Mr Corney, who works as a mental health recovery consumer consultant, received the honour at the Victorian Mental Illness Awareness Council Awards. 

He said his passion for his career stemmed from his own experience with mental health issues. 

Mr Corney said his focus was the recovery of the community members he assisted. 

“I’m just proud to be representing consumers in the community and setting an example that people can live with mental illness and achieve whatever goals they set themselves,” he said.

“I hope people think ‘if he can do it, then so can I’.”

Mr Corney said it was great to receive recognition but he did not expect accolades for his work. 

“Even though it is an individual award, I see it more as a reflection on Wimmera Uniting Care and the support they have given me over the three years that I have worked there,” he said. 

Mr Corney primarily facilitates a peer support group for members of the community with mental illnesses. 

He said the members of the group supported each other.

Wimmera Uniting Care chief executive Wendy Sturgess said Mr Corney had produced positive outcomes for the group. “Since commencing his role at Wimmera Uniting Care, Rick has travelled from Ballarat to Horsham on a weekly basis, staying away from his family two nights a week to fulfill his role,” she said. 

“This reflects the dedication he has towards the community members he represents.”