News

headspace Mildura takes shape

Fri, 16 Jan 2015 05:51:00

Work is continuing towards the opening of headspace Mildura early this year, with appointment of key staff and redevelopment of the building that will house the youth focused centre.

headspace Mildura will be a ‘one-stop’ service hub helping youth (12-25 years) and their families with general health, mental health, education and vocational support, and alcohol and other substance use services.
It is to be established in the Cottees Building in Pine Avenue and builders have been on-site since late last year redeveloping it to make it suitable for the program.  The Cottees Building was chosen as a contemporary youth-friendly venue, readily accessible to young people, within close proximity to the central business district, schools and public transport.
“It’s a fantastic building with a great vibe and we’re thrilled with the site and how it’s coming up,” said headspace Mildura Manager Larni Baird.
“It did need some fairly major work to allow it to accommodate professional service-delivery space but still be a current and comfortable environment for youth.
“That work has been underway since late last year and the building site has been a hive of industry to provide a custom fitted facility. It is really exciting to see  it all coming together now.”
headspace is the National Youth Mental Health Foundation helping young people who are  going through a tough time. There are currently over 65 headspace centres across the country and there 100 expected to be opened by next year. headspace Mildura will add to the 19 centres already operating in Victoria.
Preparations for the headspace Mildura opening have also included the appointment of key staff. Former Sunraysia Daily journalist Mitch Rodd has been appointed as the headspace Community Awareness and Education Officer, while assessment and engagement workers Bridgette Stevenson and Marita Barnes have also started work.  An administration officer Linda Breguet has also been appointed.  A clinician and private practitioner will also be brought on board over the coming weeks.
Mildura Base Hospital has been the lead agency working with a community consortium to make headspace Mildura a reality.  The consortium comprises agencies such as: Sunraysia Community Health Services, Mallee Accommodation and Support Program, Mildura Rural City Council, Mallee Family Care, Sunraysia Mallee Ethnic Communities Council, Northern Mallee Community Partnerships, Mallee District Aboriginal Services and MADEC; along with valued collaborative partnerships with agencies such as Northern Mallee Local Learning & Employment Network and Dept. of Justice.