Ensuring the mental health and wellbeing of South Australians is paramount as we continue to recover from the pandemic.

In early 2021, a study conducted by Lifeline South East showed overwhelming support for a central mental health hub in the Limestone Coast, a free service to access face-to-face support, information and assistance in navigating local, state and national mental health services. 

A region by region approach to funding allocation is required, in consultation with local experts.

Priorities for the city of Mount Gambier and surrounding districts include:

• Retention and recruitment strategies for skilled mental health workers, including psychologists and counsellors;
• First responder program trial;
• A no-cost walk in community hub to refer onto existing services;
• Subsidised counselling sessions;
• Dedicated funding opportunities for non-government groups;
• Early intervention programs, funded in conjunction with NGOs and community organisations.

Read more about my work in State Parliament on this matter, including my speech on The Junction, the Community Visitor Scheme, and my motion on improving our regional mental health system.

This initiative is outlined in my Future Mount Gambier plan. Do you have ideas around advancing this initiative? Contact mtgambier@parliament.sa.gov.au