NSW Minister for Mental Health, Kevin Humphries, and NSW Mental Health Commissioner, John Feneley, have announced that applications are now open for Deputy Commissioners of the NSW Mental Health Commission, and for members of the Mental Health Community Advisory Council.

 

Mr Humphries said the Commission will appoint up to three part-time Deputy Commissioners, with at least one being a person who has or has had a mental illness.

 

“During the extensive public consultations we held across the State to allow the community to provide input into the scope and direction of the Commission, one of the strongest messages we heard was that it was important that at a senior level within the Commission there should be first-hand experience of mental illness,” Mr Humphries said.

 

“The expertise gained through the lived experience of mental illness will provide a unique and informed insight into many of the challenges the Mental Health Commission has been set up to overcome.

 

“The Deputy Commissioners will play a vital role in the operation of the Commission and will be charged with providing high level advocacy for people with a mental illness, their carers, families and the mental health community, as well as act as champions for reform.”

 

NSW Mental Health Commissioner John Feneley said the Commission is also seeking applications for up to 14 members for the Mental Health Community Advisory Council.

 

“The Council’s primary function will be to provide strategic, independent advice to the Commission on a range of mental health issues, and will play a hugely important role in the successful operation of the Commission,” Mr Feneley said.

 

“The candidates will be people who are extremely committed to improving the State’s mental health system.

 

“I expect they come from a diverse range of fields, from clinicians with decades of experience to people who have first-hand experience of mental health issues and how they can affect families, friends and carers.”

 

For further information call 9859 5200 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Applications close 8th October 2012.