The Orygen Board is pleased to announce the appointment of former Victorian Premier the Honourable Dan Andrews AC as Orygen Chair.
As Australia’s designated Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, Orygen is the largest translational mental health research organisation in Australia and the largest clinical research organisation focused on youth mental health in the world.
Mr Andrews was appointed by the Board of Directors to fill the position for a three-year term.
Mr Andrews served as Premier of Victoria between 2014 and 2023, Leader of the Opposition between 2010 and 2014, and Minister for Health between 2007 and 2010.
Throughout this time, he was a significant mental health advocate, which included establishing the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System and helping to fund the development of Orygen’s Parkville site in Melbourne's biomedical precinct.
"I'm incredibly proud to take on this leadership role to help Orygen and its world-leading experts at this pivotal time for youth mental health in Australia and globally," Mr Andrews said.
"Orygen is one of Australia's most important organisations, with a bold vision for all young people to enjoy the very best mental health as they grow into adulthood. It will be an honour to work closely with Executive Director Professor Patrick McGorry and help him realise that vision through Orygen's groundbreaking research, knowledge translation, advocacy, workforce development and clinical care."
Orygen’s Executive Director, Professor Patrick McGorry AO said Orygen was fortunate to welcome a leader with Mr Andrews's experience, influence and demonstrated commitment to mental health.
“With 20 years of leadership in mental health reform, Dan Andrews will be an outstanding leader for Orygen and the field of youth mental health,” Professor McGorry said.
"Mr Andrews has a proven record as an agent of change with a strategic mindset, which are invaluable attributes for Orygen as we continue to lead youth mental health reform while navigating funding challenges to secure the support we need to sustain our vital work.
"Mr Andrews has already played a significant role in the Orygen story, and I look forward to working with him on writing the next chapters."
Mr Andrews replaces Dr Jane Watts, who is currently serving as Interim Orygen Board Chair following the departure of Professor Sir Edward Byrne AC Kt as Orygen Chair earlier this year.