Calm Minds Clinic honoured as GBEA finalist

AT CALM Minds Clinic, there are no waitlists, just a commitment to creating a safe and welcoming space where people can come as they are and find true support.

“We believe when someone reaches out for help, they shouldn’t have to wait months to get support,” wellbeing director and registered psychologist Dayle Johnston said.

“Calm Minds Clinic grew out of a passion for making mental health care more accessible and approachable.

“We understand how hard it is for people to reach out for help and then be told they need to wait months.”

The allied health business, based in Brougham Street in Geelong, supports people across all stages of life, with its skilled team of psychologists and counsellors able to meet their client’s needs in a holistic way.

“At the heart of it, we help people feel seen, understood and empowered to live life in a way that feels meaningful to them,” Johnson said.

A first-year entrant following multiple nominations, Calm Minds Clinic has this year been named a finalist in the 2025 Geelong Business Excellence Awards (GBEAs), sponsored by LBW Business + Wealth Advisors.

Johnson said the recognition was humbling, and expressed gratitude to both his team and the community that continues to support the business.

“We’ve given our all into building Calm Minds Clinic, so to be recognised among so many amazing local businesses is very special.

“For our team, it’s a reminder that the work we do every day – often quietly, behind closed doors — really does make a difference. It’s also a celebration of our clients who are at the centre of everything we do.”

He attributes the success of the business to its focus on listening and adapting to the needs of the community and working to understand where the healthcare gaps exist.

This approach, Johnston said, keeps Calm Minds Clinic growing in the right direction.

“From the very beginning, [operations director] Tabitha [Thompson] and I have been driven to close the gaps in mental health and disability support, and the best way we know how to do that is by listening.

“It’s not about us deciding what should happen — it’s about our community showing us the way.”

The GBEAs application process offered the clinic’s team a welcome chance to reflect on the magnitude of its work and the people it has supported over the last 12 months.

Its WellSpring Initiative — an unorthodox and creative fundraising program that removes financial barriers for people seeking support — stands out as one of its proudest achievements.

Each round of sponsorship initiated through the program funds 24 therapy sessions that are given away to people who otherwise couldn’t afford them.

“Running a business can be fast-paced and you don’t often take the time to stop and look back at what you’ve achieved. This process helped us do that and it left us feeling proud and motivated for the future,” Johnson said.

“We can’t wait to come together and celebrate everyone’s achievements at the awards ceremony on the 30th of October.

“At the end of the day, it’s those everyday moments of connection and progress that mean the most, and this recognition is a beautiful reminder of the impact we can make when we all work together.”

The winners of this year’s GBEAs will be crowned at a presentation event at Geelong Arts Centre on October 30. For tickets, head to gbea.com.au