AFTER years of rallies, petitions, workshops, forums and meetings, the City’s cry for help has been heard.
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Goulburn is one of 15 locations across Australia in line for a commonwealth funded Headspace centre.
Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor announced the news on Wednesday morning.
There was laughter, applause and even tears as community representatives and long-time advocates of the cause, huddled together in the foyer of Mr Taylor’s Auburn St office, took in the gravity of what was before them… real change.
The news is the result of months of talks between Council, Mr Taylor, the Department of Health and Headspace CEO Chris Tanti.
“Having been the local member here for a year you sort of want to have some wins, and this is just incredibly important to the community,” Mr Taylor said.
“I know this has been a hard fought campaign by many over a long period of time and not necessarily focused on Headspace but focused on the broader issue of mental health amongst younger people in the region.
“It’s fantastic news for everyone here.”
The additional centres are part of the 2014-15 federal budget commitment of $14.9 million to support the expansion of the Headspace network.
Ten new centres will be added, bringing the total number to 100 across the country.
In two years time the Goulburn centre will open, and begin to provide and coordinate essential services for thousands of young people in the City and surrounding areas.
In welcoming the announcement, Mr Tanti applauded the community for their perseverance and passion for the issue.
“I know first-hand from discussions with the local community and subsequent discussions with Angus Taylor and Geoff Kettle that this service is desperately needed in this community as it is in many others throughout Australia,” Mr Tanti said.
“I know that the Headspace centre which has been advocated for by so many in this community will be highly valued. Like with so many other communities throughout the country it is so nice to see prominent members of the community rally in support of the needs of young people and their families going through a tough time.”
Determining the locations of new Headspace centres is based on a range of factors to ensure services are delivered in the areas of greatest need.
“We take into account distance from existing Headspace centres, the current and future population size, social and economic factors, accessibility of the location and the readiness to set up a headspace centre,” Mr Tanti said.
Previously Goulburn has been ineligible for consideration due to its proximity to centres in Queanbeyan, Cowra and the South Coast.
Through frequent meetings and a united approach, enough noise was made to bring the focus to Goulburn, Mr Taylor told the Post.