headspace Ipswich will receive $1.3 million through the headspace Demand Management and Enhancement
Program to increase staff and reduce wait times. This follows a $1.1 million funding commitment in
2022 to help improve services.

9 October is National headspace Day and to celebrate the occasion, Federal Member for Blair Shayne
Neumann dropped in to headspace Ipswich’s event in the Nicholas Street Precinct on Friday to meet
with staff and members of the Youth Reference Group, and announce the funding boost.

In keeping with the theme of this year’s event to make space, and reconnect to your wellbeing,
recently the Youth Reference Group identified a need for safety and designed a project that teaches
young people self-defence, while also encouraging young people to connect with each other in public
spaces in Ipswich.

As part of Friday’s headspace Day celebration, the group held a range of fun activities to help
young people boost their wellbeing, including a free self-defence class with Little Own Studios.

headspace is the primary national platform for young people aged 12 to 25 years old who are
experiencing, or at risk of, mild to moderate mental ill-health.

headspace provide support in four core areas – mental health and wellbeing, physical and sexual
health, alcohol and other drug services, and work and study support, during what can be a difficult
time in young people’s lives.

As part of the Albanese Labor Government’s $1.1 billion mental health election commitment, over
$200 million will be invested in 58 new, upgraded and expanded
headspace services.

This includes a new headspace in Redbank Plains to support the increasing need for
youth mental health services in this rapidly growing community.

There are currently 172 headspaces open across the country, with the Government investing more than
$290 million in operational funding this financial year.

For young people who prefer online support, eheadspace is available at www.headspace.org.au or by
phoning 1800 650 890.

October is Mental Health Month, and the Albanese Government is focused on delivering more free
mental health services and strengthening the mental health workforce.

It also seeks to raise awareness of existing services, including the Ipswich Medicare Mental Health
Centre, which opened in 2024 and offers locals free, walk-in care.

People seeking information or support can be connected with Medicare Mental Health by calling 1800
595 212 or visiting www.medicarementalhealth.gov.au

Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister McBride:

“The Albanese Labor Government is uplifting the headspace network across the country to deliver
quality care closer to home.

“Boosting funding through our headspace Demand Management and Enhancement Program allows this
headspace to strengthen its support for young people across the community.

“We’re making an historic $1.1 billion investment to put more mental health services in the heart
of communities across the country, including more than $200 million for 58 new, upgraded and
expanded headspaces.”

Quotes attributable to Shayne Neumann, Member for Blair:

“This $1.3 million in new funding for headspace Ipswich from the Albanese Labor Government is
fantastic news, and will make it easier for teenagers and young adults in Blair to access the
mental health support they deserve.

“We will also deliver a new headspace centre in Redbank Plains to provide young people in Ipswich’s
eastern suburbs with the free mental health care they or their family need, and a safe and
welcoming space.

“These services have never been more important for young people in our community. Whether they need
short-term support or ongoing care, we are ensuring
that a free, mental health service backed by Medicare is there for them.”