Friends, families and supporters from the past and present gathered at our Parkville home to celebrate Orygen’s 30th anniversary of revolutionising youth mental health.
Staff and invited guests celebrate with a morning tea.
Premier of Victoria, The Hon. Jacinta Allan and Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt, were among about 400 guests that also included young people, families, current and former staff, volunteers and other valued partners.
The event, MC’d by 7News journalist Melina Sarris, included speeches from Orygen Youth Advisory Council member Mariah Amjad, Orygen Board Chair Professor Sir Edward Byrne, Premier Allan, and Orygen Executive Director Professor Pat McGorry.
At the conclusion of speeches, a plaque was unveiled by Premier Allan to commemorate Orygen’s 30 years.
Professor Patrick McGorry, Mariah Amjad, Premier Jacinta Allan and Orygen Board Chair Professor Ed Byrne with the commemorative plaque.
All of the speakers, spoke of the positive impact Orygen has had both nationally and globally on the lives of young people and the vital importance of continuing the revolution in mental health that Orygen has started.
Premier Allan said over the past three decades, Orygen had lived up to its mantra of revolutionising youth mental health and ensuring that children and young people are not only supported but supported to flourish.
“Orygen has translated knowledge and skills into a better mental healthcare system for children and young people around the world,” she said.
Mariah said it would be remiss of her if she didn't mention Orygen's intentional effort to continuously centre young people at the heart of its work through collaboration and advocacy.
“In the relatively short time that I've been here, I've seen opportunities for young people to assist in designing research studies, organizing conferences, and being given a platform to speak out on mental health issues in the media. It's clear that Orygen prioritises the involvement of young people in the places that concern them,” she said.
Reflecting on the day, Prof McGorry said, “the whole experience brought into focus why we are all here, and how we have changed things fundamentally in youth mental health care compared to 30–40 years ago”.
Staff members Nataya Branjerdporn and Ella Gow join in the celebrations.
The celebration was an opportunity to acknowledge Orygen's past achievements, but it also highlighted the ongoing challenges that persist in the field of youth mental health. Despite the significant progress made, youth mental health remains a pressing issue in Australia and around the world.
In partnership with young people, a robust and pioneering research program, and in collaboration with national and international partners, Orygen is determined to continue translating knowledge and innovation into tangible care and support for young people everywhere.
Watch a highlights video of the event.