
Arts, creativity and wellbeing
In conversation with the Australia Council - Session 2
Topic: Arts, creativity and wellbeing
Date: Thursday 10 December 2020
Time: 8pm AEDT
Guest panellists:
- Georgie Harman, CEO, Beyond Blue: Georgie has significant and broad-ranging leadership, policy and service delivery experience in the community, public and private sectors. Georgie was appointed as the CEO of Beyond Blue in May 2014 where she has led a significant expansion of effort and results in service innovation, suicide prevention and digital solutions. Previously, she helped set up and was the Deputy CEO of the National Mental Health Commission, providing independent advice to government on reform.
- Adrian Collette AM, CEO, Australia Council for the Arts: Mr Collette (NSW) held the position of Chief Executive of Opera Australia, Australia’s largest performing arts company for 16 years. He also worked in book publishing for a decade, including as Managing Director, Reed Books, a Division of Reed Elsevier. His previous role of Vice-Principal (Engagement) at the University of Melbourne included the oversight of the University’s museums and galleries and its many arts sector partnerships. He served on the Australia Council Board since 1 July 2013.
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About this episode
When it comes to public and private investment in the arts, more than half of Australians think funding should ensure that arts and creative experiences are available to support people’s health and wellbeing. Join Georgie Harman and Adrian Collette to discuss the arts and the mental health sectors' joint goals, and examples of how working collaboratively can help to meet major challenges regarding ageing, loneliness, long term conditions and mental health.
About the series
Discussing the importance and impact of good public policy to ensure a healthy Australia following the recent year of devastation, join subject matter experts to explore the economic, social and cultural value of creativity for all Australians.
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Georgie Harman, CEO, Beyond Blue
Georgie has significant and broad-ranging leadership, policy and service delivery experience in the community, public and private sectors.
Georgie was appointed as the CEO of Beyond Blue in May 2014 where she has led a significant expansion of effort and results in service innovation, suicide prevention and digital solutions.
Previously, she helped set up and was the Deputy CEO of the National Mental Health Commission, providing independent advice to government on reform.
From 2006-2012, Georgie had national responsibility for mental health, suicide prevention, substance misuse, cancer and chronic disease policy and programs as a senior executive at the Commonwealth Department of Health. She led the development of a significant whole of government mental health Budget package and the strategy and development of legislation to introduce plain packaging of tobacco products in Australia – a world first.
Georgie has also led national reforms to lift Australia’s organ and tissue donation rates and worked in the HIV/AIDS sector in Australia and the UK.

Adrian Collette AM, CEO, Australia Council for the Arts
Mr Collette (NSW) held the position of Chief Executive of Opera Australia, Australia’s largest performing arts company for 16 years. He also worked in book publishing for a decade, including as Managing Director, Reed Books, a Division of Reed Elsevier. His previous role of Vice-Principal (Engagement) at the University of Melbourne included the oversight of the University’s museums and galleries and its many arts sector partnerships. He served on the Australia Council Board since 1 July 2013.
He was made a member of the Order of Australia in 2008 for service to the performing arts particularly through executive roles with Opera Australia, as a mentor to young artists, to publishing and to the community.
Creating Our Future: Results of the National Arts Participation Survey
Creating Our Future: Results of the National Arts Participation Survey is the fourth study in the landmark research series that explores Australians’ engagement with and attitudes towards the arts.
The National Arts Participation Survey asks how Australians are engaging with arts and creativity in our daily lives. How do Australians feel about arts and creativity? How is our arts engagement changing? Do we recognise the impacts of arts and creativity in our lives and communities? How do Australians feel about public funding for the arts?
