CESPHN Community Council member Julie Millard recognised

CESPHN would like to congratulate our Community Council, Clinical Leaders Network and After Hours Advisory Committee member Julie Millard, who has received the 2023 TheMHS Exceptional Contribution Award for mental health services in Australia.

She said: “I thank TheMHS and my peers for this awesome award, and thank the strong women mentors including Janet Meagher AM who have supported me over the decades. In my acceptance speech I talked about what makes me different. First I’m a consultant, a tainted word in todays’ society due to the actions of a few, and I am a proud Credentialed Mental Health Nurse.

“And though I have lived experience and am a carer, I identify as a clinician. All of these aspects of my life enhance my core knowledge and my practice.

“But mostly I am driven and passionate about seeking justice and equity, and ensuring human rights are met especially in service provision, whether it is locally, nationally, or internationally.

“One example is my personal campaign for 2023. This is to get all services – community managed and government agencies in Australia – to ask people whether they are current or ex-serving members of the armed forces, or are a first responder. We are losing too many people to suicide. The Interim Report of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide clearly highlights the absence of data.

“We need accurate information and data, and interventions that are appropriate, accessible, and affordable. So, I ask you. What can you do to change this situation?

“I would also like us to be mindful, and to provide support to our neighbours in the Pacific region. Many of whom are experiencing, with often limited resources, the devastating impacts of climate change, of dislocation from communities, culture, and families and economic stress.

“I believe it is important we don’t become complacent in this ever-complex world, and that we continue to mobilise our moral compass. To act when we see, or hear injustice, hurt or discrimination and to work together to build a more equitable world for all.”