Sonder appointed as Lead Agency for headspace Whyalla

Sonder has been appointed as the new lead agency for headspace Whyalla, following a competitive commissioning process undertaken by Country SA PHN.

Sonder acknowledges the contribution of Country & Outback Health in delivering headspace Whyalla. Through their work, an important service has been established in the Whyalla community, supporting young people and their families and the development of local service connections.

Sonder will deliver headspace Whyalla in collaboration with key local organisations including Whyalla Youth Centre, Workskil Australia and Mission Australia. These partnerships reflect a shared commitment to working alongside the community to inform and shape service delivery.

Together, the organisations bring complementary expertise across youth mental health, and culturally safe care, alongside strong local knowledge and longstanding connections with the Whyalla community and other organisations such as Nunyara – particularly in supporting Aboriginal young people. This will help ensure the service remains responsive, relevant, and grounded in local need.

headspace Whyalla will continue to deliver the core headspace service model, ensuring young people aged 12 to 25 have access to free and confidential supports across mental health, physical and sexual health, alcohol and other drugs, and work and study. This strong foundation will be complemented by ongoing refinement of service delivery, informed by local need, community voice, and emerging priorities, to ensure the service remains responsive.

“We recognise the strong foundations that have been established by Country & Outback Health, and the trust that has been built within the Whyalla community,” said Sonder CEO Sageran Naidoo.

“Our focus will be on listening, working in partnership, and building on what is already in place to ensure young people continue to have access to safe, high-quality support, close to home.”

The headspace Whyalla opening hours are generally 9 am - 5 pm, Monday to Friday. The centre offers extended hours on some days. For more details, visit headspace.org.au/whyalla