headspace
Cairns
About
Goorin boongun! (Good day! — in Yindinj)
Djirri-nyurra! (Hello! — in Djabugay and Bulway)
headspace Cairns, located in Gimuy, offers free services for young people aged 12-25. All within a safe and welcoming environment.
We provide support and information regarding:
- mental health
- physical and/or sexual health
- work, school and study
- alcohol and other drugs
Connecting with us is easy! Just drop into the centre, give us a call, or send us an email to talk to one of our friendly team members about accessing support. Check our more information below for our referral forms.
We are on the corner of Grafton Street and Spence Street, on the 2nd floor via stairs (Spence Street) or a wheelchair accessible lift (Grafton Street).
Parking is free for 3 hours in the middle of the streets, or paid 3 hour parking. The nearest bus stop is Grafton Street (50 metres).
Hours
- Monday: 8:30am - 5:00pm
- Tuesday: 8:30am - 5:00pm
- Wednesday: 8:30am - 5:00pm
- Thursday: 8:30am - 7:30pm
- Friday: 8:30am - 5:00pm
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: Closed
headspace Cairns is operated by Royal Flying Doctor Service (QLD) Services Limited. All headspace services are funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. Administration of funding is carried out by the headspace centre’s local Primary Health Network, in this case, Northern Queensland .
Services
Mental health workers – which may include psychologists, psychiatrists, counsellors and other workers – that can help if you're just not feeling yourself.
Workers either on site or linked to the centre who can assist you with any alcohol or other drug concern.
Centres have a range of programs and activities for young people. Just ask your centre what they have on.
GPs can help with any physical health issues as well as issues related to sexual health, drug or alcohol use, relationship problems or feeling down or upset. Your centre may have a GP on site or links to one locally.
A group of young people who help with events and some decision making at a centre. Ask your centre about getting involved.
Jobs and volunteering
Positions currently available at headspace Cairns
Are you passionate about working with young people and their families and friends?
Perhaps you are interested in starting a private practice, but worried about the risks?
Are you fully registered with AHPRA?
Why not consider joining headspace?
headspace Cairns is seeking motivated and experienced private Allied Health Providers to join our growing and dynamic team which includes General Practitioners, psychologists, social workers, mental health nurses and engagement staff on site.
headspace Cairns provides a range of evidence based, early intervention services to young people aged 12-25 years, including primary health, mental health, substance use counselling, & social recovery programs.
Availability of clinic rooms means that your hours of work can be flexible and Thursday night sessions are available. We offer administrative support, including billing and appointment bookings, the support of a friendly multi-disciplinary team, comfortable rooms located in Cairns CBD, a paperless practice, and an ongoing referral base. Case management, support & professional development opportunities are available.
Successful applicants will be require a current 'Working with Children Blue Card'.
For more information contact:
Name: Gabrielle Gill, Manager headspace Cairns
Phone: (07) 4041 3780
Email: ggill@headspacecairns.org.au
headspace Cairns is seeking motivated and experienced General Practitioners with an interest in youth mental health to work on a full time, part time or sessional basis in our Cairns headspace centre.
headspace Cairns provides a range of evidence based, early intervention services to young people aged 12-25 years, including primary health, mental health, substance use counselling, & social recovery programs.
Working in our bulk billing centres, General Practitioners provide:
- An opportunity for young people to access help earlier through GP appointments.
- Early identification, diagnosis and treatment of physical and mental health problems, ensuring better pathways to health.
- Youth friendly medical services and mental health treatment planning and follow-up.
- Integrated health care that is youth-friendly and responsive to families.
- Services that are respectful, non-judgemental and respect diversity.
What we offer
- Appointment management, bulk billing and practice management support enable the GP to focus on delivering high quality medical services to young people.
- Multi-disciplinary team who are passionate and knowledgeable about youth mental health
- Regular peer support opportunities.
- Access to onsite clinicians who provide comprehensive onsite psychosocial assessments
- Smooth referral pathways into mental health, drug and alcohol, early intervention and sexual health services.
- Continuing Professional Development in field of youth mental health.
- Secondary consultation opportunities (Clinical Services Manager and Consultant Psychiatrist).
