Crook supports plans for regional headspace centres

Author: Tony Crook
Published on: 14-June-2010

The Nationals WA Candidate for O‟Connor, Tony Crook, has thrown his support behind a proposal by the Young Nationals that would see the Federal Government locate a Headspace Centre in regional WA.

Mr Crook said he would welcome the establishment of a Headspace Centre in the Wheatbelt. “Any organisation that can benefit youth in regional WA, particularly when it comes to providing health and mental health support, is something I encourage and support wholeheartedly,” Mr Crook said.

“Access to basic services like youth workers and GPs can often be difficult for youth in regional WA. Headspace also provides expert advice for young people and their families on a range of subjects, such as depression and drug and alcohol use.

“This service will be of great benefit to the region, and I would hope to see it offered in other regional centres across WA.”

Mr Crook said positive regional projects would be more likely to proceed if the Federal Government agreef to a proposal by The Nationals WA to match Royalties for Regions funding dollar for dollar in a new State-Federal funding partnership.

“Projects like the Headspace Centre could be a prime candidate for receiving funding under the new proposal,” Mr Crook said.

“Western Australian‟s should not be fooled by Mr Rudd‟s promised $2 billion „infrastructure fund,‟ which would not benefit community and non-government organisations providing essential services in the regions.”

“Royalties for Regions has proven to have an excellent track record when it comes to delivering a wide range of infrastructure and services.”

Headspace provides mental and health wellbeing support, information and services to young people and their families across Australia. There are currently 30 Headspace centres in Australia, with three located in WA in Albany, Broome and Fremantle.

The Federal Government announced funding of $78.8 million in its recent budget to establish an additional 30 Headspace centres in Australia.
 
For more information, contact Tony Crook on 0408 934 542 or email Tony.Crook@nationalswa.com