General News
28 April, 2025
A step forward for youth mental health
Wannon MP Dan Tehan, alongside Senator Kerrynne Liddle, Shadow Minister for Indigenous Health Services and Shadow Minister for Child Protection and the Prevention of Family Violence, has announced a $3.1 million investment to establish a Headspace centre in Ararat, should the Coalition be elected.
Wannon MP Dan Tehan, alongside Senator Kerrynne Liddle, Shadow Minister for Indigenous Health Services and Shadow Minister for Child Protection and the Prevention of Family Violence, has announced a $3.1 million investment to establish a Headspace centre in Ararat, should the Coalition be elected.
The announcement was made during a visit to East Grampians Health Service (EGHS) last week, where the pair highlighted the pressing need for local mental health support services for young people in the region. “The community has been advocating very strongly for a Headspace here in Ararat. I have always said Ararat has remained the missing piece in terms of Wannon when it comes to Headspace jigsaw. There has been some wonderful work done, especially by One Red Tree, in advocating for improved mental health services and ensuring workforce capability to support a Headspace locally.” Mr Tehan said.
Senator Liddle echoed the urgency of the investment, emphasising the vulnerability of young people in the face of Australia's growing domestic and family violence crisis. “We know young people are significantly impacted by these domestic family violence epidemic that we are seeing in Australia. These kinds of services for young people around mental health is really critical we know that the age group 16-24 is particularly vulnerable to ill health.” she said.
Carly McKinnis, Co-CEO and founder of One Red Tree Resource Centre, welcomed the announcement, describing the need for support as ‘urgent’, “Our community is still in great need. I was speaking to a parent whose child was struggling and being turned away from multiple doors. We want open doors, a connected community, and integration with all of our service partners.” Ms McKinnis said.
The proposed Headspace centre aims to bring essential youth mental health services to the heart of Ararat, reducing the need for young people and families to travel long distances for support.
Nick Bush, CEO of East Grampians Health Service, praised One Red Tree’s leadership in the local mental health space and expressed support for their continued development. “Whilst we've got an organisation like One Red Tree, we’re really keen to support them continue to grow develop. Potentially be a lead for the nation about how things can be done and how we can improve thing,” Mr Bush said.