- Flexibility with hours and days worked (including possibility of after-hours work)
- Support from the headspace National Office GP Advisor.
For more information contact:
Name: Gabrielle Gill, Manager headspace Cairns
Phone: (07) 4041 3780
Email: ggill@headspacecairns.org.au
Salary: none
headspace Cairns believes in providing young people with the opportunity to be heard, and actively involved in addressing the issues that are important to them.
As a member of the headspace Cairns Youth Reference Group (YRG) you can do just this, by;
- Working with at risk youth in the community
- Planning and organising events
- Developing and facilitating programs
- Community Engagement
- Youth & Community Development
- Health Promotion
By getting involved you will get the opportunity to
- Receive training about headspace and Mental Health & wellbeing.
- Have your say on important issues and influence how headspace Cairns operates.
- Meet and work with other young people who are passionate about youth and our community.
- Learn and develop leadership and organizational skills.
For more information contact:
Name: Mia Church, Community Engagement Officer
Phone: (07) 4041 3780
Email: apiccone@headspacecairns.org.au
Salary: 60K
Deadline: 4 Dec 2024, 12:00 pm
We are looking for a warm and experienced Medical Receptionist to join our busy mental health centre in Cairns. If you're passionate about supporting young people and thrive in a dynamic environment, this role is for you!
headspace Cairns is a welcoming safe space for young people aged between 12 and 25 providing access, support and information for a broad range of concerns, including mental health, physical/sexual health, drug and alcohol, employment and education and support for families and carers. headspace Cairns (under the direction of RFDS (Queensland) Services Limited) has been making a difference in the lives of young Australians since 2006.
In this role, you'll play a vital part in providing excellent customer service to headspace clients, their families, and our multidisciplinary team. Reporting to the Centre Coordinator, your responsibilities will include general reception and administrative duties, responding to enquiries, processing referrals, and ensuring accurate data entry.
What does a day as a Medical Receptionist at headspace Cairns look like?
As the welcoming face of our centre and the first point of contact for clients over the phone, being friendly and approachable is essential. Your day will involve:
- Accurately entering confidential client information in a timely manner.
- Managing Medicare billing, batching, and electronic claims.
- Facilitating clear communication between staff, practitioners, and clients.
- Keeping public consulting rooms stocked with necessary resources.
- Setting up and packing down the public rooms and waiting area each day.
- Overseeing the reception desk to ensure everything runs smoothly.
This is a permanent full-time role, working Monday to Friday. You will work from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM each day, except on Thursday when your hours will be from 11:00 AM to 7:30 PM to support the team.
Who are we looking for?
We’re seeking a friendly and eager-to-learn receptionist who embraces "the headspace way" and lives our values of Inclusion, Collaboration, Agility, and Excellence. To succeed in this role, you’ll bring:
- Strong computer skills, including experience with Microsoft Office.
- The ability to quickly learn new systems like Medicare, MMEX and hAPI.
- Great time management, multitasking, and problem-solving abilities.
- Excellent reception and phone skills, with the confidence to handle busy or challenging situations.
- A team-oriented mindset with the ability to work independently when needed.
- A passion for supporting young people, ensuring they feel welcome, respected, and safe.
- A current Blue Card (or the willingness to obtain one).
About our offering
We value our people, and we are passionate about making a difference for young people. By joining headspace and the RFDS (Queensland Section), you will:
- Become part of a highly skilled professional team driven by best practice
- Receive a base salary of 60K + superannuation
- Have access to generous not-for-profit tax-free benefits of up to $18,550
- Be provided professional development opportunities– including leadership programs, regular line management support, and tailored skills development
- Work with a focus on well-being – headspace Social and Wellbeing Committee, Employee Assistance Program, and other initiatives to support a holistic approach to wellbeing
- Be committed to diversity – we welcome all people, irrespective of ethnicity, lifestyle choice, faith, sexual orientation and gender identity. Designed in collaboration with our employees, the headspace Reconciliation Action Plan formalises our commitment to reconciliation and to strengthening the social and emotional well-being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people and communities.
- Have private health insurance discounts
- Receive novated leasing options
Interested?
