The Hon. Dame Quentin Bryce announced as the patron of the new Medibank Mental Health & Wellbeing Fund

Medibank contributes $1 million to establish the Mental Health & Wellbeing Fund

Recognising the critical role mental health plays in overall wellbeing, Medibank has committed $1 million in 2018 to establish the Mental Health & Wellbeing Fund (MHWF).

While this fund has been established to support the mental health of all Australians, throughout every stage of life, it will initially focus on the wellbeing of ex-Defence personnel and their families, with preventative initiatives, awareness and education.

The fund builds on Medibank’s existing community partnerships, which saw $6.3 million invested in 2017.

The MHWF patron is The Honourable Dame Quentin Bryce. The former Australian Governor-General is a long-time supporter of improving the mental health of women, adolescents, those in rural areas, indigenous communities and the military.

Ms Bryce remains passionate about the importance of an open and honest dialogue around mental health and reducing the stigma associated with seeking help.

Dame Quentin Bryce said: “I have been involved in mental health advocacy throughout my career, and I have learnt a great deal from families and health professionals. Awareness of mental wellbeing has come a long way, and as a community we are talking more about it. I commend Medibank for taking this practical step and providing support where it will make a difference.”

Medibank CEO Craig Drummond said: “Mental health is a growing concern for many Australians, including our serving and transitioning ADF personnel, with a greater number of people seeking treatment. Their needs can often be unique and complex. The Medibank Mental Health & Wellbeing Fund will this year provide funding to organisations who support veterans and their families.”

The Gallipoli Medical Research Foundation has been selected as one of the first groups to receive funding through the Medibank MHWF. Based at Greenslopes Private Hospital in Brisbane, the highly respected organisation is focused solely on helping Australia’s military community. Some of the funds will be used to develop and pilot a new mental health program for veterans and their partners.

Gallipoli Medical Research Foundation CEO Miriam Dwyer said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have the support of Medibank to undertake these high impact initiatives. We believe that the inclusion of partners and families in the recovery process is critical to delivering positive, long term mental health and wellbeing benefits for veterans.”

The Banksia Project will also be supported by the MHWF. The Sydney-based mental wellness charity facilitates free programs focused on prevention and recovery from mental health conditions. Through this new partnership, Medibank will fund the development of specific programs for ex-Defence personnel.

Supporting better mental health and wellbeing is a priority for Medibank, which has already achieved real change by partnering with groups such as beyondblue, Mates4Mates, Soldier On and the Australian Military Medicine Association.

Medibank is also a proud premier partner of the Invictus Games Sydney 2018, the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, the national exercise and wellness program ‘Free + Active’, and the Melbourne Marathon Festival. These events encourage better physical and mental health in Australian communities.

The MHWF will assist well-established individuals, organisations, and not-for-profit groups who are already providing solutions and achieving positive outcomes in the field of mental health.