HANSARD
SITTING CALENDAR
SEARCH
LIVE BROADCAST
Hansard Dynamic Member Index
Legislative Council - Fifty-Second Parliament, Second Session (52-2)
2012-04-04 Daily Xml
Contents
Pdf Xml

CAPRIL

The Hon. T.A. FRANKS (19:49): I move:

That this council—

1. Commends the endeavours of Capril in raising awareness of depression through their campaign encouraging members of the community to wear a cape in the month of April as a sign of 'cape-ability' and

2. Notes that the funds raised will go to beyondblue's national depression initiative.

This motion commends the endeavours of Capril in raising awareness of depression through its annual campaign in the month of April, encouraging members of the community—and I would hope members of this parliament—to wear a cape during that month as a sign of cape-ability, support, awareness and fundraising to counter depression, with all funds going to beyondblue's national depression initiative.

At first glance it seems a little unusual that people would cape up for the month of April to highlight depression, but it has particular significance for South Australians. This is done in April of each year in honour of Richard Marsland, who took his own life some years ago after a long battle with depression, which had at one stage seen him attempt suicide. However, he sought counselling, assistance and support and lived a very wonderful and productive life in the arts, comedy and entertainment. He also contributed to the Sunday Mail as a writer, and he certainly brought joy to those around him. So, in honour of Richard, those around him, particularly those who were involved in Get This, have taken up that mantle—not to make a cape joke, but I am sure that there are many to come.

Originally, Capril was a collaboration between listeners and the three hosts of the Triple M radio show that Richard Marsland was involved in, Get This. The hosts were Tony Martin, Ed Kavalee and Richard Marsland, of course. Listeners, guests and hosts were encouraged to wear capes during their everyday activities throughout April and send in their photographs to Triple M as proof. After the axing of the radio program and, of course, since the passing of the beloved Richard Marsland, who passed away due to severe depression, Capril has taken on a much more significant role. In honour of his memory, his fans, loved ones, colleagues and (I do hope) members of this parliament will come together each year to remember him in this special way.

Capril, of course, has a life of its own and has a wider ambition to raise awareness of depression in our society. Of course, capes are often associated with super hero efforts and sometimes simply getting on, getting up and moving on each day with your life can be a superhuman effort for those who suffer from the scourge of depression.

I invite all members of the parliament to take part in Capril this month. All you have to do is wear a cape while going about your ordinary parliamentary or non-parliamentary duties. I am happy to inform members that I will supply capes, and you simply have to contact my office should you need a cape for a particular day. When you do and people ask you why you are wearing a cape that day, we will also provide you with the information about both Capril and, of course, the wonderful work that Beyond Blue does.

Beyond Blue has been the beneficiary, through Capril, of a link that I have set up called South Australian Politicians on the Everyday Hero website. If you visit the Capril site at www.capril.org, you can log in and support the SA Politicians site and donate yourselves and also get those who you talk to in the month of April to donate. With that, I commend this motion to the council. I intend to bring this to a vote in early May and I would love to hear stories. I will certainly pass on stories from the members in the other place, but I would love to hear members' contributions to this Capril month. I commend the motion to the council.

Debate adjourned on motion of Hon. G.A. Kandelaars.

PARLIAMENTARY BUSINESS
MEMBERS
GET INVOLVED
ABOUT PARLIAMENT
VISIT
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY
CONTACT