Chairman of beyondblue: the national depression initiative and President of Hawthorn Football Club, The Hon. Jeff Kennett AC, officially launched a new community partnership between Youthbeyondblue and Hawthorn Football Club at Kew High School today.

Mr Kennett was joined by Hawks players, hip hop troop Indigenous Hip Hip Projects (IHHP), beyondblue Youth ambassador Bronwyn Collins and year 10 students from Kew High School to celebrate the announcement of Hawthorn’s major community partner, Youthbeyondblue, which aims to help raise awareness of depression and anxiety in young people.  

Mr Kennett spoke of the significant number of young Australians who are affected by depression and anxiety.

“One in seven young people in Australia currently experience an anxiety disorder and one in 16 are experiencing depression, so the chances are, we all know someone who has been affected by these conditions - a friend, family member or work mate.

“The partnership with Hawthorn Football Club is a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness of depression and anxiety among young people, footy fans and the local community. We want people to know that while depression and anxiety are common, effective treatments are available and the most important thing is to get help early,” he said.

Hawthorn Football Club Chief Executive Stuart Fox added the partnership provides a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness of depression and anxiety among footy fans and the local community.

“Today’s launch is the start of many programs this exciting partnership will generate - we are delighted to be working with Youthbeyondblue and look forward to help create awareness about depression and anxiety.  We all need to encourage young people to talk about depression and know that it’s ok to ask for help,” Mr Fox said.

At the launch, Hawks players Campbell Brown, Brent Renouf and Max Bailey were present to show the Club’s commitment in helping to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of depression and anxiety in young people - how to look for the signs, listen to your mates, talk about how you’re feeling and seek help together.

Youthbeyondblue Ambassador, Campbell Brown spoke of the importance of talking about your problems.

 “If there is one message I would say it is that there is no problem out there that can't be solved. If you want to talk to someone, even if it is your mate - it doesn't have to be someone qualified - you might be able to sit down and nut out issues.”

beyondblue Youth ambassador Bronwyn Collins also shared her personal experiences of dealing with depression, how she sought help and how she stays well.
Indigenous Hip Hop Projects provided a burst of energy when they performed, demonstrating one of the innovative ways in which beyondblue delivers positive mental health messages in dance workshops to young people across Australia.

The morning also included the launch of a series of Video Blogs created from real life stories posted on the Youthbeyondblue website (youthbeyondblue.com).

The video blogs aim to create awareness of the signs and symptoms of depression, anxiety and associated drug and alcohol problems among young people and where to get help.


Campbell Brown, Brent Renouf and Max Bailey are joined byIndigenous Hip Hop Projects dancer Dion Brownfield and Youthbeyondblue Ambassador, Bronwyn Collins.


Hawks players and Indigenous Hip Hop Projects with Youthbeyondblue Ambassador Bronwyn Collins.


Students from Kew High hear from beyondblue Chairman Jeff Kennett on Youthbeyondblue’s key messages of Look. Listen. Talk. Seek Help.


Jeff Kennett speaks about the partnership.