AUTUMN UPDATE 2015
Australian Rotary Health Supporting healthier minds, bodies and communities through research, awareness and education
From our New Chairman WELCOME TO A NEW YEAR for Australian Rotary Health and to my first contribution to our newsletter as Chairman. Welcome also to our new Board, where continuing directors Laurie Barber, Russ O’Malley (Vice Chairman), Greg Ross, Peter Williams, and myself are joined by incoming Jeff Crofts directors Phil Armstrong, Graeme Davies, Kevin Shadbolt, Colin Thorniley and Barbara Wheatcroft. Our sincere thanks to our outgoing directors, Past Chairman Terry Grant, Phil Cordery, John Egan, Barney Koo and Dick Wilson for their considerable contributions over several years to Australian Rotary Health. Their insights will be missed. RI Institute Since our AGM in Sydney in October, Australian Rotary Health participated in the joint Australia-New Zealand Rotary Zone Institute in Wellington in early December, which involved our annual DGN cocktail party, a full house ARH Dinner, followed by our Report to Institute. It was encouraging to have an excellent attendance at the functions and meeting with a lot of interest and support shown for the ongoing work of Australian Rotary Health. Christmas Dinner Events since then have included the ARH Christmas Function held at The Epping Club in Sydney on 10 December 2014, which was a magnificent showcase of the work of a number of our current researchers on the subject of their ARH research grants and scholarships, as well as the very successful ARH Charity Golf Day again held at Riverside Oaks on 25 February 2015. In Memory of Geoff Betts & Geoff Bailey On a sadder note, ARH has lost two of its most influential contributors with the recent passing of Geoff Betts and Geoff Bailey in February and March.
Associate Professor Felice Jacka, Deakin University as ARH Christmas Dinner guest speaker with ARH Director M.C. Greg Ross
PDG Geoff Betts AM, MBE of the Rotary Club of Geelong, was a foundation member of ARH, served as ViceChairman 1983-1988 and was ARH’s second Chairman from 1988-1991. There is no question that his efforts on the organisation’s behalf established the framework and laid the foundations for the continuing role of Australian Rotary Health in supporting medical research to the benefit of all Australians. PDG Geoff was awarded Life Membership of Australian Rotary Health in 1991. The Geoffrey Betts Postdoctoral Fellowship has also been named in his honour. His passion and commitment in support of Australian Rotary Health have been fundamental to the ongoing success of the organisation that Australian Rotarians value so much.
The late PDG Geoff Betts AM, Second Chairman of ARH
PP Geoff Bailey OAM, of the Rotary Club of Mitcham, SA, was the instigator of the ARH Indigenous Health Scholarship program established in 2000. This has proven to be one of the most successful programs of ARH, with almost 200 Indigenous scholars having graduated into the workforce with another 20 expected to be... Continued page 2
Australian Rotary Health • PO Box 3455 Parramatta NSW 2124 • Phone 02 8837 1900 • admin@australianrotaryhealth.org.au
ARH UPDATE
From our New Chairman
Continued from cover
...graduating this year. PP Geoff was recognised with the award of the Australian Rotary Health Medal in 2013 for his dedication and passion for Closing the Gap on Indigenous health. Both Geoff ’s leave a significant legacy to ARH for the benefit of all Australians. 2016 Funding The Board has decided to commit an amount in the order of $1,900,000 for Mental Health Research Project Grants – Mental health of Young Australians - in 2016 to cover ongoing committed research grants only, in addition to our usual funding (in the order of $500,000) for all other ARH research/scholarship programs for 2016. This decision was made in consideration of the extent of longer term research grants currently being undertaken and the low probability of success for potential new applicants given the limited research grant funds
that would otherwise have been available in 2016. The Board feels that these decisions will achieve the best possible research outcomes for ARH’s funds in the longer term. Commonwealth support for Indigenous Program I am also pleased to confirm that the Commonwealth Government has renewed its support for the ARH Indigenous Health Scholarship program for 2015, at the same level of funding as 2014. In addition, ARH has now secured funding from the Queensland State Government for 2015 for 4 Indigenous Scholars. This is the first time that Queensland has been involved with the ARH Indigenous Health Scholarship program, and it now joins SA, NSW and Victoria as a provider of funds. None of the achievements of ARH could be attained without the efforts