This role will close on the 4th of December 2024 however; shortlisting will commence before the end date so don’t delay in applying!
For further information regarding this role please contact the Manager of headspace Cairns; Gabby Gill at ggill@headspacecairns.org.au or 07 4041 3780 or for a copy of the PD please contact recruitment@rfdsqld.com.au
Successful candidates will be subject to a criminal history check and may be required to undergo a medical assessment. You will also be required to complete the headspace and RFDS immunisation program where you will need to provide evidence of immunity or vaccination against Vaccine-Preventable Diseases (VPD).
headspace and the Royal Flying Doctor Service acknowledges the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first inhabitants of the nation and the Traditional Custodians of the land. The RFDS and headspace are committed to eliminating all forms of discrimination in the provision of healthcare. We embrace diversity and welcome all people irrespective of faith, ethnicity, sexual orientation or gender identity.
For more information contact:
Name: Gabby Gill
Phone: (07) 4041 3780
Email: recruitment@rfdsqld.com.au
More information
There are a number of ways to access headspace Cairns services:
Self: If you are a young person between the ages of 12-25, you can come in to the headspace centre by yourself or bring someone with you. You can give us a call on 4041 3780, or email info@headspacecairns.org.au for more information.
Family/Friend: If you are concerned about a young friend or family member and would like to discuss the possibility of booking an appointment at headspace Cairns please call us on 4041 3780, or email info@headspacecairns.org.au
headspace Cairns referral form
Agencies/Services: If you wish to refer a client between the ages of 12-25 please complete the referral form and fax it to the headspace centre utlising the number on the referral form or email to info@headspacecairns.org.au
GP's: If you wish to refer a client between the ages of 12-25 please fax a referral and Mental Health Treatment Plan to the headspace centre utilising the number on the referral form email to info@headspacecairns.org.au
headspace is a youth friendly service. All young people referred to or attending headspace need to have consented and be willing to engage with headspace and attend their appointments.
What kind of things can you help me with?
headspace Cairns can help with concerns or questions related to:
- mental health and well-being
- physical health and/or sexual health
- employment, education and training
- alcohol and other drug concerns.
If you are not sure if we can help or not, give us a call.
How old do I have to be?
headspace provides services to young people between the ages of 12 and 25, as well as their family, friends and carers.
Do my parents/carers need to come with me?
Although we feel it's great if parents or carers can come and support you, we also understand this may be difficult for many reasons. Your parents/carers don't have to come to headspace with you, though you may want to bring someone else that you feel safe with. You can also attend by yourself if you want.
If you’re aged 16 or under, we will require consent from a family member or guardian.
How much does it cost?
All headspace Cairns services are free of charge! We bill Medicare for our GP and counselling services so please bring your Medicare card or number with you.
If you don't have a Medicare card, contact us for information on how to obtain one, or for alternative ways that we might be able to assist you.
When we need to refer you to another service, we will always talk with you about their costs, and try to find you no-cost or low-cost services to best suit your needs.
When are you open?
headspace Cairns is open Monday to Friday — 8.30am to 5.00pm. We're also open until late (7.30pm) on Thursdays.
Do I need a referral to come?
No, you don't need a referral! If you are between the ages of 12 and 25, you can just reach out and talk to us to see how we can help. You can also ask a friend, teacher, parent, family member, health worker or community agency to contact headspace for you; however we will need to speak with you to get your consent.
Do you tell people what I say?
At headspace, we take your privacy very seriously. Anything you say to us is kept private (including to your family).
If your information needs to be given to other people or organisations, we will ask you for your permission first.
The only time we would share information without your permission is if you tell us that you are going to hurt yourself or someone else, or if we are required to by law. Keeping you and other people safe is our main concern
How do I make an appointment?
First step is to give us a call on (07) 4041 3780, drop into our centre, or email us at info@headspacecairns.org.au and talk to one of our staff who will:
- Chat with you about what you are wanting help with
- Explain to you the help we are able to provide; and
- Work with you to develop a plan for how your needs can best be met
We will then use this information to match you up with a worker who will contact you to book a face to face appointment. You can also ask a friend, teacher, parent, other family member, health worker or community agency to contact headspace for you; however we will need to speak with you to get your consent.
