Delivering on the Albanese Labor Government's election commitment, young people in Kiama and the surrounding region of the South Coast now have access to free mental health care and support with the establishment of a new headspace service.
Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Emma McBride, officially opened the new service alongside local MP, Fiona Phillips, in Kiama today.
headspace is the primary national platform for young people aged 12 to 25 years old who are experiencing, or at risk of, mild to moderate mental illness.
The Albanese Labor Government is investing more than $320 million in the headspace program this financial year to improve services, reduce waiting times and expand the network.
With the addition of this service, there are now 163 headspace centres operating nationally, 89 of which are located in regional Australia.
headspace Kiama is funded by the Albanese Labor Government, commissioned by the South Eastern NSW Primary Health Network, and operated by Grand Pacific Health.
To ensure young Australians can access the mental health care they need, when and where they need it, the government is providing additional funding of $27.1 million to the headspace Early Career Program (ECP), supporting up to 1500 student and 150 graduate placements across the headspace network by December 2026.
Extending the ECP will boost the workforce and support services to meet increased demand across the headspace network.
For those who prefer online or phone support, eheadspace is available online at www.headspace.org.au or by phoning 1800 650 890.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister McBride:
"The Albanese Labor Government is meeting growing need by expanding and enhancing the headspace network, which offers wrap around mental health support and care.
"Young people living in Kiama and the surrounding area can now access mental health support locally and in their own community.
"We're bringing support and care closer to home for thousands of young people with 89 headspaces services now located across regional Australia."
Quotes attributable to Fiona Phillips, Member for Gilmore:
"I have been fighting on behalf of the community to establish headspace in Kiama which will also support our young people living in Gerringong, Jamberoo and the surrounding villages.
"Youth in the region have previously had to travel to Nowra or Wollongong to access headspace services, so a dedicated headspace in Kiama will help to alleviate these barriers.
"headspace Kiama will support local schools, youth and mental health services that have wrapped their arms around young people and the community following the tragic loss of young lives to suicide.
"There has been no greater need for this facility than in Kiama, which is why I fought so hard for it."
