Announcing the Winners of the 2025 LiverWELL Recognition Awards

Each year, LiverWELL recognises individuals and organisations who have made outstanding contributions to the lives of those who live with viral hepatitis and liver disease. Nominations are assessed by an independent selection panel and endorsed by the Board of LiverWELL.

We would like to congratulate our valued winners of the 2025 Recognition Awards. The 2025 Awards were presented at our AGM on 22 October by our then Board President, Maria Marshall, Board Director Siân Slade, and our Communications and Engagement Manager Alicia Stafford.

The winner of the 2025 Mark Farmer Memorial Award: Mark Belzer.

The Mark Farmer Memorial Award honours former Hepatitis Victoria Board Member Mark Farmer and recognises individuals who have shared their knowledge and experience to help others in the community, increased community understanding of hepatitis, and demonstrated positive self-management principles in their daily lives.

Mark Belzer was nominated in recognition of his tireless commitment to improving the health and well-being of people who use drugs in Victoria, particularly through hepatitis C education, harm reduction, and peer support. As a peer mentor with the C No More project, Mark plays a vital role in engaging hard-to-reach communities, facilitating hepatitis C testing and treatment, and providing compassionate care, advocacy, and creative contributions to the sector.

We would also like to congratulate nominees Mei Mak and Jane Dicka, whose work and commitment is warmly acknowledged and appreciated.

The dual winners of the 2025 Organisational Collaboration Award: Health + Law and Upper Yarra Secondary College.

The Organisational Collaboration Recognition Award recognises organisations that have made a significant contribution to reducing the burden of viral hepatitis or liver disease in Victoria, adapted their operations to respond effectively and innovatively, and worked collaboratively with LiverWELL.

Health + Law were nominated for their outstanding work supporting people affected by blood-borne viruses. Their Hepatitis B and Migration FAQ, created with LiverWELL, is now one of our most accessed resources, helping people understand their rights and access care. Their partnership has made a real impact, especially for vulnerable migrants.

Upper Yarra Secondary College is recognised for its long-standing involvement in LiverWELL’s youth program, StreetShot. Through their media classes, students create artwork to raise awareness of viral hepatitis, with strong support from teachers who understand the local health challenges and ensure students are informed and supported.

We would also like to congratulate BreastScreen Victoria on being nominated for this award.

The winner of the 2025 Individual Contribution Recognition Award: Jayashree Kunigal Shivanna.

The Individual Contribution Recognition Award recognises individuals who have made a significant contribution to reducing the burden of viral hepatitis or liver disease in Victoria, inspired others to take action within the community, and worked collaboratively with LiverWELL.

Jayashree spent two years as the Cultural Liaison Officer at SEPHU, supporting recent arrivals to navigate the health system and access hepatitis follow-up care under Health Undertaking requirements. Her work led to a significant increase in treatment offers, confirmed linkages to care, and vaccination recommendations – with many people expressing how much her support meant to them.

We also want to celebrate Maryaan Essa who was nominated for this role for her wonderful work and commitment.

Thank you to everyone who was nominated and to each of our winners. Your work is vital to achieving greater outcomes for people living with viral hepatitis and liver disease.