The first AFL game between Hawthorn Hawks and Geelong Cats each season is a play-off for the beyondblue Cup, to raise awareness of depression.
The 2008 beyondblue Cup match took take place in front of 86,000 people at the MCG on Friday 25 July, where the Cats kicked their way to an 11-point victory to win the trophy for the first time since its inception in 2006.
Two Public Forums were held in the lead-up to the game - one in Dandenong and one in Geelong, where beyondblue ambassadors talked about how beyondblue is raising awareness of depression and helping to reduce the associated stigma within the AFL community. Other speakers included mental health professionals, as well as people who have experienced depression.
Hawthorn Football Club-beyondblue Public Forum on Depression
Date: Wednesday 16 July 2008
Time: 7pm to 8.30pm
Veune: Dandenong Basketball Association, Keith Miller Function Room, 270 Stud Road, Dandenong, Victoria
Admission: FREE
Speakers include: beyondblue Chairman and Hawthorn President The Hon. Jeff Kennett, psychologist and beyondblue ambassador Dr Michael Carr-Gregg, as well as people who have experienced depression.
Geelong Cats-beyondblue Public Forum on Depression
Date: Wednesday 23 July 2008
Time: 7pm to 8.30pm
Venue: Fred Flanagan Room, Skilled Stadium, Geelong, Victoria
Admission: FREE
Speakers include: Geelong Cats Player Development Manager Ron Watt, health professionals and Olympic Swimmer and beyondblue ambassador John Konrads, who will speak about his personal experience with depression.
beyondblue CEO Leonie Young said: "One in five people in Australia will experience depression, so the chances are, we all know someone who has been affected by the illness - a friend, family member or work mate. The beyondblue Cup and these Public Forums are fantastic opportunities to raise awareness of depression among footy fans, the local community and people watching the game on TV. We want people to know that while depression is common, effective treatments are available and the most important thing is to get help early. Visit our website or call our info line 1300 22 4636 for more information."
Below: The beyondblue Cup Public Forum in Dandenong on 16 July 2008. Speakers included beyondblue Chairman The Hon. Jeff Kennett, psychologist and beyondblue Ambassador Dr Michael Carr-Gregg and Paul Walshe, who spoke about his personal experience of and recovery from depression.
Bottom: The beyondblue Cup Public Forum at Skilled Stadium in Geelong on 23 July 2008. Speakers included Geelong Cats Player Development Manager Ron Watt, Olympic Swimmer and beyondblue Ambassador John Konrads, beyodblue Deputy CEO Dr Nicole Highet and GP Dr Grant Blashki.
