Black_Dog_DazeWith special guests:
- Andrew Robb AO MP
- Rebecca Lewis
We welcomed Andrew Robb on to the show for the first time today. Andrew has distinguished himself in leadership positions for many years resulting in his high public profile. These positions have ranged from being the head of the National Farmers’ Federation (“the NFF”), the Director of the Federal Election campaign for the Liberal Party in 1993 and 1996, being a consultant to Kerry Packer and since 2004 being the Member for the Federal Seat of Goldstein. Andrew is currently on the shadow front bench as the Shadow Minister for Finance and Debt Reduction as well as Chairman of the Coalition Policy Development Committee.
What the public did not know until recent times is that Andrew Robb has for over 40 years been battling a debilitating condition, a condition that he could not admit even to himself. In 2009 Andrew with typical courage and determination decided to go public with his condition and take immediate leave from his senior position in the Parliament so that he could devote his full attention to dealing with his condition which now had a name, diurnal variation.
In 2011 Andrew has released Black Dog Daze: Public Life, Private Demons. In this book Andrew provides hope to others battling depression by showing that it can affect anyone and to encourage those with the condition to do something about it, to talk to family and friends, to get professional help. It is also an excellent read for those interested in some of the background to recent turbulent times in national politics.
In this interview we had the opportunity to see the man behind the news hearing some of his caring and insightful observations.
Rebecca Lewis is the Project Manager for R U OK? and she spoke to us today about this fast growing national suicide prevention initiative. R U OK? was founded in 2009 by Gavin Larkin and Janina Nearn inspired by the untimely death of Gavin’s father.
With a simple message that has been adopted by the Australian community R U OK? issued a media release today showing that the spontaneous awareness of R U OK? has risen to 58% of the population. R U OK? is also excited to announce that they will be working closely with MensLine Australia to target men and they will be mapping out a strategy to directly engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Rebecca talks to us about the success of R U OK? Day on 15 September 2011 and plans for an even bigger day on 13 September 2012. Rebecca also has some suggestions as to what we all can do to reduce the number of suicides from the current level in Australia. The aim is to reduce the number to none from the present 2,100 annual deaths.
This is an exciting development and an opportunity to hear first hand about R U OK?
NEXT WEEK …
Spotlight on … MOVEMBER and Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia