The Hon. Greg Hunt MP
Minister for Health and Aged Care
The Hon. David Coleman MP
Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister for
Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
Senator the Hon. Marise Payne
Minister for Foreign Affairs
Minister for Women
Senator for New South Wales
JOINT MEDIA RELEASE
11 May 2022
Boost to mental health services in Macquarie
Australians across the Blue Mountains and Hawkesbury will have easier access to mental health services with the Morrison Government
announcing a new Head to Health adult mental health satellite service in the Hawkesbury.
Liberal Senator for Western Sydney, Senator the Hon Marise Payne, welcomed the announcement of additional mental health services, which will be a major boost to community-based mental health services.
“The Morrison Government continues to make the mental health and wellbeing of all Australians a national priority,” Senator Payne said.
“Head to Health satellite services, like the one being established here in Macquarie are designed to provide a welcoming, low stigma, ‘no wrong door’, entry point for adults to access mental health information, services and supports.
“I encourage people who are worried about their own or a loved one’s mental health to visit this centre – you don’t have to go it alone.
“The services are free, and referrals can also be made for more intensive mental health care or social supports if needed.
The Hawkesbury Head to Health satellite service is part of a network of community-based mental health services being established around Australia as part of the Government’s $3 billion National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan to lead landmark reform of the mental health system.
Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said this was one of many Head to Health satellite services being established across the country, which will provide mental health support to Australians, when they need it.
“We know that the pandemic and the measures taken to contain it have been incredibly difficult and stressful for many Australians, and particularly younger Australians,” Minister Hunt said.
“That is why we are prioritising mental health support, ensuring that young people have access to care that can help them recover and reach their full potential as we reopen the country.”
Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, David Coleman, said mental health and suicide prevention remained one of the Morrison Government’s highest priorities.
“We are committed to further expanding mental health services to ensure Australians can get support, counselling, or treatment, when and where they need it,” Assistant Minister Coleman said.
“These services will provide that much needed support, as well as creating a safe space for Australians experiencing high levels of distress or who are at heightened risk of suicide.”
The Hawkesbury Head to Health satellite service will be commissioned by The Nepean Blue Mountains Primary Health Network which will receive a total of $3.4 million over four years to establish and operate the satellite.
The satellite will be integrated within the primary care setting to offer support to adults with moderate to severe levels of mental illness over the short to medium term.
In March, the Morrison Government delivered over $4.4 million to establish a headspace centre in the Hawkesbury.
Anyone experiencing distress can seek immediate advice and support through Lifeline (13 11 14), Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800), or the Government’s digital mental health gateway, Head to Health (www.headtohealth.gov.au).
Australians looking for support throughout the COVID-19 pandemic can access the Beyond Blue Coronavirus Wellbeing Support Service any time via telephone at 1800 512 348 or online at coronavirus.beyondblue.org.au.
ENDS