LINDA BURNEY MP
SHADOW MINISTER FOR FAMILIES AND SOCIAL SERVICES
SHADOW MINISTER FOR INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIANS
MEMBER FOR BARTON

LIBBY COKER MP
MEMBER FOR CORANGAMITE

An Albanese Labor Government will ensure young people in Armstrong Creek and surrounds will finally have a dedicated service for early intervention mental health services.

Labor commits $4.8 million to establish a Headspace centre in Armstrong Creek, servicing surrounding areas such as Torquay, Jan Juc, Grovedale and Marshall.

The developing urban area of Armstrong Creek already has a population of around 17,000, which is expected to grow rapidly and reach around 60,000.

Significantly, a major portion of Armstrong Creek families have young or teenage children.

Comments by Linda Burney:  

“Labor is committed to supporting young people and their families through mental health challenges.

“From COVID-19 to everyday pressures, demand for mental health support has surged to record levels across the country.

“Young people in Armstrong Creek and surrounds should already have had access to more mental health support during the pandemic, but Scott Morrison has been too slow to act.

“Libby and Labor know the importance of expanding mental health services in the Armstrong Creek area and that’s why we will deliver a full-service Headspace.

“We need to make sure we have the right resources in place so young Australians can get the care they need.

“The mental health and wellbeing of young Australia is too important. They can’t afford to wait any longer.”

Comments by Libby Coker:  

“The last few years have been difficult for so many people right across the country, and in our community. This has affected mental health, with young people in particular adversely impacted.

“I am sick of waiting for the Morrison Government to act on youth mental health in the developing community of Armstrong Creek.

“The pandemic isn’t over yet. We know the long recovery is going to require social and emotional support.

“I can give people hope that if Labor wins the election, we will have a full-service Headspace in Armstrong Creek. No questions, no delays, no excuses.

“We will fund it, staff it and open it. This just can’t wait.

“The Liberals have had years to do this, and for years they’ve sat on their hands. If they took mental health seriously, we would have had a Headspace to support young people years ago, including through waves of the pandemic over the past two years.

“I am proud to be fighting for the mental health support that people young and old need to help come to terms with the trauma so many have experienced.

“I fought for the Headspace in Ocean Grove and I’ve fought for this announcement for Armstrong Creek.”