of our dedicated and committed staff under the leadership of CEO Joy Gillett – my continuing thanks to Joy and the entire team (Terry Davies, Cheryl Deguara, Jenny Towe, Bridget Moore, Steff Fenton, Maddison Hancock) on behalf of us all. Rotary International In closing, I acknowledge that many would be aware that for the past year, ARH has been endeavouring to formalise its relationship with Rotary International. While I am unable to advise a final outcome at this time, I am pleased to confirm that we are currently engaged in positive and constructive discussions with RI staff in Evanston. I remain optimistic that we will shortly achieve a resolution satisfactory to all parties, which will continue to recognise ARH as a project of the Rotary districts of Australia. Jeff Crofts, ARH Chairman
Meet our New Directors PDG Phil Armstrong Phil joined the Rotary Club of Moruya, NSW, in 2000 and is a current member. He is a past “Peace” Governor of District 9710 serving on “Team Tanaka”. Phil’s ties to Rotary go back to his Father’s membership of both the Temora and Goulburn Mulwaree Clubs of NSW in the 1960’s, as well as his own membership of Rotaract in the 1970’s. Phil and his wife Kim are Companion supporters of ARH. PDG Graeme Davies Graeme joined the Rotary Club of Griffith, NSW, in 1991 and is Past President of the Club. He is a current member and Past President of the Rotary Club of Kincumber, NSW. Graeme and his wife Lyn were long term members of District 9670's Rotary Youth Exchange Committee. He is a past member of the
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District 9685 ARH Committee and is Past District Governor for D9685. He is currently District 9685 Club Extension officer, and a Paul Harris Society member. PDG Kevin Shadbolt Kevin joined the Rotary Club of Latrobe, Tasmania, in 1985, he is a Past President and current member. He is Past District Governor of D9830 in both 2003-04 and 2007-08. Kevin was a Foundation Chairman, District Trainer and Group Study Chairman. He initiated District involvement in Fiji low-cost Shelters, was the Chairman of International Project Development as well as serving on a wide variety of club and District committees. PDG Colin Thorniley Colin joined the Rotary Club Heirisson,
WA in 1977 after being a Group Study Exchange team member in 1975, and is a current member. He is a Benefactor of the Rotary Foundation. Colin is currently an Assistant Coordinator for part of Rotary Zone 8, a Past District 9455 Governor, past Group Study Exchange Team Leader to San Francisco in 1992. He has been the Chair of many District Committees. PDG Barbara Wheatcroft Barbara joined the Rotary Club of Hindmarsh, SA, in 2004 is Past President and Past Treasurer. She joined the Rotary Club of Adelaide Parks, SA in 2010 when the Rotary Club of Hindmarsh returned its Charter. Barabara was Secretary of the District GSE Committee from 2007 to 2009 and Chair from 2009 to 2010. Barbara is Past District Secretary and Past District Governor.
Australian Rotary Health • PO Box 3455 Parramatta NSW 2124 • Phone 02 8837 1900 • www.australianrotaryhealth.org.au
AUTUMN 2015
Awarding Gratitude
Life Membership ARH Chairman Jeff Crofts and recipient PDG Terry Grant
ARH Medal Past ARH Chairman Terry Grant & CEO Joy Gillett with recipient Bob Aitken
Life Membership Terry Grant was awarded the most prestigious ARH award, Life Membership. In recognition of his 3 years as Chairman and previous 4 years as a Director. PDG Terry, a member of the Rotary Club of Sunbury, Victoria, brought energy, passion and a new vision for ARH and we congratulate and thank him. ARH Medal PDG Bob Aitken was awarded the second ARH Medal in 2014 for his contribution over 25 years to the promotion and public image of ARH
District Award D9675 DG Barry Antees accepts the award from Past Chairman Terry Grant
through all media resources, including Rotary Down Under. Bob was presented with the award at the ARH Christmas Dinner and joins corecipient for 2014, Honorary Member Dean Brown. District Achievement Award District 9675 received the Dick White District Achievement Award for the introduction of the ARH Golden Microscope Award, their support of Indigenous Health Scholarships throughout Australia, continued financial support of numerous Funding Partner PhD
Knowledge Dissemination Award Professor Bernhard Baune & Professor Michael Sawyer, University of Adelaide with award recipient Lexinie Stapinski
Scholarships, and their generous general support and donations to ARH. Award for Knowledge Dissemination Dr Lexine Stapinski from the Centre of Research Excellence in Mental Health and Substance Use (CREMS) developed a series of school-based programs for adolescents (14yrs+) that have proven effective in delaying the uptake of alcohol and drug use. In Term four 2014, every secondary school in Australia received a resource package.
