The Hon. ROBYN PARKER [1.56 a.m.]: I was delighted to be involved recently with the launch of the Salvation Army's Braver, Stronger, Wiser project, which aims to help deal with depression in rural and regional Australia. Depression is estimated to affect a million adults in Australia each year and costs more than $600 million annually. Some researchers predict that depression will be one of the biggest health concerns by 2020. It is estimated that one in five Australians will experience depression at some point in their lifetime. By acknowledging that, the Salvation Army has taken a remarkable step. The Salvos have produced 500,000 copies of a DVD about depression and how to get help in managing the problem in rural areas, which is what Braver, Stronger, Wiser focuses on. The DVD follows the lives of four Australians who live in rural areas and who have fought their own battles with depression. They are remarkable Australians and have displayed great courage in coming forward to tell their stories. They are: Catherine Drive, Warren Timothy, Mark Pickford and Hannah Stone.

Last week when we launched the project at Parliament House we had the honour of having three of the stars of the documentary present. They were able to tell us a little about their story, how they reached out for help, and how this helped them to continue on. For example, Catherine Driver battled postnatal depression and could not obtain assistance. She has been diagnosed as bipolar and today manages a 70,000 hectare property.

Mark Pickford is a fifth-generation farmer and was running a farm, which at one point was losing $10,000 a month. One can imagine some of the thoughts he was having. Hannah Stone is a young woman who had suicidal thoughts and was diagnosed with depression due to a chemical imbalance. Although not present last week she bravely spoke to her school as a teenager about her depression, and today she has turned the corner and works in real estate. Also there was Warren Timothy, who turned to alcohol and marijuana after the death of his father. After seeking help, Warren has also turned the corner. He is clean, sober and is a happy family man. Indeed, he was accompanied by his wife and child, and it was really great to meet him.

The DVD shows how depression can be beaten and also contains a bank of information, such as what depression is, problem solving, taking care of yourself, dealing with panic attacks, men and depression, signs and symptoms, and overcoming negative thinking. The film was made by Anna Rudd, who is from the Salvation Army. She commenced the project after someone she knew considered taking their life. I congratulate her on this tremendous project.

The project also has the support of some well-known Australians such as Stuart Diver, and we all recall his great courage. Country singer Melinda Schneider sang a song entitled "Courage". Anne Kirkpatrick and Iva Davies also attended. Peter Cosgrove, Andrew Gaze, John Williamson, Jack Thompson, Duncan Armstrong, Deborah Hutton, Guy Leech and Ita Buttrose, just to name a few, also support the project. Lieutenant-Colonel James Condon from the Salvation Army said of the launch:

It is deeply alarming to see what is happening in the bush right now. Depression is a very real issue in regional Australia. We are targeting depression head on with this project because it is vital rural Australia gets a hand with this issue. Some communities are feeling abandoned and isolated. We have to create a situation where people start to realise depression can be a normal experience and that if it's happening to you, you are not crazy you can lead a fulfilling existence.

The Salvos are working with rural general practitioners through the Rural Doctors Association, licensed rural postal agencies, rural Landcare offices, rural ABC radio stations, rural Westpac branches and Beyond Blue to distribute and promote this initiative. Anyone wanting to register for a copy of the DVD can do so at salvos.org.au. I congratulate the Salvation Army on this fantastic initiative, which is an inspirational and highly informative piece. If it prevents even one person from committing suicide, it has been well worth it. The back of the DVD has the following notation:

This is a gift to you. A celebration of life in the country. It is a testimony to the strength, resilience and character of people who live in rural Australia.