The National Mental Health Commission congratulates newly appointed Commissioner Nicole Gibson for being recognised by The Australian Financial Review as one of 2014’s 100 Women of Influence.
Ms Gibson is the Founder and CEO of The Rogue & Rouge Foundation which exists to help reverse the stigmatisation of mental health, body image and self-esteem issues among young people.
She has been recognised alongside a number of other leaders in mental health including Betty Kitchener (Mental Health First Aid Australia), Jaelea Skehan (Hunter Institute of Mental Health), Elizabeth Scarr (CRC for Mental Health) and Prof. Maree Teesson (UNSW), among others.
National Mental Health Commission CEO David Butt said it’s great to see such a strong representation from the mental health sector in the awards.
“Mental health is a critical issue for Australia. Close to one in two of us will experience mental illness during our lifetime, with mental health conditions the third leading cause of burden of disease overall, and the leading burden of disease for women.
“I would like to congratulate all of this year’s winners, but in particular, those working to help improve our collective mental health and wellbeing. It’s great to see them recognised for their efforts on this important issue," he said.
The Australian Financial Review and Westpac 100 Women of Influence Awards showcases the country’s highest-achieving women. The 100 winners have been selected across 10 categories – board/management, innovation, public policy, business entrepreneur, diversity, young leader, global, social enterprise or not-for-profit, philanthropy and local/regional.
An overall winner will be announced at an awards night on 22 October. For more information visit www.100womenofinfluence.com.au