Movie Premiere Australian Rotary Health premiered their new Australian Rotary Health Movie in January, 2015. The video explores four inspiring people, supported by Australian Rotary Health, who are now changing their communities in various amazing ways. Part 1: Australian Rotary Health gave Fay Jackson a launch pad to fulfill her passions in helping people living with mental ill-health to succeed in the workplace. Part 2: An Indigenous scholarship from Australian Rotary Health supported Dr. James Charles to
complete his degree at university and become South Australia’s first Indigenous podiatrist. Part 3: Professor Jane Pirkis received Australian Rotary Health research funding crucial to the development of guidelines in preventing ‘copycat’ suicides, among other suicide prevention initiatives. Part 4: Australian Rotary Health allowed Betty Kitchener AM to gather enough information to develop the Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) course. Download the new Australian Rotary
Health Movie from our website to show at your next Club meeting, find it at www.australianrotaryhealth.org.au > About > Promotional Video 2015
Australian Rotary Health • PO Box 3455 Parramatta NSW 2124 • Phone 02 8837 1900 • www.australianrotaryhealth.org.au
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ARH UPDATE
Mental Health Scholar - Young Citizen of the Year On Australia Day, Ian Scott PhD Scholar Michael De Santis was awarded Wollongong’s Young Citizen of the Year award for his charitable and academic achievements. Michael helps bring the Telstra Beach to Bush Program to students in preschools, primary and secondary schools. He is a Careers Fair Presenter for the School of Medicine both in Wollongong and Sydney, and he volunteers for a number of charitable
organisations, including Surf Life Saving. Michael is funded by an Ian Scott PhD Scholarship to explore the potentially detrimental long-term effects of antipsychotic drug treatment on the developing brain. His research will provide important information to psychiatrists and paediatricians to balance the risk/benefit ratio before prescribing antipsychotics to children and adolescents.
Australia Day Ambassador Lynne Williams, Michael De Santis and Lord Mayor Cr Gordon Bradbery
Rural Nurses visit Sale Rural Nursing Scholars, Tracey Wilkinson and Anja Sweeney, presented at the Rotary Club of Sale, Victoria about their experience of graduate nursing year at the Central Gippsland Health Service in Sale. “We have been able to consolidate upon our nursing knowledge, skills and practices, within a supported environment,” said Tracey. “To the level where we are ready to be
fully fledged Registered Nurses and pursue the area of nursing in which we wish to spend our career.” “We have a rare opportunity to give back to our community and practice our skills somewhere where a nurse has the unique chance to make a difference in the town or towns that mean something to them personally. Being able to care for our community has been a rare and fulfilling experience,” Anja said.
Nurses like Tracey and Anja who are sponsored through the Rural Nursing Scholarship program will be the future lifeblood of this healthcare service, making scholarships an investment in sustaining quality rural healthcare. Both Scholars extended great thanks to their sponsors Mavis and Bill Jennings, the Rotary Club of Sale and Australian Rotary Health, as well as the Central Gippsland Health Service, and all who attended the presentation meeting.
The Digital Age of Mental Health help-seeking
THE PARRA AMBLE 24th May, 2015
Part Treasure Hunt. Part Amazing Race. A fun event for EVERYONE - families, friends & corporate groups - raising money for health research.
www.parra-amble.com
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myCompass is the new internet and phone-based self-help program for people with mild to moderate depression, anxiety or stress. Developed by researchers at the Black Dog Institute, Australian Rotary Health is now funding its next development – myCompass for young people with diabetes. CEO Joy Gillett, Research Manager Bridget Moore and Media Manager Steff Fenton had the opportunity of meeting with researchers from this project - Professor Judy Proudfoot, Dr Janine Clarke, and Dr Veronica Vatiliotis.
Australian Rotary Health • PO Box 3455 Parramatta NSW 2124 • Phone 02 8837 1900 • www.australianrotaryhealth.org.au
AUTUMN 2015
ANZAC PHD Scholarship to Reduce PTSD A new ANZAC PhD Research Scholarship has been introduced by Australian Rotary Health to ease the rising incidence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in war veterans.
The inaugural ANZAC PhD Scholar, Kristin Graham, will be supported by $35,000 per annum for up to 3.5 years at the Centre for Traumatic Stress Studies, University of Adelaide, South Australia.
The inaugural scholarship will investigate the link between common physical health symptoms to the development of mental illness.
Ms. Graham will use the largest databases recording the physical and mental health and wellbeing of Australian military personnel to identify patterns in physical symptoms that are associated with trauma-related mental health symptoms, which have happened over a 5 year period.
“With an increasing number of war veterans being diagnosed with PTSD, we saw a need to invest in this specific kind of mental health research.” said Australian Rotary Health CEO Joy Gillett OAM. “As funding is secured, further PhD Scholarships will be offered to research PTSD in war veterans and their families.”
