General News
5 June, 2025
Colby Bryce receives Community Impact award
The tireless mental health advocacy work of former Warracknabeal Colby Bryce was honoured last month.
On May 22, Mr Bryce received a Community Impact award in the 2025 Surf Coast Local Legends Awards in recognition of his proactive work with vulnerable in the region.
Now living in Geelong, Mr Bryce is working as a community psychologist and is a big mental health advocate which shows from the volunteer work he has done.
Mr Bryce said it's "pretty special" to be acknowledged as a Local Legend in his adopted home.
"I was looking at some of the previous legends and the things they're doing in our community - it's pretty special to sit alongside them," he said.
"Growing up in a small town, community was everything to me and I still have that strong sense of wanting to be part of and help my community, which is something I'm proud to be recognised for."
The awards recognised those who are making real differences and helping the community to thrive.
He has volunteered with Lifeline Geelong, advocated for NDIS participants, First Nations People and women.
When asked what motivates him, he said his mother, Mandy's work in the health sector did inspire him.
"Mum has been a nurse for over 40 years and watching her connect with and care for her aged care clients definitely left an imprint on me," Mr Bryce said.
He also mentioned his upbringing in Warracknabeal with limited access to psychologists and mental health support helped him find his interest in the field.
"The prevalence of suicide was devastating and that spurred me on in the early days to study psychology," he said.
Mr Bryce recently published his first book, 'Mental Wellness The Secret Ingredients'.
It focuses on prevention and aims to empower readers to assess their current mental health, decode blood test results, understand supplements, improve sleep and more.
The book is available to purchase from Warracknabeal Post Office and Wheatlands Museum for $25.
Mandy Bryce is also selling it directly and can be contacted on 0418 777 440.
It is also available online through retailers such as The Nile, Fishpond and Amazon.
For more science-backed holistic mental health tips readers can follow Mr Bryce on Instagram, @the.psychologist.nutritionist.