Beyondblue

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beyondblue
Formation October 2000
Purpose/focus To provide a national focus and community leadership to increase the capacity of the broader Australian community to prevent depression and respond effectively.
Headquarters Hawthorn
Location Victoria, Australia
Region served Australia
Chairman Jeff Kennett
CEO Kate Carnell
Website www.beyondblue.org.au

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, former Premier of Victoria, and its CEO is Kate Carnell, former Chief Minister of the Australian Capital Territory.

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 programmes addressing the high rates of suicide among young gays and lesbians.[2]

References

  1. ↑ Stark, Jill (October 2, 2011). "Gay radio in push to oust Kennett from charity chair". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved October 2, 2011. 
  2. ↑ Stark, Jill (October 9, 2011). "What lies beyond?". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved October 9, 2011. 


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