beyondblue

beyondblue is an Australian non-profit organisation which aims to increase awareness and improve the treatment of depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders and related mental disorders. beyondblue began in October 2000 as a five-year initiative of the Australian federal and state and territory governments after a period of public debate on the treatment of depression sufferers.

The chairman of beyondblue is Jeff Kennett AC, former Premier of Victoria.

Many politicians have encouraged people to donate and get help if they are suffering from depression from beyondblue. These include former West Australian Premier Geoff Gallop and John Brogden, former Opposition Leader for the New South Wales Liberal Party.

Since 2006, the Australian Football League has supported the organisation with the beyondblue Cup awarded annually to the winner of clashes between the Geelong and Hawthorn football clubs.

Controversy

In October 2011, gay rights activists called for Jeff Kennett to resign as chairman of the charity following his comments that children have better mental health if raised in heterosexual marriages.[1] Beyondblue staff, supporters and the gay and lesbian community have also reportedly been angry for years due to beyondblue's lack of programs addressing the high rates of suicide among young gays and lesbians.[2]

Kennett also received criticism after he used Beyondblue's column in the Herald Sun to oppose mandatory gambling limits, despite the fact that beyondblue's own research shows a clear link between gambling addiction and depression. Kennett refuses to give his chief executive prior warning of the content of Beyondblue's weekly column.[2]

The Sydney Morning Herald also reported that a former beyondblue staff member claims the organisation is in major turmoil, with large sums of money being spent on ineffective programs, morale at rock bottom and an exodus of disillusioned staff. Her claims came less than a week after beyondblue chief executive, Dawn O'Neil, resigned without explanation after just eight months in the role.[1]

References

  1. ^ a b Stark, Jill (October 2, 2011). "Gay radio in push to oust Kennett from charity chair". The Sydney Morning Herald. http://www.smh.com.au/national/gay-radio-in-push-to-oust-kennett-from-charity-chair-20111001-1l2rl.html#ixzz1ZcWXFPPn. Retrieved October 2, 2011. 
  2. ^ a b Stark, Jill (October 9, 2011). "What lies beyond?". The Sydney Morning Herald. http://www.smh.com.au/national/what-lies-beyond-20111008-1lf37.html. Retrieved October 9, 2011.