$4.5-MILLION TAREE HEADSPACE "OFFICIALLY" OPENS

The Taree headspace office will be officially opened today by the Federal Assistant Minister for Mental Health & Suicide Prevention Emma McBride.

The new service, located at 1 Pulteney Street, Unit 101A (First Floor) was part of the Federal Coalition Government’s investment of $873.2 million in Headspace, to undertake the single largest expansion of the network to deliver 164 services across Australia by 2025-26.

Federal Member for Lyne Dr David Gillespie said he was delighted to have secured the $4.5-million in Federal funding to establish a service for the Manning-Great Lakes region during his term in government.

“Our community has been calling for this service and I am proud that The Nationals were able to deliver this service in government.”

“The doors have been open for some months now; the team here are offering onsite mental health services, vocational education, general healthcare, alcohol and other drug support for young people right across the region, through face-to-face and telehealth solutions,” Dr Gillespie said.

“Headspace is recognised by young people, their families and communities as a trusted source of care and has played a vital role in ensuring young Australians receive support during these challenging times.

Dr Gillespie said he would continue to lobby for ongoing outreach services to both Gloucester and Forster-Tuncurry in the future.

“I understand the service will be made available across the region, however, I believe a more permanent office in Forster-Tuncurry and a regular outreach service will ensure young people have the benefit of the services the local headspace has to offer,” he added.