headspace Mackay; a service run under lead agency North and West Remote Health (NWRH), celebrate 10-years of delivering youth mental health services to Mackay, Sarina and the Whitsundays region.

Providing early intervention mental health services to 12-25-year-olds; headspace Mackay marked the anniversary with an afternoon of celebrations hosted in South Mackay at Harrup Park, attended by federal and local members of government, funders, staff, clients, and special guests.

An occasion conveying testament to the vital support not only headspace Mackay provides, but nationwide delivery to young people, and their family and friends; NWRH Chief Executive Officer John Cain spoke at the event on the incredible support and commitment that has been shown towards headspace Mackay, Sarina, and the Whitsundays over the years.

“The impact of headspace cannot be overstated, and we are incredibly fortunate to have the support of the Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) as funding providers to provide such a vital organisation within the region. We also recognise and acknowledge the dedication of the entire headspace Mackay staff including our staff at the Sarina and Whitsundays offices. Their tireless efforts, passion, and expertise have been instrumental in reaching this remarkable milestone” he said.

A service funded by the Australian Government, headspace supports young people with mental health, physical health, alcohol, and other drug services, as well as work and study support. With a focus on early intervention, centres work with young people to provide support at a crucial time in their lives – to help get them back on track and strengthen their ability to manage their mental health in the future.

Attending the celebrations, NQPHN Executive Director Health Services Commissioning Ruth Azzopardi said headspace Mackay should be proud of its 10-year anniversary achievement and in its contribution to improving mental health outcomes for young people in the region. “With mental health being the single biggest health issue facing young Australians, we are proud to work with both North and West Remote Health, as the lead provider, and headspace Mackay to support this crucial service,” Mrs Azzopardi said. “The service has seen significant growth in the last 10 years, with many success stories from the young people who have sought help from the headspace Mackay team. “At NQPHN, we are strongly committed to supporting our headspace services, and we look forward to the continued partnership to help young North Queenslanders get the right care, in the right place, at the right time.”

Rounding out Queensland Mental Health Week which runs from October 7 to 15. NWRH Board Chair Phil Barwick (also present) spoke on “the importance of the unique and invaluable input to the service provided by the headspace youth reference group”. “In everything headspace do, the aim is to meet the evolving and unique needs of young people and those who support them” he said. “That’s why the input of the headspace youth reference group and their active role in designing, developing, and evaluating headspace programs is invaluable. “As a community we all have a job to ensure that any mental Illness is recognised as a mainstream health issue and is treatable like any other type of illness, disease, or injury that may afflict any person. I think headspace services do that job exceptionally well.”

*headspace youth reference groups are made up of young advocates for young people, youth mental health, and community leaders and people with lived experience of supporting a young person with mental health challenges

Thank you to all who attended the evening and showing your support for young people in our communities.