Liberal candidate for Parramatta Maria Kovacic has welcomed the announcement of a new $14 million mental health centre in Parramatta, should they win the election.
A new Head to Health adult mental health in the area was announced by the Morrison Government, in an effort to allow for greater access to mental health support.
The Parramatta Head to Health centre is part of a network of community-based mental health services being established around Australia as part of the Government’s $3 billion National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan to deliver landmark reform of the mental health system.
Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said this was one of many Head to Health services being established across the country to provide mental health support to Australians experiencing mental health challenges.
“We know that the pandemic and the measures taken to contain it have been incredibly difficult and stressful for many Australians,” Minister Hunt said.
“That is why we are prioritising mental health support, ensuring that people have access to care that can help them recover and reach their full potential as we reopen the country.”
The Parramatta Head to Health centre will be commissioned by the Western Sydney Primary Health Network (WSPHN), which will receive a total of $14 million over four years from 2021-22 to establish and operate the service.
The PHN will consult with the community to determine the exact location and ensure that the hub provides services in a way that meets the needs of the local community.
Liberal candidate for Parramatta, Maria Kovacic, welcomed the announcement of the new centre, which was funded through the Morrison Government’s historic National Mental Health and Suicide Plan announced in the 2021-22 Budget.
“The new Head to Health Centre in Parramatta will be a major boost to critical mental health services in the region,” Ms Kovacic said.
“This centre will provide a safe, stigma-free service that is an entry point for adults to access mental health information, services and supports.
“I encourage people who are worried about their own or a loved one’s mental health to visit this centre. The services are free, and referrals can also be made for more intensive mental health care or social supports if needed.”
The Head to Health Centre will be a stand-alone multidisciplinary mental health service providing immediate, and short to medium term mental health treatment and support for people in distress or with moderate to severe mental illness.
Ellie Busby is a news reporter for Western Sydney Publishing Group. A graduate of the University of Hertfordshire and Western Sydney University, she is a journalism Major. Ellie has worked with Universal Media, The Cova Project and for a range of other organisations. In 2024, Ellie was named Young Writer of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.