Craig Hamilton is one of Australia’s most high profile and sought-after speakers on the topic of mental health awareness, lifestyle, overcoming adversity and work/life balance.
His journey with mental illness began when he was a high-profile sports broadcaster for ABC Radio.
In September 2000, on the eve of his assignment to cover the Sydney Olympic Games, he experienced a major psychotic episode in public that led to him being diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
Craig spent 12 days in hospital and once he had recovered, he set out to create awareness around mental health, with a goal of helping break down the stigma that surrounds mental illness.
Today, Craig leads a very busy and fulfilling life.
After leaving ABC Radio in 2023 he co-produced the biographical Documentary “The Promise” with Film Maker and Director Jye Currie, which tells Craig’s story.
Craig speaks widely around Australia and internationally.
His story is a story of hope.
The goal is to reduce stigma, educate and inspire audiences to open up and get help when they need it.
Craig has made around 400 appearances in Australia speaking on the topic of mental health.
In sharing his story and experiences, he offers hope to others. Craig’s acclaimed memoir ‘Broken Open’ has sold over 35,000 copies since its release in 2004. In July 2012, Craig’s second book, A Better Life, co-written with Will Swanton, was published.
Talking Points
Recovery from Mental Illness
Craig suffered a major breakdown in September of 2000 just before the Sydney Olympic Games where he was assigned to work as a broadcaster for the ABC.
Recovery from Mental Illness
Bipolar Disorder - A Story of Recovery
After diagnosis Craig began the long road back to recovery. He has written two books, his first book Broken Open has sold over 40,000 copies.
Bipolar Disorder - A Story of Recovery
An Inspiring Road Back to Good Health
Over the past 20 years Craig has continued to reinvent himself and make changes which have maximized his health and wellbeing.
An Inspiring Road Back to Good Health
Creating a Better Work/Life Balance
Creating a Better Work/Life Balance
Surviving Depression
Surviving Depression
Why Normalising Mental Health Issues is important
Why Normalising Mental Health Issues is important
Video
Craig Hamilton | Saxton Speakers
Craig’s story is not uncommon, what is special about Craig is the unfiltered, transparent and heart felt way he shares his story. From the moment he began to talk the room was transfixed wit ... keep reading Boeing Defence
Craig’s Keynote was sensational in all respects. I have had numerous people comment on how compelling his story was. I think the fact that he spent a lot of time in a tough industry meant that many in the audience found him very easy to relate to. The Mates In Construction fundraising lunch was a great success. We raised over $70K (best ever result) and I am fielding many offers of assistance catalysed by the event.
Craig was a real gift to us yesterday. What a great and powerful speaker. He was wonderful, fantastic, educative, funny, I can't say enough. I have had a huge response from people, lots of emails expressing their gratitude at hearing his story. He spoke from his heart and the audience was riveted.
I thought he was brilliant, it is a difficult subject to talk about in a public forum, and everyone will have their own story of how Mental Health issues have impacted them or their family, the more its talked about the more comfortable people become with talking with others which is a positive outcome for all involved.
Craig spoke as the after dinner speaker at our recent National Sales Conference. His honesty, humour and insights into living and coping with mental health had the room in complete attentive silence. His ability to share his own personal journey and explain the impact on his family, friends and colleagues enlightened the room to the devastating effect of mental illness. Craig's open approach was full of great stories drawn from his experiences in sport and broadcasting, and his work as an advocate in the area of mental health. His advice was practical, non-judgemental and led to a lively 'question and answer' session and overwhelmingly positive feedback from the entire team.