Our Adelaide Companions
“Although physical symptoms are the reason for many personnel to seek treatment, these symptoms are often explained by the psychiatric disorders associated with combat exposure such as depression and PTSD,” Ms. Graham said.
ANZAC PhD Scholar, Kristin Graham
Melbourne Uni Medal Recognises ARH Funding Professor Glenn Bowes, Senior Associate Dean of the University of Melbourne, recently honoured Australian Rotary Health with The Wilson Medal, presented to CEO Joy Gillett. The Award recognises the major contribution of Australian Rotary Health to the University of Melbourne through research funding and scholarships.
Friday October 9 is Over the years the Rotary Club of Adelaide, SA, have encouraged their members to become Companions of Australian Rotary Health. To acknowledge the generosity of these donors, they created a banner which lists all 33 Companions to date. If you would like to become a Companion of ARH please contact our office on 02 8837 1900.
HAT DAY Shining a light on Mental Health
www.hatday.com.au
Australian Rotary Health • PO Box 3455 Parramatta NSW 2124 • Phone 02 8837 1900 • www.australianrotaryhealth.org.au
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ARH UPDATE
2015
EVENTS
CALENDAR
SATURDAY MAY 23 - SUNDAY MAY 24 BANISH THE BLACK DOG RIDE A relaxed cycling tour promoted by the Rotary Club of Townsville Central, Qld to raise awareness and funds for mental health.
Golfing for Research We have hosted two successful golf days since our last Newsletter - Golf For Research at Twin Creeks Golf Course, NSW on November 21, 2014, and the Annual ARH Golf Day at Riverside Oaks Golf Course, NSW, on February 25, 2015. Together they raised $21,000 for mental health research funding.
www.everydayhero.com.au/event/Banishtheblackdogbikeride2015
SUNDAY MAY 24 ANZAC PARRA-AMBLE ANZAC Parra-Amble To commemorate the ANZAC Centenary, ARH will run a family event in historical Parramatta, NSW. All funds will support the new ANZAC PhD scholarship researching the post-traumatic effects of war. See www.parra-amble.com
Australian Rotary Health’s Royal Melbourne Golf Day will be held on Monday October 5, 2015. To play golf at Australia’s number one course and support mental health research, please contact Terry Grant on 0412 111 499.
JUNE 8 – JULY 12 RIDE TO THE OTHER SIDE Craig Alford and the Rotary Club of Armadale, WA is riding around the country on a ride-on lawn-mower to raise funds for ARH, so far covering 5,300km of the 15,000km. In their fourth stage, the team will cover 5,500kms from Junee, NSW via Cairns, Qld. to Darwin, NT www.ridetotheotherside.org.au SUNDAY AUGUST 10 CITY2SURF, SYDNEY, NSW ARH will be entering a team of researchers, supporters and friends to run in this event. Find the ARH team on Everyday Hero or contact the Office to join! SUNDAY AUGUST 30 NORTH RYDE FUN RUN A fun run event in conjunction with Macquarie University, local businesses and the Rotary Club of North Ryde. www.northrydefunrun.com.au MONDAY OCTOBER 5 MELBOURNE GOLF DAY Play at the Royal Melbourne, Vic. Please contact Lee Strahan on 0414 751 959 FRIDAY OCTOBER 9 HAT DAY Host a Hat Day at your Club or workplace www.hatday.com.au SUNDAY OCTOBER 11 AUSTRALIAN ROTARY HEALTH WINE, FOOD & MUSIC RACE DAY Held at Hawkesbury Race Course, NSW. FRIDAY NOVEMBER 13 TWIN CREEKS GOLF DAY Ambrose event held in Luddenham, NSW. See the ARH website for more, or contact the ARH Office on 02 8837 1900. DATE TBC, DECEMBER SALLY’S RIDE TAMAR VALLEY CYCLE CHALLENGE Sally Fletcher & the Rotary Club of Central Launceston run an annual Tasmanian ride to raise money for research into youth suicide http://www.sallysride.com.au/ WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 9 CHRISTMAS DINNER Held at The Epping Club, NSW. Save the date to celebrate 2015 with us.
