipients will have demonstrated through their dedication to providing high quality services for SMHS consumers.