Laura-Jude Johnson OAM National Suicide Prevention Conference 2026

Laura-Jude Johnson OAM

Laura Johnson, of North-West Tasmania, is a youth lived-experience advocate in mental health and suicide prevention. After struggling with her own mental health and supporting others, she founded THEIRS (Talk, Hear & Help, Educate, Inform, Refer and Support), a youth-led, community-driven organisation addressing gaps through impactful events and programs tailored to community needs. From drive-in cinemas, working with celebrity advocate Jazz Thornton, expos and panel events to colour runs, indirectly impacting over 100,000 people to date. Laura’s advocacy spans leadership, policy, education and public speaking, including speaking in parliament and representing youth at national events and conferences. She is the youngest to sit on committees and boards including TasNetworks, Mental Health Family & Friends, the Mental Health Council of Tasmania, and the Australian Tasmanian Suicide Prevention Committee. She recently completed an Honours in Social Work. She has been widely recognised, winning a State LiFE Award for Suicide Prevention, named a 2024 ABC Heywire Trailblazer, finalist for Young Tasmanian of the Year, winner of the MAIB Excellence in Leadership Award 2025 (Young Achiever of the Year), Finalist for AgriFutures Women’s Award 2026, and one of the youngest nationally to receive the Order of Australia Medal for her contributions. Laura is proof that when young people are heard and empowered, they shape change that echoes through generations and communities.