Australian mental health advocate John Brogden will canvass mental wellbeing and business leadership at a unique Mental Health Month breakfast at Flourish Australia’s Sydney Olympic Park headquarters.
A former NSW Opposition Leader and currently Chairman of Lifeline and CEO of Landcom, Mr Brogden will share his personal experiences of darkness with business leaders and reinforce the importance of understanding and reaching out for help when mental health issues become apparent.
“One in four people will have a lived experience of a mental health issue at some stage in their life,” Mr Brogden said.
“People in business settings are particularly susceptible, which is why business leaders need to be attuned to the signs and symptoms and what to do when these become apparent.
“When business leaders understand mental health, the positive flow-on effects through workforces across Australia can be tremendous.
“Conversely, the effects of misunderstanding workplace mental health can result in terrible impacts including staff tension, morale and productivity declines, and resignations and dismissals.
“There’s an onus on business leaders to know and appreciate mental health and wellbeing, not only as it relates to those they oversee, but themselves.”
Flourish Australia CEO Mark Orr said the business community and the general community had come a long way in terms of recognising mental health in recent years.
“It speaks volumes that a leader such as John Brogden can so openly tell his story to a large and informed business audience,” Mr Orr said.
“The ripple effect of such presentations are enormous, and we know that most present will discuss what they’ve learned with multiple colleagues and peers.”
The presentation has been arranged by Flourish Australia in partnership with the Sydney Olympic Park Business Association.
“The Sydney Olympic Park precinct is a mecca for business and employment with more than 19,000 people now working here every day, and this is set to soar with forecast growth for the area,” Business Association CEO Allison Taylor said.
“This opportunity to share views and spread the word on best practice mental health management in our workplaces is significant, which is why we’re right behind this event.”
The breakfast will be held in Flourish Australia’s Figtree Conference Centre (5 Figtree Drive, Sydney Olympic Park), from 7.45am on Tuesday 9 October.
For ticket information, visit https://flourishaustralia.eventbrite.com.au or call Alison Perizi on 0437 069 154.
