Mental Health Minister Congratulates 2011 Local Hero of the Year
Minister for Mental Health and Ageing Mark Butler congratulates suicide prevention advocate Donald Ritchie OAM for winning the Australia Day Local Hero of the Year award for 2011.
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26 January 2011
Minister for Mental Health and Ageing Mark Butler congratulates suicide prevention advocate Donald Ritchie OAM for winning the Australia Day Local Hero of the Year award for 2011.
Mr Butler said that Mr Ritchie epitomises what it means to be a true local hero, and his recognition this year by the National Australia Day Council was timely and well deserved.
“As Minister responsible for Mental Health I want to especially recognise Mr Ritchie’s remarkable suicide prevention efforts at the ocean cliff in Sydney’s East known as The Gap.
“Mr Ritchie has lived opposite The Gap for almost five decades and each day keeps an active eye out for people who might need help. During this time he has quietly and calmly talked to people who may have considered harming themselves by asking them back to his home for a chat over a cup of tea.
“It is conservatively said that he has saved more than 160 lives by his actions, and his services to suicide prevention are truly remarkable.
“Mr Ritchie’s kind words and genuine warmth towards his fellow citizens have made an immeasurable difference and touched so many people’s lives. He is a role model for us all and makes us proud to be Australian”, he said.
Mr Butler said the Local Hero of the Year award gave Australians the chance to acknowledge extraordinary contributions made by Australians.
“The local hero award not only honours members of our community such as Mr Ritchie, but also sets these people apart as role models, inspiring us through their achievements to make Australia a greater place,” he said.
“Mr Ritchie encourages others to extend kind words and simple hospitality, noting what an enormous difference this has made to so many individuals and their families.”
Mr Ritchie was presented with his award by the Prime Minister at Parliament House, Canberra on Tuesday night. .
More details on the Local Hero Award and other 2011 Australian of the Year awards are available at www.australianoftheyear.gov.au
For more information, please contact the Minister's Office on (02) 6277 7280
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