New BB Chair announcement: Jeff Kennett hands the reins to Julia Gillard

[Chris_B]

Hi everyone, please find below the text of a media release from beyondblue today. This will be the thread for all comments, discussions related to this topic.

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Former Australian Prime Minister, The Hon. Julia Gillard AC, has been named the new Chair of beyondblue and will take over from The Hon. Jeff Kennett AC, when he hands over the reins at the end of June.

Mr Kennett founded beyondblue in 2000 and has led the organisation with energy and commitment for 17 years as it became a world leader in raising awareness of depression, anxiety and suicide prevention.

“beyondblue is part of my DNA,” Mr Kennett said. “Outside my family, it has been my most important role.
“I’ll miss it, but I’ll miss it less knowing that in Julia’s hands the organisation will go from strength to strength.

“Julia Gillard’s influence as a former leader of this country, her warmth and her commitment to the cause make her the ideal person to lead beyondblue when I step down on July 1.

“In her we have found a person who is personally committed to the cause and has the ability to cut through the clutter and drive change for the wellbeing of all Australians.”

Ms Gillard – who was elected unanimously by the beyondblue Board of Directors – is the first former Prime Minister to run a not-for-profit organisation since Malcolm Fraser launched CARE Australia in 1987.

“My father was a psychiatric nurse so I grew up with an awareness of and commitment to mental health causes,” said Ms Gillard.

“I’m absolutely delighted that Jeff and the Board have the confidence in me to take over as Chair of an organisation that has made such a difference in the lives of so many Australians, but there is only ever going to be one Founder and without Jeff Kennett there would not be a beyondblue at all.”

Mr Kennett said Ms Gillard’s appointment reinforced beyondblue’s fierce bipartisanship.

“beyondblue’s work is motivated by something bigger than politics; it’s about a bipartisan commitment to enhancing the welfare of others and that is an extraordinarily powerful force,” he said.

“Nobody owns beyondblue. It is owned by the community, in particular those living with mental health conditions, their families, friends and colleagues.”

For a video interview with Mr Kennett and Ms Gillard, and still photography please visit: www.beyondblue.org.au/chair-announcement

[Jugglin_Strugglin]

Three cheers to Mr Kennett. Hip hooray, hip hooray, hip hip hooray.

All of us in BB community, as well as the multitudes that BB has touched, are full of admiration and appreciation for The Hon. Jeff Kennett AC.

He is the ultimate example of the benefits of surviving depression.

What an invaluable legacy he has given to so many.

He has saved countless lives. He is a true hero.

Thank you Mr. Kennett. Keep enjoying the precious Sunshine that you have shown does exist.

Best wishes for your future.

Words are just not enough.