General News
21 March, 2025
Mental health promise
The Federal Coalition has committed $3 million towards the establishment of a Headspace unit in Ararat if successful at this year’s election.
THE Federal Coalition has committed $3 million towards the establishment of a Headspace unit in Ararat if successful at this year’s election.
Headspace is a mental health initiative that has been rolled out to numerous localities around Australia with positive results.
It provides early intervention mental health services to 12 to 25 year-olds and is already operating in places like Ballarat, Horsham and Hamilton.
Under the proposal, a future Headspace unit would work in conjunction with Ararat based One Red Tree which provides outreach support services to 18 schools in Ararat Rural City, Northern Grampians Shire and Pyrenees Shire.
Wannon MP Dan Tehan was joined by Deputy Liberal Leader Sussan Ley in Ararat last week to commit a future coalition government to the project.
Ms Ley said Ararat was in desperate need of a Headspace unit.
“It’s really important and that is why Dan Tehan has been pushing for this for so long. I’m pleased to finally come and listen to the Headspace conversation (in Ararat) because I’ve heard it from Dan for a long time now,” Ms Ley said.
Mr Tehan said Ararat needed its own Headspace unit instead of being an outpost serviced by Ballarat.
“Ararat needs and deserves its own stand alone (Headspace) model so what we are advocating for is that stand alone model, that’s what Ararat deserves and that’s why we are advocating with One Red Tree for that stand alone model,” Mr Tehan said.
East Grampians Health Service CEO Nick Bush welcomed last week’s announcement.
“Mental health is a major issue for this community as it is for many rural communities and to have a Headspace service here to cater for young people is really important.
“We see some of the implications of young people who are unwell and the stress it puts on community and family and it’s great to have Dan and Sussan Ley here for this announcement.
“I hope each of the candidates (in Wannon) will support a Headspace in Ararat,” he said.
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