Congratulations Glenn – Bega Valley Citizen of the Year

 We are very proud to congratulate our very own Glenn Cotter – Community Engagement Officer, on being named Bega Valley Citizen of the Year on Australia Day. This prestigious recognition reflects Glenn’s long-standing commitment to mental health, wellbeing, and his community. Glenn’s compassion, leadership, and advocacy embody our organisations values of trust, excellence, respect, and empathy.  

Glenn’s work and impact were highlighted by the Bega Valley Shire with the following statement:

Citizen of the Year Award – Glenn Cotter

Glenn Cotter has dedicated 26 years to improving mental health and wellbeing in the Bega Valley and beyond.

He works tirelessly to support vulnerable community members and reduce the stigma around suicide and mental health in his current role with Healthy Communities foundation Australia .

Glenn's volunteer contributions include leadership roles with the Bega Valley Eurobodalla Suicide Prevention Collaborative, the RUOK? Foundation as a Community Ambassador and the Bega Valley Suicide Prevention Awareness Network.

He founded numerous initiatives such as the Bega Valley Motorcycle Expo, St Vincent De Paul Winter Blanket Appeal and events supporting cancer care and local health services.

Glenn provides consultancy to peak bodies including Suicide Prevention Australia (SPA), The Black Dog Institute, Roses in the Ocean and sits on the SPA’s Lived Experience Advisory Panel. His advocacy has helped shape a number of programs including the NSW’s Universal Aftercare Initiative.

In 2018, Glenn was recognised for his work in the community with Community Services Medal. He was a finalist in the Barbra Hocking Memorial Awards in 2021 and was nominated for an Australian Mental Health Award in 2022.

Glenn has presented at national and international conferences, contributed to NSW parliamentary inquiries and collaborated with leading universities and health departments on research into lived experience in suicide prevention.