What if I'm not ready to speak to someone face-to-face?
It's not unusual to feel nervous about getting help for the first time. If you're going through a tough time and you're not ready to chat to someone face-to-face, eheadspace provides confidential online web-chat and telephone mental health support 7 days a week. To access eheadspace for the first time all you need to do is register at Online & Phone Support or phone 1800 650 890.
Do you have a waiting list?
While we try and see people as quickly as possible, in busy times you might have to wait a couple of weeks for an appointment. We will provide you with resources to help you get through this wait time.
How do I find the centre?
We are located on Level 2 at 42 Grafton Street, on the corner of Spence and Grafton Streets (above Helga's Pancakes).
We have two entrance doors, one on Grafton Street with a lift and one on Spence Street with stairs. There is metered parking in Grafton Street and Spence Street, with 3 hours free in the median strip.
We are only a short distance away from the Lake Street bus station.
You can always call us, and we'll give you specific instructions as well :)
There are always groups and activities happening at headspace for young people aged 12 - 25
You can keep up to date with any events or activities that we are involved with by liking our Facebook page :)
Current social groups on offer at headspace Cairns
All groups are held and initiated by our amazing volunteers in our Youth Reference Group!
SafeSpace
Do you identify as a part of the LGBTQIA+ community? This is a safe social space for you!
When: Mondays 3.45PM - 4.45PM
ArtSpace
Are you interested in trying new styles of art? Come along to headspace where you can try it out for free!
When: Tuesdays 3.30pm-4.45pm
Board Gamers
Come in and meet some new friends and challenge them at new or old board games! We will host a number of different games here so come along!
When: Every Wednesday 3.45PM - 4.45PM
Dungeons & Dragons
Every Thursday night we host our biggest social group: Dungeons & Dragons! If you'd like to join, please get in touch via: info@headspacecairns.org.au
When: Every Thursday 5.30PM - 7.15PM
All groups are held at headspace Cairns centre, Level 2, 42 Grafton Street (corner of Spence and Grafton St).
While we aim to keep everything running smoothly, sometimes we will need to change or cancel a group.
Please keep an eye on our Facebook page for updates.
Don’t forget to like us on Facebook to stay up-to-date with any unexpected changes. We also have an Instagram @headspace_cairns.
If you have any further inquiries please call our office on 4041 3780
headspace Cairns can conduct certain presentations across youth mental health topics, that can be delivered to students at your school or to staff at your organisation.
We can also come along with our "pop up info booth" — to more casually give out information and chat with young people, parents/carers, and community members, who may have questions about our services.
From general presentations on what is mental health, and tips for a healthy headspace, to more specific talks on things like bullying or anxiety, we work to ensure relevant information is provided for young people or organisations.
We also have resources including fact sheets and brochures that we can provide.
If you would like headspace Cairns to attend your organisation or event to present or hold a stall, or would like resources, please click here to submit a request.
Once we receive your completed form, one of our team will make contact with you to discuss your request.
headspace Cairns is staffed by a dedicated team of health professionals — who are passionate about making sure the support we provide is youth friendly.
headspace Cairns Staff:
Gabrielle - Centre Manager
Tahni - Centre Coordinator
Tyler - Medical Receptionist
Elyse - Medical Receptionist
Andrew - Community Engagement Officer
Meg - Clinical Lead, Senior Mental Health Clinician
Michael - Senior Mental Health Clinician
Linda - Mental Health Clinician
Tracey - DBT Coordinator
Kaycee - DBT Clinician
Brooke - SSRS Clinician
Sara - SSRS Clinician
Tamikah - Senior Mental Health Clinician - Outreach
Morgan - Youth Vocational Specialist
Kadeisha - Youth Vocational Specialist
Georgia - Youth Vocational Specialist
Private Practitioners:
Barry - Clinical Psychologist
Sara - Mental Health Social Worker
If this is something you might be interested in, Click here to take the first step to joining the headspace Cairns Youth Reference Group.
If you have any questions about the Youth Reference Group please call our office on 4041 3780 or email apiccone@headspace.org.au