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
JOINT MEDIA RELEASE
11 May 2022
Funding secured for Lilydale Youth Hub
A re-elected Morrison Government will ensure that young Australians in the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges continue to have access to essential support for their mental health and wellbeing, committing $3.5 million over three years to support the Lilydale Youth Hub.
The Lilydale Youth Hub was established by the Morrison Government and brings together local existing services, making it easier for young people aged 12 to 25 and their families/carers in the Shire of Yarra Ranges to get access to free or low-cost mental and physical health care, community and social services.
Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said young people have been affected significantly by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and access to services and support was more important than ever.
“We know that the pandemic and the measures taken to contain it have been incredibly difficult and stressful for many Australians, and particularly for young Australians,” Minister Hunt said.
“Additional funding for the hub will ensure that young people in the region can access a range of services tailored to their needs and designed to help them reach their full potential.”
Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, David Coleman, said youth mental health is a key priority for the Morrison Government.
“We are committed to ensuring young Australians can get information, advice, counselling or treatment in the way that works best for them,” Assistant Minister Coleman said.
“By providing easy access to tailored, multifaceted mental health, peer and physical health support, Lilydale Youth Hub will play an essential role in keeping the young people in the region safe and well.”
Liberal Candidate for Casey, Aaron Violi, welcomed the commitment of additional funding for the service.
“The Lilydale Youth Hub is making a real difference in the lives of young people during a very difficult time in our country’s history.
“The hub is run by a group of community health and support services across the Yarra Ranges, allowing them to draw on a range of expertise to give young people the specific kind of support they need.”
“I am delighted that a re-elected Morrison Government is committed to securing the future of this vital service.”
Funding will be provided through the Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network (EMPHN). The Lilydale Youth Hub is located at 5/9 Clarke Street, Lilydale and also provides services in Healesville, Yarra Junction and Belgrave.
The Morrison Government continues to make mental health a national priority, investing a record $3 billion in the 2021-22 and 2022-23 Budgets for the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan to lead landmark reform of the mental health system.
This brings the Health portfolio expenditure in mental health and suicide prevention services and supports in 2022–23 to a record high of $6.8 billion.
Unlike the Labor Party, which has not given Australians any detail on their plans for mental health, the Morrison Government will continue to ensure that all Australians can access information, advice, counselling, or treatment, when and where they need it.
Anyone experiencing distress can seek immediate advice and support through Lifeline (13 11 14), Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636), Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800), or the Government’s digital mental health gateway, Head to Health (www.headtohealth.gov.au).
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