Rotary Club of Kwinana, WA celebrate Hat Day
Mental Health was Top of Mind on Hat Day! Since Hat Day on Friday October 10, we have been inundated with success stories, photos and generous cheque presentations from our Hat Day supporters. A tremendous $166,000 was raised for mental health research and 100% of donations will go directly to this cause. 2014 was an exciting year for Hat Day, as we engaged with organisations and the media to shine a light on mental illness. Australian Rotary Health was privileged to partner with the ABC in their ‘Mental As’ Campaign, a week of programming related to mental health. Many of our mental health scholars and researchers became Hat Day Research Reps, discussing exciting research findings in videos and blogs for a widespread social media campaign. They also took part in interviews for radio, television, newspaper, magazine and online news stories. Hat Day will be held on Friday October 9, 2015. www.hatday.com.au
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Australian Rotary Health • PO Box 3455 Parramatta NSW 2124 • Phone 02 8837 1900 • www.australianrotaryhealth.org.au
AUTUMN 2015
Cycling Success Stories Four bike rides have been held in our name already this year. Bike rides are a wonderful initiative which we would love to see grow. They encourage people to get active, improving the mental health of individuals involved, as well as raising vital funds for mental health research. 22 February: Tour de Norfolk Plains Tasmanian District 9830 and the Rotary Club of Launceston West engaged cyclists of all levels in their community with a one day ride event which raised funds for ARH. Cyclists chose from one of three ride lengths through the countryside just outside Launceston; 23km, 55km or 102km. 14-19 March: ‘Hill or Two’ Ride to D9790 Conference Part of District 9790’s seventh Annual Ride to Conference, cyclists took part in a circular ride of 600kms over 6 days, beginning and ending in Wangaratta. This year’s ride had 32 people involved, including one participant who swam 51km over 6 days to raise funds and awareness. The ride was a great success with donations anticipated to be around $15,500.
Racing for Research - Hawkesbury, NSW In continued success, 270 people attended the annual Australian Rotary Health Wine, Food & Music Race Day on Sunday October 12, 2014. The event raised $33,000 from sponsorship, ticket sales and silent auction.
Healthy Photographers In it’s third year running, the Australian Rotary Health Photography Competition collected entries from all around Australia. Participants captured moments on camera to connect with the theme ‘Health and Wellbeing of the Community’. Entries closed on ANZAC Day and will be announced on the Photo Comp website in May, visit www.australianrotaryhealthphotocomp.org or find them on Facebook.
15-21 March: Ride for Research $$$s The Ride for Research $$$s bike ride is one of ARH’s largest and longest-running annual fundraising events. Cyclists completed a circular tour this year starting and ending in Ballarat, Victoria - a total distance of 808.75kms over six days. Fifty seven cyclists, including 13 support crew, took part in the challenge. Ride for Research $$$s is an initiative of District 9810, which has raised $42,000 for ARH in 2015 so far, but donations are still being tallied. 14-17 April: Glen to Goondiwindi Run by District 9640, Victoria, under the slogan ‘Cycling for Mental Health’. Riders cycled 263km in four days from Glen Innes, NSW to Goondiwindi, Queensland for their annual Ride to Conference. Fundraising is still taking place and will be used for rural mental health research through ARH.
Photo Credit: Zoe Edins
Photo Credit: Choo Bang Chew Australian Rotary Health • PO Box 3455 Parramatta NSW 2124 • Phone 02 8837 1900 • www.australianrotaryhealth.org.au
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ARH UPDATE
Friends & Companions
Cumulative donations from September 2014 - March 2015 Gold Companions - $10,000 Stephen Fisher Rotary Club of Templestowe, Vic. Robert Gardiner Rotary Club of Blacktown City, NSW
Gold Class Company CEO Joy Gillett presented Bob Gardiner as a Gold Companion of ARH at our Head Office in Parramatta. Many thanks to Bob and all of our supporters.
Companions - $5,000 Don Durie AM Rotary Club of Lindfield, NSW Loloma & Colin Puls Rotary Club of Horsham, Vic. Malcolm & Valerie Hansen Rotary Club of Campbelltown, SA Ron & Marilyn Pearce Rotary Club of Rosanna, Vic. Arthur Harris & Merilyn Beach Rotary Club of Dural, NSW Graham Lee Rotary Club of Adelaide, SA Teresa Evans Rotary Club of Walkerville, SA Rotary Club of Capalaba, Qld.
$ $ Australian Rotary Health Donation Form
Platinum Friends - $2,000 J Morgan Rotary Club of Chelsea, Vic. Philip Clancy Rotary Club of Southern Mitchell, Vic. Barry McConville Rotary Club of Picton, NSW DC Gerschwitz Rotary Club of Adelaide, SA Joy Weatherill Rotary Club of Shoalhaven Sunrise, NSW Silver Friends - $1,000 Jack White Rotary Club of Liverpool, NSW Ken Cooper Rotary Club of Raymond Terrace, NSW Peter Kain Rotary Club of Belconnen, ACT Ian McKay Rotary Club of Warrnambool Daybreak, Vic.
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Australian Rotary Health • PO Box 3455 Parramatta NSW 2124 • Phone 02 8837 1900 • www.australianrotaryhealth.org.au