Media release from the Federal Labor MP for Page on 2 February 2011:
Page MP Janelle Saffin has invited Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler, to the Northern Rivers today for a ‘community conversation’ on the Gillard Government’s mental health reform agenda.
Mr Butler, Australia’s first Federal Minister for Mental Health, will be co-hosted by Ms Saffin and Southern Cross University’s Health Clinic. Mr Butler attended the clinic’s opening as Parliamentary Secretary for Health in August last year.
Ms Saffin said she had invited the Minister back to Page to hear from a wide cross-section of Northern Rivers local families and carers, who live with mental ill-health, health professionals, and Non Government Organisation representatives.
“A large number of people have experience or know of a relative or friend or neighbour who has battled bouts of depression, drug or alcohol addiction, or a mental illness,” Ms Saffin said.
“There is a growing number of folk who need professional help to manage their conditions and ongoing community support to achieve quality of life.
“We are fortunate to have some dedicated medical practitioners and health academics -- recognised as leading researchers in the field -- so this is an opportunity for them to help shape mental health policy.”
Today’s ‘Community Conversation’ will be chaired by Southern Cross University’s new Pro Vice Chancellor (Arts and Sciences), Professor Deborah Saltman AM, who was has had a distinguished career in education, health and clinical practice in Australia, Asia and Europe.
A highlight will be the welcoming performance by The Hearing Voices Choir, whose members like to sing their blues away. Formed in May 2008, the choir has recorded a CD and travelled around Australia.
Mr Butler and Ms Saffin later will meet with an expert panel for a roundtable discussion on mental health reform and for briefings on projects being developed in the region.
The expert panel includes:
Professor Saltman AM.
Professor Iain Graham, Professor of Nursing and Head of School, Health & Human Services, Southern Cross University.
Professor Lesley Barclay AO, Director of the University Centre for Rural Health (North Coast).
Associate Professor James Bennett-Levy, University Centre for Rural Health (North Coast).
Mr Jem Mills, Senior Lecturer, University Centre for Rural Health (North Coast).
Dr Doug Andrews, Clinical Director of Mental Health, Northern NSW and Mid North Coast NSW Local Health Networks.
Dr Harry Freeman, Psychiatrist, Lismore Mental Health Unit.
Mr Chris Clark, Chief Executive Officer, Northern Rivers General Practice Network.
Ms Anne Lipzker, Child and Adolescent Coordinator, NSW North Coast.
Mr Warren Shaw, Area Nurse Manager Mental Health.
Mr Niall Mulligan, Counselling Centre Manager, Lifeline Northern Rivers.
Mr Amos Hee, Project Consultant, Improved Services Mental Health Initiative, The Buttery.
Ms Hazel Bridgett, Chair of Northern NSW Local Health Network Governing Council.
The Honourable Dr Brian Pezzutti, Member of Northern NSW Local Health Network Governing Council and the NSW Minister’s Mental Health Advisory Committee.
Ms Leone Crayden, Chief Executive Officer On Track Community Programs, Member of the Northern NSW Local Health Network Governing Council
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