Former Australian Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, has been named the new Chair of beyondblue and will take over from Jeff Kennett, when he hands over the reins at the end of June.

Kennett founded beyondblue in 2000 and has led the organisation with energy and commitment for 17 years as it became a world leader in raising awareness of depression, anxiety and suicide prevention.

“beyondblue is part of my DNA,” Kennett said. “Outside my family, it has been my most important role.

“I’ll miss it, but I’ll miss it less knowing that in Julia’s hands the organisation will go from strength to strength.

“Julia Gillard’s influence as a former leader of this country, her warmth and her commitment to the cause make her the ideal person to lead beyondblue when I step down on July 1.

“In her we have found a person who is emotionally committed to the cause and has the ability to cut through the clutter and drive change for the wellbeing of all Australians.”

Gillard – who was elected unanimously by the beyondblue Board of Directors – is the first former Prime Minister to run a not-for-profit organisation since Malcolm Fraser launched CARE Australia in 1987.

“My father was a psychiatric nurse so I grew up with an awareness of and commitment to mental health causes,” said Gillard.

“I’m absolutely delighted that Jeff and the Board have the confidence in me to take over as Chair of an organisation that has made such a difference in the lives of so many Australians, but there is only ever going to be one founder and without Jeff Kennett there would not be a beyondblue at all.”

Kennett said Gillard’s appointment reinforced beyondblue’s fierce bipartisanship.

“beyondblue’s work is motivated by something bigger than politics; it’s about a bipartisan commitment to enhancing the welfare of others and that is an extraordinarily powerful force,” he said.

“Nobody owns beyondblue. It is owned by the community, in particular those living with mental health conditions, their families, friends and colleagues.”

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