Hobsons Bay and Maribyrnong councils said they were delighted to welcome ministers, local MPs and young people from the community to a forum about the urgent need for more mental health services for young people in the west.
On Tuesday, August 29, both councils hosted Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Emma McBride, Gellibrand MP Tim Watts and Fraser MP Daniel Mulino to The Substation in Newport.
Also present were Cr Matt Tyler from Hobsons Bay and Mayor Sarah Carter from Maribyrnong.
Hobsons Bay council said attendees heard first-hand from local young people, who shared deeply personal stories about how they have struggled to find mental health supports close to them.
All called for more local, timely and affordable support services, such as headspace services in the west.
According to council , like many communities, young people in Hobsons Bay and Maribyrnong are experiencing an ever-increasing need for specialised support services.
Despite being close to the CBD, there is an acute shortage of any mental health support services for young people in these communities.
Both councils have advocacy campaigns calling on the federal government to fund headspace services in the west.
Hobsons Bay Councillor Matt Tyler said he is pleased the importance of mental health is being recognised.
“Here in Hobsons Bay, there is an urgent need for affordable, specialised mental health services for our young people. As it stands, the closest headspace is in Werribee or Sunshine, with young people facing significant waiting lists to access services.”
Maribyrnong mayor Sarah Carter said mental health and access to adequate and timely supports remains one of the biggest concerns for Maribyrnong young people.
“In this, and other forums we have heard directly from those with lived experience that young people in our community continue to experience considerable distress and their ability to remain resilient and engaged is being heavily impacted.
“Having the opportunity for the assistant minister and other MPs to hear directly from young people is very welcome.”
