Among 700 other accomplished achievers on Australia Day 2014, former NSW politician John Brogden was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his commitment to mental health issues.
Brogden’s career was launched in 2002 when he became the youngest person to lead an Australian opposition party at age 33.
But in 2005 he had reached crisis point, resigning as the leader of the NSW Opposition and subsequently attempted to take his life in the backroom of his electorate office, although never previously diagnosed with mental illness.
Since then Brogden has become the chairman of Lifeline, a non-profit organisation which provides free, 24-hour crisis support for those in need.
He was inspired to work with the organisation after the events of 2005, which has earned him a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the Australia Day 2014 honours list for service to social welfare, particularly with Lifeline.
“People who think they can’t come back from a difficult time should know you can have second chances,” he said.
To seek help and information regarding self-harm, suicide and suicide prevention contact Lifeline on
13 11 14.
Source: The Sydney Morning Herald
