Damien Coates

Mental Health Ambassador

One in two Australians will experience mental illness within their lifetime.

The World Health Organisation predicts by 2030, mental illness will have overtaken all other illnesses combined.

65% of people experiencing mental illness symptoms do not seek professional treatment.

Black Dog Institute

We’ve partnered with Black Dog Institute to raise awareness and break down stigmas surrounding mental illness. 

 

Black Dog Institute’s vision: 1 in 5 Australians will experience symptoms of mental illness in a year. That’s approximately 5 million of us. Brothers. Mothers. Husbands. Children. And Friends. They want to change these statistics. Black Dog Institute is about creating better mental health for all Australians. Better treatments, better diagnosis, better knowledge, better programs, better workplaces, better classrooms and better communities.

Through science, compassion and action, they know the power of better. They’re about better mental health outcomes through clinical services, digital tools and apps, educational programs and training backed by our world-leading research, scientific evidence and proof. Better mental health for all.

 

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DUAL's partnership with Black Dog Institute

 

Since 2004, DUAL has proudly raised over $1 million for the Black Dog Institute. Beyond fundraising, we play an active role with raising awareness of mental health with our people, clients, and community.

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DUAL supports Black Dog Institute through event fundraising
  • 9 years of the Tan run in Melbourne with over 900 brokers participating
  • 2023 ANZ charity hike fundraising $39,000
  • 2023 & 2024 Sydney and Brisbane Signature Charity Events fundraising $221,000 with over 385 clients and stakeholders attending

Mental Health Ambassador

Damien Coates, DUAL ANZ CEO

 

Damien has been an advocate for mental health for over a decade. He has run, cycled, shaved his head, and even confronted his biggest fear of heights by skydiving to raise funds and awareness for mental health. In recent years, he has become a Mental Health Ambassador for Black Dog Institute, sharing his lived experience with Depression with over 10,000 people. Damien is passionate about raising awareness, breaking down stigmas and sharing the clinically proven approach he uses in his own life to support positive mental health.

Participating in numerous cycling, running and adventure challenges to raise awareness and funds for mental health, Damien and DUAL have now raised more than $1 million for Black Dog Institute. Damien has become a partner of Black Dog Institute as a Mental Health Ambassador sharing his lived experience with Depression with over 10,000 people.  

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To arrange a presentation with Damien Coates please reach out to the team below:

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Thanks Damien, you were incredible and I am certain you have directly impacted (positively) many people within BizCover. Your session on Mental Health was informative, practical and inspiring. I've known you for 20 years but had no idea of your struggle with mental health. Hearing your story was a real privilege and your tips and techniques for managing mental health will literally save lives.

”
Michael Gottlieb

BizCover, CEO

Damien’s courage and honesty in sharing the very personal details of his mental health journey was both humbling and inspirational. It has had a profound impact on our commitment to wellness, which is now an inherent part of our corporate culture as well as our own personal journeys.

”
John Davaine

Managing Director, JMD Ross