Anthology of a modern woman

By Bonnie Yiu

Therese Rein, wife of Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore helped raise awareness for mental health by launching The Modern Woman’s Anthology 2010 at Customs House, Circular Quay on Wednesday.

Whilst being a literary project that celebrates the trials and joys of being a modern woman, the book is also vital for raising funds and awareness of mental health.

Proceedings of the book will be donated to The Black Dog Institute, a non-profit, research and clinical facility to improve mental health services in Sydney.

Leah Greengarten, the co-editor of the book said mental illness needed to be tackled with greater effort than what is currently being done.

“At one point, everyone will be affected by depression or by mental illness, so it is important to deal with it now,” said Leah Greengarten.

She continued, “There is a social stigma associated with it [mental illnesses], and we are here to change that and make a difference.”

Kate Ellis, one of the writers of the book said she hoped that the stories would resonate and bring about solidarity among women.

“What could be better than to read about other inspiration stories? And these stories transcend the present, the past and the future. They are really encouraging to all women,” Kate Ellis said.

As identified by Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore, depression and mental illnesses are in fact major issues facing City of Sydney.

“In the City we see the spiraling effect depression can have on people… It’s a problem which we are trying to tackle,” she said.

Clover Moore pointed out that one in five Australians are affected by mental illness while more than half of the population suffers from depression at some point in their lives.

“The money raised for Black Dog Institute will help promote awareness, spreading knowledge, and actively helping people who suffer from these debilitating illnesses,” Clover Moore.

She continued, “It is important that as a community we support their cause.”

“This book also helps modern women realize that they are not alone. They too can be inspired to achieve great success.”

Gordon Parker, CEO of Black Dog Institute welcomes the support received.

Gordon Parker said the money would allow for elaborate research, increased resources for educational purposes and increased access for patients to mental health services in City of Sydney.