ROdown Blog
Big win for mental health: Professor Patrick McGorry Australian of the year!
I'm suddenly feeling a lot more optimistic about our collective wellbeing!
I’m sure by now a lot of you would have heard that Professor Patrick McGorry, Executive Director of Orygen Youth Health (and friend of Reach Out) was named Australian of the year for 2010. Super exciting news for mental health in Australia.
On behalf of the Reach Out crew we would like to extend a big congratulations to Professor McGorry on this massive achievement and thank him for his tireless campaigning in the area of mental health for more than 30 years (yes, I know – that’s a long time!)
Here’s some of Professor McGorry’s acceptance speech from Australia Day eve:
“A psychiatrist as Australian of the Year – this is a new form of climate change!” he said.
“It reflects the growing recognition that good mental health is of at least equal importance to good physical health. The large group of Australians affected by mental ill-health – up to half of us – is awakening and deserves a much better deal. Mental ill health typically affects young people in the critical years of the life cycle. It shortens and blights lives. This is mostly avoidable. However our systems are weakest where they need to be strongest.”
“Australia deserves a modern and mature system of mental health care. Mental health reform is a team game and I am just one player. Our team needs more recruits, we need a level playing field in the health sector, and we need the Australian public and our governments to back the team. Thanks to a new openness and Australian innovation, I believe we are at the tipping point for a great leap forward. I want to dedicate this award to all of you who suffer or will suffer poor mental health and ask for your deep commitment to help change the landscape of mental health care in Australia.”
Personally, I think it’s hugely promising to see someone who works in the area of mental health receive such an honour. As Professor McGorry said in his acceptance speech, it signals a greater recognition of the importance of good mental (as well as physical) health, and hopefully a growing commitment to change the landscape of mental health care in Australia.
Want to have your say on SBS's Insight?
Professor McGorry will be on SBS TV's Insight program this month. They are putting a forum together on mental health and young people (under 30), in light of Professor McGorry winning Australian of the Year for his work in the field. Contact auskar.surbakti@sbs.com.au if you’re interested in sharing your stories (whether you experience mental health difficulties, know someone who does, or are a carer).
Spread the good vibes
You can pass on congratulations / comments / thoughts about what opportunities might lie ahead in the comments section below, or you can become a fan of Professor McGorry on Facebook.
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We’re pretty excited, and hope you are too :)
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8 Comments
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FindingHope
7 months ago
Reply ReportIt was great to hear that someone who has done a lot for mental health won Australian of the Year. Congrats to Professor Patrick McGorry!
lilsoldier132
7 months ago
Reply ReportA huge congratulations!!
When I heard Prof McGorry was nominated I was hesitant in hearing his name as the winner as that may have presented to everyone that our health system is top notch, however to his credit Prof McGorry has spoken about changing the way people are treated and i hope this statement was directed at the people that make the mental health system, safe at times yet fail in other areas. Will there be an anonymous forum where the youngsters can present their ideas on improving the system and decreasing the time people are unwell?
Yallaby
7 months ago
Reply Reportvery exciting indeed
Mockingjay - Community Builder
7 months ago
Reply ReportI saw that on the news, (which I only happened to see by accident) and when I saw that I had a huge grin on my face haha. I was like, yay!
stuy
7 months ago
Reply ReportI agree Cassie. It's wonderful to see the profile of mental illness be raised by such a timely and appropriate appointment.
anna
7 months ago
Reply ReportHere's an article from Saturday's Australian by Professor McGorry:
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/health-science/mental-health-needs-early-care-health-system/story-e6frg8y6-1225826908208
anna
7 months ago
Reply ReportAnd the show is on Feb 23 fyi
Daniela Falecki
4 months ago
Reply ReportThanks & Well done!