Speeches
Thursday, 21 November 2024
Breakthrough Mental Health Foundation Reception
Rod and I as joint Patrons warmly welcome the Breakthrough community to Government House today.
Promoting strong mental health for all South Australians is one of our shared priorities.
We know the impact mental health issues can have within families and within our community.
In our own family, immediate and extended, we know how it feels to watch someone we love struggle with mental distress and how much we have had to learn to be supportive.
Growing up I had friends who experienced mental health challenges, including one friend who died by suicide while we were at university. I’ve had work colleagues who have done the same.
When I look back at my school days, I know that not everyone had a good day every day, and I wish our circle of friends had known how we could help.
The connections that Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation makes by funding vital research and innovative programs gives hope that we can all be better equipped to reach out earlier and more effectively.
I know Rod found the fellowship at Biggest Men’s Meals and Mental Health Dinner at the Adelaide Oval a memorable and moving experience.
That night, Police Commissioner Grant Stevens, and Port Adelaide football legend Travis Boak demonstrated most bravely that it’s okay for blokes to show vulnerability.
It’s a sign of strength, not weakness.
Friends,
Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation, the only national foundation 100% focused on mental health research, exists for a reason.
Because:
- One in five Australians will experience a diagnosable mental health challenge this year.
- 44% of Australians will experience a mental health condition in their life time
- Nine Australians, seven of them men, die from suicide every day
- More young Australians aged 14-44 die by suicide than any other cause.
These are people, not statistics, and this is why we need directed research, support, treatment and understanding.
I thank everyone here tonight for your contributions to our quest to better understand and treat mental health and to break down stigma.
With your support, Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation can not only ask the questions but find a way through to actionable answers.
On that score, I understand John will speak shortly about some exciting new PhD scholarships.
Before he does so, Rod and I want to congratulate John, Raquel Dillon head of Development at Breakthrough and Magda Pearce, the Events Specialist on running in the New York Marathon to raise money for Breakthrough, along with seven others in the team.
They crossed finish line. Well done!
I know that John also competed because he knew he would be way out of his comfort zone, as many of us are with mental health challenges.
Now his challenge is our challenge.
While the aspiration of a life free from mental illness will continue to take a marathon effort from the community, we can get there with determination, effort, and connections.
Thank you for your part in this quest.