Prof P McGorry Australian of the Year -- MENTAL HEALTH CARE THE BIGGEST WINNER

Australians who suffer from a mental illness have scored a major political and social victory today with the announcement that Professor Patrick McGorry from Melbourne’s Orygen Youth Health has been named Australian of the Year.

An international authority on youth mental illness and the architect of the early intervention model of care, Professor McGorry said his victory brought recognition and acceptance to this often overlooked and under-funded area of the health care system.

“This award signals a change in Australia’s attitude towards mental illness that is both courageous and refreshing. As a society we need to unite to effect lasting change that will improve care to this often marginalised group,” Professor McGorry said.

Accepting his award at Parliament House in Canberra, Professor McGorry said there is growing recognition that good mental health is of at least equal importance to good physical health. The diaspora of Australians affected by mental ill-health – up to half of us – is awakening and deserves a much better deal, he said

“Mental ill health typically affects young people in the critical years of the life cycle. It shortens and blights lives. This is mostly avoidable. However our systems are weakest where they need to be strongest.

“Australia deserves a modern and mature system of mental health care. The sector needs more funding, better systems of care, increased research and the unconditional support of the Australian public and all our governments,” Professor McGorry said.

For further details contact
Lisa Mulhall
Orygen Youth Health
0412 555-063