CALLS FOR A BAROSSA HEADSPACE GAIN TRACTON

JOINT MEDIA RELEASE

CALLS FOR A BAROSSA HEADSPACE GAIN TRACTON

Members of State and Federal Parliament have joined forces with local mental health advocates to push for increased youth mental health services for the Barossa community.

With Tuesday, 10 October marking World Mental Health Day, Member’s Tony Pasin and Ashton Hurn have backed in calls to increase mental health services in the Barossa and are encouraging locals to join them in calling on the Federal Government to establish a headspace facility in the community.

Member for Barker Tony Pasin said he had voiced his desire to see a headspace facility established directly with the Federal Health Minister, the Hon Mark Butler MP and spoken in the House of Representatives about the need.

“I’m calling on the local community to help in the lobbying effort, because it’s critical to demonstrate the grassroots support for the proposal.

“The closest headspace service to the over 10,000 young people living in the Gawler and Barossa region is Edinburgh North, located some 45kms away, with little in the way of public transport options,” Mr Pasin said.

Established by the Coalition Government under then Prime Minister John Howard in 2006, the headspace network is well regarded as a cost-effective and well-designed service that aligns to the needs of young people.

“The network is currently being expanded with an estimated 170 headspace centres and satellite centres expected to be operational by mid-2026, making now the perfect time to ensure the current Government recognises the need for a service in the Barossa,” Mr Pasin said.

Local Member for Schubert, Mrs Ashton Hurn MP said having a Headspace centre in the Barossa would be incredibly beneficial for the region.

“I’ve written to the Federal Minister in support of a Barossa Headspace and there are others working in the background to make this happen as well,” said Mrs Hurn

“Securing a Headspace here would go some way in helping to deliver better mental health support for young people in our community – it would be a big asset.

“Having spoken with local GPs, nurses, teachers, sports clubs, parents, and students in our region, I know there’s significant support for the youth focused services that a centre like Headspace provides.

“A bricks and mortar, one stop shop like this is so critical in breaking down the stigma that is often associated with mental health challenges and would be a great asset for our region.”

Dr Bill Gransbury, Chairperson of the Barossa Mental Health Steering Committee, said having a Barossa Headspace would be very beneficial for those young people and their families struggling with mental illness and other psychosocial issues in the region.

“Being able to access affordable services nearby will be a real plus and take the load off other services with their long wait times.”

You can add your voice to the calls by going to www.tonypasin.com/headspace-for-the-barossa/

Media Contact: Charlotte Edmunds 8724 7730