Since the doors opened to headspace Wagga Wagga in 2008 and Griffith in 2016, they've offered vital support to young people across the Riverina.
This year, headspace Wagga Wagga has supported more than 400 young people for the first time, and headspace Griffith is currently supporting more than 270 young people.
headspace provides free support to young people aged 12 to 25 experiencing, or at risk of, mild to moderate mental ill health. For both centres, many young people are visiting to seek help with sadness, depression and anxiety.
Care is provided in four key areas - mental health, related physical and sexual health, alcohol and other drugs, and vocational services.
In 2023-24, the Albanese Government is investing over $290 million in headspace, supporting 160 headspace services nationally, and commitments to grow the network to 173 by 2025-26.
headspace Wagga Wagga also benefits from the headspace Early Career Program (ECP) by providing students placements in the centre.
As part of the 2024-25 Budget the Albanese Government is providing additional funding of $27.1 million to the 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.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister, Emma McBride:
"I was pleased to meet the dedicated staff and young people from the youth reference groups behind the success of headspace services in Wagga Wagga and Griffith.
"The Albanese Government is growing the headspace network around the country because we know its important young people have access to mental health support, close to home.
"Access to early intervention, support and care can make a real difference in a young person's life."
Quotes attributable to Senator Deborah O'Neill:
"We know how difficult it can be for young people to access care, particularly those living outside our major cities.
"I want to commend the work of headspace Wagga Wagga and Griffith for the work they've done, over many years, supporting young people across the Riverina.
"The Albanese Government is committed to supporting more young people access mental support, and that's why we're growing the headspace network, including in regional communities."
