As part of a mental health awareness program at IP Australia, Craig gave a presentation on his experiences with Bi-Polar disorder, at a lunch time seminar in April 2005. Around 60 staff members attended and their reaction to his presentation was very positive.
Craig’s down to earth style, and honest explanation of his encounters with the disorder, and how it affected all aspects of his life, encouraged good interaction from his audience, and certainly got people talking - some even relating their own story.
Craig’s presentation has been motivational in encouraging staff to seek more information, and largely responsible for a big increase in demand for training on mental health first aid, at IP Australia. This in turn, is helping us to foster a supportive culture among our staff towards mental illness.
I would enthusiastically recommend Craig’s presentation, and also his book ‘Broken Open’, to others wanting to cultivate awareness and promote positive attitudes to mental health issues.
Julie Perryman
OH&S Co-ordinator
IP Australia
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Cairns Stress Less Day Lunch 2006
Yes, the luncheon was wonderful, I purposely sat next to people other than the staff I work with, as it turned out I had connections with these people anyway, so we had plenty to talk about.
I bought Craig’s book on the day, certainly an inspirational speaker.
Thank you and see you next year.
Cheers
Anne Christy
Records Management Officer
Thank you, I bought two copies of "Broken Open" for friends!
It was a great function well done.Craig was fantastic, it's going to be hard to equal the quality of the speaker next year!!
Sally Mlikota
Director
CBC STAFF SELECTION
I have to say it was the most pleasant lunch I have had for some time and the Worklink team should be congratulated.
Craig Hamilton was a very good speaker and he certainly impacted on the way I think about managing mental illness.
Kind regards
Deb Ferguson
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Media Review of "Broken Open"
Compass, ABC TV 2005
On Sunday 31 July 2005 ABC's Compass program screened "Broken Open", a documentary based on the experiences of Craig Hamilton, an ABC Radio broadcaster who has bipolar disorder. "Broken Open" charts the journey that Hamilton took from denial of his illness, misdiagnosis, becoming unwell through to eventual acceptance and treatment.
Click here to read the full review.
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January 24th, 2007
Wyeth Australia Pty Ltd at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Coogee
Click here to view feedback from this talk.
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Leanne,
Hope this gets to you on time but if you have a chance to watch or tape Compass on Sunday night please do so. It is the story of Craig Hamilton (ABC journo, sportsman and author of 'Broken Open'), his mental breakdown and recovery - a spiritual journey.
I just heard Craig speak at a Conference I was presenting/mc'ing in Sydney - a much needed message for all. Courageous. And he (now) has his humour back. Worthwhile for your team to know about..excellent keynote speaker!
Magic.
Glenn Capelli
www.glenncapelli.com
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Harvey Mackay - Best selling author of 'Swim With the Sharks' and top business speaker has this to say about Glenn Capelli... 'Awesome. Glenn Capelli is a twelve out of ten speaker. Fantastic!'
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I have been privileged to hear Craig Hamilton discuss his personal, first-hand experience with bipolar disorder at a General Practioners Conference in Sydney in 2005. He shared with us his own personal tragedy with this disorder, prior to the 2000 Olympic Games.
I was impressed with the open, honest and enthusiastic approach to his presentation. I also admired his courage and knowledge of this medical disorder, culminating in the publication of his book.
Craig Hamilton has restored my faith in humanity. I wish him all the best for the future.
Dr George Panos
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"Broken Open" is an important book. It is blunt, uncomplicated and direct. It pulls no punches. It describes the devastating effects of mental illness on a man and his family. Most importantly, it offers hope. It describes the personal and professional partnerships that need to be in place to promote recovery and resumption of a productive life. It takes real courage for a man like Craig to tell his story. We should all be grateful that he has taken the time and effort to share his experiences and insights with us."
Professor Ian Hickie (Clinical Advisor Beyond Blue)