NOW
NEXT
LATER
NOW
NEXT
LATER
NOW
NEXT
LATER

Word for Word

6 May 2014

Thanks Kate! – we say farewell to beyondblue’s CEO, The Hon. Kate Carnell, AO

Health, News & Politics, Society & Culture

Kate Carnell FarewellIt’s difficult to quantify how far Australia’s national depression and anxiety initiative, beyondblue, has come in its acceptance and understanding of LGBTI communities, resulting in actions and programs tailored specifically to their needs.

It’s fair to say that two and a half years ago, the relationship between its chairman, former Victorian Premier Jeff Kennett, and the gay and lesbian community were at an all-time low.  Following some explosive commentary in the daily newspapers, beyondblue’s CEO resigned and the Federal Government threatened to pull millions of dollars’ worth of funding from the organisation.

That’s when the former Chief Minister of the ACT and deputy chair of beyondblue’s board, The Hon. Kate Carnell, AO stepped up and took the reigns as CEO.

Under her leadership the organisation has delivered extensive research into the mental health needs of the LGBTI community, initiated targeted campaigns to raise awareness of homophobia and its impacts and fostered an ongoing relationship between beyondblue and LGBTI community leaders.

Perhaps one outcome that no-one would have initially predicted, was the transformational shift in Mr Kennett’s understanding and acceptance of the LGBTI community. Today he remains a staunch anti-homophobia and marriage equality advocate, regularly sharing his reasons for this change.

The legacy of her brief time at the helm of beyondblue will have life-changing ramifications for thousands of LGBTI Australian’s today…and for decades to come.

 

 

RECENT PODCAST

Art Simone

16 Mar 2024

Art Simone

Arts, LGBTI Community, Society & Culture

Today’s guest is Art Simone. Art is one of Australia’s most popular drag performers, having featured in RuPaul's Drag Race ...

Evan Cooper

12 Feb 2024

Evan Cooper

Arts, LGBTI Community, Society & Culture

This week’s guest is Evan Cooper. Evan grew up in a variety of locations due to the divorce of his ...

Bryan Cranston

3 Feb 2024

Bryan Cranston

Society & Culture

Today’s guest is Bryan Cranston. Bryan has spent his work life in education and currently works as a senior academic ...