YOUNG people across the Redlands and Brisbane’s bayside are set to benefit from a major funding injection for headspace Capalaba, aimed at expanding services and cutting wait times.
Kara Cook hosted Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Emma McBride at the Capalaba centre, where it was announced the Federal Government would provide $789,606 to boost local youth mental health support.
The funding forms part of the Anthony Albanese Labor Government’s $72.7 million national investment to strengthen headspace services across the country, improving access and reducing waiting times for young people aged 12–25.
The funding boost will deliver additional staff to meet high demand for services, new individual and group therapy activities including single session and group supports, capital and infrastructure improvements to create safe, welcoming and modern centres, and more inclusive programs for young people from First Nations communities, LGBTIQA+ individuals, and those from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds.
Headspace is Australia’s national youth mental health foundation, providing free or low-cost early intervention services to young people aged 12 to 25.
Centres offer support for mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression and stress, as well as assistance with alcohol and other drug issues, physical and sexual health, and work and study challenges.
The Capalaba service supports young people across Redland City and the Bayside suburbs of Brisbane, offering a safe and youth-friendly space where clients can access psychologists, social workers and other trained professionals.
The model focuses on early intervention — stepping in before issues escalate — and works closely with families, schools and community organisations to provide wraparound care.
Assistant Minister McBride said the investment would ensure young people could access free support closer to home.
“The Albanese Labor Government is delivering new, enhanced and expanded free mental health services for young people, closer to home,” she said.
“This headspace funding boost makes sure headspace services across the country can meet the growing needs of young people in their communities.
“I’ve visited headspaces across the country – from the inner cities to the most remote parts of Australia – and have seen the positive difference these services have on the young people accessing them.”
The Assistant Minister also acknowledged Ms Cook’s advocacy for local young people experiencing mental health challenges.
Ms Cook said the funding would make a tangible difference in Bonner, where more than 2500 young people under 25 live with ongoing mental health conditions.
“I am proud to be part of an Albanese Labor Government that is delivering for our community by proving for headspace Capalaba,” she said.
“In Bonner we have over 2500 young people below the age of 25 who experience ongoing mental health conditions.
“And it is services like headspace that ensure young people can access the critical mental health supports they need.
“I will continue to advocate for more mental health supports in our community because everyone who experiences and lives with mental health challenges should be able to access the mental health care and supports they need close to home and without prohibitive costs.”
Opposition MP Henry Pike said while additional funding was welcome, broader reform and long-term investment were needed to address the scale of Australia’s mental health challenges.
“headspace Capalaba opened in 2016 under the Coalition Government and received further federal investment in 2020 to strengthen youth mental health services. It exists because we backed early intervention and made sure young Australians could access care before reaching crisis,” he said.
“With poor mental health costing the economy around $220 billion a year, we have to do more. Extra funding is welcome, but this barely scratches the surface.”
Mr Pike also criticised recent changes to the national mental health framework.
“The Albanese Government has halved Medicare funded mental health sessions, cut the National Suicide Prevention Research Fund and cut the independence of the National Mental Health Commission and the National Suicide Prevention Office. You cannot weaken the system and claim progress,” he said.
“Improving mental health nationally requires sustained investment, workforce growth and real accountability. Anything less is not good enough.”
