John Konrads to speak at Free Public Meeting on Depression

Date: Thursday 15 December 2005
Time: 7pm
Place: Eastern Suburbs Leagues Club
93-97 Spring Street
Bondi Junction

Australian swimming legend and Olympic Gold Medallist John Konrads will speak at a beyondblue Public Meeting on Depression in Sydney on Thursday 15 December.

Mr Konrads is a board member of the NSW-based Black Dog Institute and is well known for his distinguished career in Australian corporate life. He will talk about being diagnosed with bipolar disorder and how he manages his illness.

beyondblue CEO Leonie Young said: "We appreciate John taking the time to support beyondblue in getting the message out that recovery from depression is common and there are effective treatments available."

"Sharing my experiences with others is very gratifying," Mr Konrads said. "Many people experiencing depression are confused and uncertain about what to do, and after talking to them I often see their faces light up."

Other speakers at the meeting include beyondblue's Clinical Advisor, psychiatrist Professor Ian Hickie, Kings Cross GP Dr Ray Seidler and Toni Garrety, who cares for a family member with depression.

The event coincides with the arrival in Sydney of the Rotary Health Safari, which has been on a six-month trip around Australia to raise awareness of depression and promote the importance of good mental health. Sydney is the final stop on the Safari's 35,000km journey.

"We are delighted to have partnered Rotary on this fantastic project. Over 3,000 people have attended the meetings across Australia and thousands more would have read about the signs and symptoms of depression when they visited the Safari van," Ms Young said.

For dates and locations of beyondblue public meetings and Safari route: 
Go to www.beyondblue.org.au or www.rotaryhealthsafari.org.au

Contact:
Jane Castles, beyondblue Media Officer, (03) 9810 6100 or 0412 392 577 or jane.castles@beyondblue.org.au