The centre in Verner St was opened by Member for Hume Angus Taylor and Grand Pacific Health CEO Ron de Jongh, the lead agency providing the service.

Also attending was CEO of COORDINARE South Eastern NSW PHN – Diane Kitcher, who is funding the initiative. 

Goulburn resident Jo Cunningham gave a heart-rending speech about the impact of losing her son Hugo to suicide at the opening. 

“Almost five years since losing Hugo, I am reassured to be standing in Goulburn Headspace at its launch,” she said.

“Knowing there is a pace for young people, their family and friends to come for help. I know that I would have been down here on the doorstep if Headspace was available to us at the time.” 

Mr Taylor acknowledged the assistance of many in bringing headspace to Goulbrun, particularly Anglicare executive manager Simon Bennett who first wrote to the federal government in 2002 about the need for a youth-targeted mental health program.

“At the time we had seen 14 deaths in three weeks,” Mr Taylor said.

“Well-done for your contribution. The message you sent was clear - that we need to be careful about our young people. This message was repeated at a Youth Mental Health forum in 2013 – it was being driven by the community. 

“I lost a close friend at the age of 18, when I heard Hugo Cunningham’s story it was haunting for me - it struck me that our kids need support - they needed somewhere to go and it had to be local.

“So I was very proud to to announce in October 2014 that we had secured funding for the facility. It is moments like this make my job worthwhile. 

Mr Taylor also acknowledged the support of the late Trish Cunningham and former Mayor Geoff Kettle, who was in the crowd and also current Mayor Bob Kirk for continuing that support. 

“There have been many Goulburn and district people who have worked tirelessly for several years to see the headspace vision come to life – and now the whole community can benefit from their efforts,” Mr Taylor said.

“This new centre demonstrates that the Coalition Government is working hard to make sure that young Australians can get advice, counselling or treatment, when and where they need it.”

Grand Pacific CEO Rob de Jongh said it was now stage two.

“It’s time to roll up our sleeves, take our silly ties off and get to work,” Mr de Jongh said.

“To the young people - we are aware of our responsibility. This is your place and you will knock the rough edges of the glossy edges off it in a few months and make it a place you feel comfortable with.” 

Mr de Jognh said the centre provides 12 to 25 year-olds with mental health, drug and alcohol, employment and education and physical health services and support, as well as providing information for young people and their families and friends. 

“Headspace Goulburn is aiming to become a ‘hub’ for young people in the region, coordinating services and support to prevent young people from falling through the gaps,” he said.

““Since we opened our doors in February, referrals have been growing steadily, demonstrating there is a need for youth specific mental health services in the region. The feedback we are getting is that Headspace is being identified as a safe place to go.”

The Headspace model is based on early intervention with the knowledge that adolescence and early adulthood is a critical time in a person's life, with research showing that 75 per cent of mental health disorders emerge before the age of 25.

By ensuring help is accessed in those early stages, young people can get things back on track. 

The new Headspace centre is one of four centres in South Eastern NSW funded by COORDINARE – South Eastern NSW PHN.

“We are delighted to be working closely with Headspace Goulburn to ensure that services are delivered with a regional focus and based on local needs,” said Ms Kitcher.

“I congratulate everyone involved with Headspace Goulburn on coming together to support the local community.

“Headspace Goulburn is part of the Federal Government’s ongoing commitment to establish 110 headspace services across Australia by mid 2019.  

Headspace Goulburn is located at 13-17 Verner Street. It is open from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. 

For more information about Headspace, phone 4824 4944 or visit: https://headspace.org.au/headspace-centres/goulburn/

If you have concerns about mental health issues contact beyondblue on 1300 22 44 36 or Lifeline on 13 11 14 or in an emergency call Triple zero.