State by State (Melbourne): Psychiatrists and the Media

For the Melbourne stop of ASoP's national listening tour, we're exploring psychiatry's complicated relationship with the media — 'Friends, Enemies or Frenemies?' We are thrilled to have four incredible speakers join us for the evening.

Ruth Vine is one of Australia's most respected psychiatrists and mental health leaders, having served as Victoria's Chief Psychiatrist and as Australia's inaugural Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Mental Health, helping to lead Australia's mental health response during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Henrietta Cook is an award-winning journalist and Senior Health Reporter at The Age, renowned for her reporting on medicine, mental health and public policy.

Neil Cole is a former Victorian MP, acclaimed playwright and longstanding mental health advocate who was the first Australian politician to publicly disclose his lived experience of bipolar disorder, becoming a powerful voice for reducing stigma and improving mental health care. Suresh Sundram will facilitate the conversation. Suresh is a leading psychiatrist and mental health researcher. He serves as Professor and Head of Department of Psychiatry at Monash University and Director of Research for the Mental Health Program at Monash Health, with particular expertise in psychosis and refugee mental health.

The media plays a powerful role in shaping public understanding of mental illness, suicide, forensic issues, wellbeing and mental healthcare. At its best, it can reduce stigma, drive reform and bring neglected issues into the spotlight. At its worst, it can oversimplify, sensationalise or distort complex realities.

Join our panel for a candid discussion about how mental health stories are reported, where things go wrong, where they go right, and how clinicians and the media can work together to improve public understanding and influence policy.

These State by State gatherings will be held in relaxed venues with drinks and light refreshments, creating space for thoughtful discussion and connection with colleagues.

Join us as we take the conversation around the country — state by state.

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