A Better Life
Craig Hamilton is known to many people. He has for many years been a high profile sports presenter on the ABC.
With the many and varied interests and activities Craig pursues in his life, he is one of the 800,000 Australians who each year suffers from the insidious illness, depression.This book, A Better Life, which he has written with Will Swanton, not only acknowledges his own illness and how he manages it, but it tells the stories of others in an uplifting way.
It tells how some people have managed their illness, to live as normal and fulfilling a life as possible.
Reading A Better Life will give encouragement to many, and I hope, to men in particular.
Craig's journey has been a challenging one, but one he deals with in such a way that he is able to live a very busy and active life.
Because Craig deals with his illness openly and publicly, we asked him to become an Ambassador for beyondblue some 3 years ago. Craig travels the country speaking at public meetings and to the media, helping to raise awareness of depression.
By speaking out, Craig is helping others, particularly in encouraging them to seek help.
Craig's assistance to beyondblue has been invaluable, and this book is another wonderful contribution, to those, who like him, suffer depression.
I thank Craig for his efforts for beyondblue and commend this book to you.
The Hon. Jeff Kennett AC
Chairman
beyondblue
The National Depression Initiative
Craig Hamilton - Biography
Craig started his career as a broadcaster with ABC Radio in 1994.
Since then he has covered Rugby League, Rugby Union and cricket at international level as a commentator.
Craig is probably best known as a member of the "Grandstand" Rugby League commentary and has worked on the past 17 Grand Finals, State of Origin series and a number of Test Matches.
Craig was born and raised in the Hunter Valley town of Singleton and spent 16 years working as an underground coalminer in the Newcastle area before embarking on a radio career fulltime in 1999.
In 1991 Craig represented the Newcastle and NSW Country cricket teams, and played against the touring Sri Lankan team.
He spent 12 days in hospital and, since his recovery, has become one of Australia's most high profile speakers on Mental Health and Lifestyle.
In 2004 Random House released his highly acclaimed memoir "Broken Open" which gives a very personal account of living with Bipolar Disorder.
In July 2012, Allen and Unwin will release his second book "A Better Life". Craig is now a much sought after motivational speaker around Australia who tells what it's like to battle a serious illness.
In sharing his story and experiences he offers hope to others.
