Scotch College

November Luncheon

The President of the Old Scotch Wine and Food Society Hamish Long, made a courageous and compelling introduction to our November luncheon guest speaker, Jeff Kennett ('65). Jeff's topic was 'Beyond Blue', The National Depression Initiative.

He outlined his reason and interest in the subject when he learned of two young Victorian country men taking their own lives. He pondered why and how such tragedies could have occurred and how they could be prevented.

Following a trip to Switzerland, where he had the opportunity to attend a health seminar, confirmation of the necessity for prevention and understanding depression became important to him. He identifies some key areas for attention:

• The need to de-stigmatize the image associated with depression was seen as a first and necessary priority in understanding depression as an illness.
• The importance of greater research and insight into the origin and prevention of depression.
• An assessment of the impact that depression has on different groups, be they the elderly, school children, post-natal mothers, the indigenous or business people.
• The importance of the need for the development of preventative programs is seen as imperative in assisting individual groups.
• The need for greater education in the medical profession to be able to more readily identify, diagnose and appreciate the illness. An upgrade of these skills, to counsel and encourage family support in early diagnosis, would go a long way in alleviating the personal effects of the illness.

Since his involvement, the public profile of 'Beyond Blue' has increased significantly.

He has had many people coming to him to tell their story. This publicity has aided these people to be able to talk and discuss their problems quite openly.

Depression is an illness, which can affect all people, and it must be recognised as just another illness, without the stigma with which it has been associated in the past. An appreciative audience was struck by the concern and passion, which Jeff conveyed, in a very forthright address.

At the end of the lunch Hamish Long presented Jeff with a cheque for $2500 made payable to the Beyond Blue Initiative. This money was raised by the Old Scotch Collegians Association. Many thanks to all who contributed. The luncheon concluded with the Principal presenting Mr Kennett with a Limited Edition Print, which features among those other luminaries, Mr Kennett's own signature as former Premier of Victoria.

Geoff Bowden

Jeff Kennett ('65) addresses the November luncheon.

Hamish Long ('85) presents Jeff Kennett ('65) with a donation to the Beyond Blue Depression Initiative.

L to R: Andrew Wallace-Smith ('72), Peter Steel ('72) and Richard Beveridge ('62)

L to R: Richard Sellars-Jones ('86) and Hamish Long ('65)