28 February 2006

Media Release From The Sunrise Foundation  

FOR more than 14 years Wayne Schwass played football at the highest level. He played 282
games with North Melbourne and Sydney, played in a premiership, played for Victoria, won
three club best and fairest awards and earned All-Australian selection.

He did it all while battling depression.

Schwass has now come forward to reveal his dark secret and lift the lid on one of the major
problems affecting elite sportsmen and women as well as people all through our society.

"I chose not to come forward because of the tremendous amount of shame that comes with
admitting you have a mental illness," Schwass said.

"I lived in fear of my illness becoming public knowledge. I played a man's game where it was
win at all costs. Only the strong survived. The weak were left behind. You were always
encouraged not to show you were hurt.

"A declaration on my behalf could or would have been seen as a weakness which had the
potential to cause more pain. So, I chose to keep it hidden.

"I carried this secret with me but at a great personal cost. Each and every day I lived with
depression was spent hiding the illness. Making sure I never did anything that might indicate
something wasn't quite right.

"On the surface I played the game and behaved the same. But internally, I was struggling,
really struggling not just to play but to survive."

Schwass points to his distinguished career as evidence that people with depression can still
achieve.

"People who suffer from depression can still have fulfilling lives," he said. "They can make
significant contributions to the community and their chosen field even with the illness. I'm
proof of that."

His own experiences have been the driving force behind Schwass creating 'The Sunrise
Foundation' which is dedicated to developing and delivering preventative education
programs, raising awareness, increasing acceptance and promoting the appropriate pathways
available to athletes and our communities to seek help.

The foundation's message is clear:

• Depression is not a weakness
• Depression is a medical condition
• Depression can be diagnosed by consulting your local GP
• Depression can affect any one of us
• Depression can be managed and treated successfully.

A cross-section of the business world's elite and medical experts are part of the foundation's
board. Chairman Peter Murphy, who has run major companies including Levi Strauss, paid
tribute to Schwass's passion and determination in creating the foundation.

"Wayne should be applauded for his courage and inspiration," Murphy said. "By following
his lead we are focused on taking the message via elite sports bodies to the broader
community.

"We are currently working constructively with the peak sporting organisations around the
country from all sporting codes."

The Sunrise Foundation will initially develop and deliver preventative education programs
for elite athletes to address depression. In doing so the foundation aims to raise awareness
about depression, increase acceptance and help de-stigmatise depression and mental health.
The foundation will also promote the appropriate pathways available to athletes and the
community alike to seek help.

It has identified elite athletes for two reasons. Firstly depression is an issue within most, if not
all, elite sports and as a result there exists a very real need for preventative education
programs.

Secondly, with our elite athletes held in such high regard by our communities, addressing the
illness at the elite level can begin to debunk the myth that only weak or flawed people get
depressed. Even someone with seemingly everything to live for can get depressed.

The foundation does not have health professionals, counsellors or doctors on hand to respond
to any difficulties you might be experiencing. If you do need to speak with someone about
your situation please contact one of the following organisations:

1. Lifeline (Crisis)
   www.lifeline.org.au or 13 11 14
2. Beyondblue (general information & finding a GP)
   www.beyondblue.org.au
3. Mental Health Council of Australia (information)
   www.mhca.org.au
4. Mood Gym (cognitive behavioural therapy on-line)
   www.moodgym.anu.edu.au
5. The Inspire Foundation (on-line service for 15-24 yr olds)
   www.reachout.com.au

The Sunrise Foundation acknowledges its partners: Sunrise Foundation Board & Patron
(Jessica Rowe), Jessica Romano & Top Dog Management, Harwood Andrew Lawyers, Ernst
& Young, Beyondblue, Orygen Youth Health, The Pratt Foundation, Peter deRauch and Peter
Wienart.

Other organisations to have supported the Sunrise Foundation: Dr Harry Unglick, Sean Riley
& Fox Footy Channel, Tom Salom, Mike Sheahan & Scott Gullan, Herald & Weekly Times,
Peter Bartels, Australian Sports Commission, Jarrod Molloy, Scott Vickers Willis & Telstra
Dome, Luke Moulton & Robert Savage, GO4 Multimedia, A-Print, New Generation Signs,
Connie Phillips & Steven Haas.

Wayne Schwass would also like to personally thank his family and close friends for their
ongoing support and encouragement.

For further information contact:

Sunrise Foundation Media Director - Michael Quinlan
Tel: (03) 9686 3225 Mob: 0414 720 963 Email: mquinlan@sunrisefoundation.org.au

Sunrise Foundation Media Co-ordinator - Jessica Romano
Tel: (03) 9686 3225 Email: jromano@sunrisefoundation.org.au