headspace Bendigo has won the Community Inspiration Award at the 2019 GLOBE Community Awards.

The prestigious GLOBE Community Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of the LGBTI community in Victoria and were announced in the Plaza Ballroom Melbourne on Friday night.

headspace Bendigo HEY diversity worker Maree Dixon accepted the Community Inspiration Award with Bendigo Community Health Services CEO Gerard José.

The GLOBE Community Inspiration Award recognises a Victorian LGBTI individual or organisation for work in uplifting and promoting the Victorian LGBTI community.

headspace Bendigo was also short-listed in the Connecting the LGBTI Community Award for the Youth Diversity Program which provides understanding and support for 12 to 25-year-olds with a focus on their mental health and wellbeing, building a sense of belonging and providing safe welcoming spaces.

Minus 18 Foundation won the category having hosted events for more than 64,000 young people and delivered 15,690 LGBTI inclusion workshops in schools since 2016.

headspace Bendigo HEY Diversity Worker Maree Dixon said the Community Inspiration Award was a huge honour.

“It shows the importance of the work we are doing and will continue to do for LGBTIQ+ young people in the Bendigo region and their families,” Maree said.

“To be recognised state wide and be specifically selected for this award is an outstanding achievement and great recognition for an amazing team who are dedicated and passionate for our young people.”

Bendigo Community Health Services CEO Gerard José said winning the GLOBE Community Inspiration Award and being short-listed for the Connecting The LGBTI Community category was tremendous recognition for the hard work and dedication of the headspace Bendigo team.

"Winning the GLOBE Community Inspiration Award is testimony to the wonderful attitude, energy and inclusive practices of our staff and the leadership of Maree Dixon as our HEY Diversity Inclusion Officer,” Mr José said.

"Over 500 people attended the GLOBE Awards, representing nearly a similar number of amazing organisations and services.

"Bendigo Community Health Services is committed to making our services safe and inclusive for all. headspace Bendigo has not only achieved this but also provided activities and events that engage all across our community and influence policy and engagement practices of many other organisations in our community."