Alison Byrnes (Cunningham, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I move:

That this House notes that:

(1) October was Mental Health Month, and the Government is delivering more mental health services in the heart of communities; and

(2) as part of the Government's plan to strengthen Medicare, the Government is building a national network of mental health support services across the lifespan, with more:

(a) Perinatal Mental Health Centres for new and expectant parents;

(b) Medicare Mental Health Kids Hubs for children and families;

(c) headspace services for young people; and

(d) Medicare Mental Health Centres for adults.

To mark Mental Health Month in October, I want to highlight some of the fantastic work being done to improve mental health supports in the Illawarra. The Albanese Labor government has invested $1.1 billion to deliver new and expanded free mental health services. This includes 31 new and upgraded Medicare mental health centres, which now total 91. The Wollongong Medicare Mental Health Hub opened in December 2023. This free walk-in service aims to improve access to and awareness of mental health care, especially for those who have not accessed support before. Provided by Stride Health, the hub has helped 200 people on more than 1,800 occasions of service since it opened, showing just how important these hubs are.

We are also investing over $200 million towards new, upgraded and expanded headspace services. In another win for Wollongong, we're getting a headspace Plus, a new enhanced model of care providing additional staff and capability to support young people who are experiencing more complex and serious mental health issues. Operated by Grand Pacific Health, Wollongong headspace does an incredible job supporting local young people in our community, and I am so pleased that we are enhancing this vital local service. We're also creating the new Medicare Mental Health Check In from January next year, which is expected to support around 150,000 people each year with free digital mental health self-help tools and low-intensity cognitive behavioural therapy delivered by trained professionals via phone or video. And we are boosting the mental health workforce, with more than 4,000 psychology scholarships, internships and training places.

Just recently, I was delighted to welcome the Special Envoy for Men's Health to my electorate for the Healthier Illawarra Men's luncheon. This annual event, in partnership with the St George Illawarra Dragons, is going from strength to strength in its support for men's mental health. This year's luncheon had a stellar line up, with former cricketing legend Lord Ian Botham; Gotcha4Life founder, Gus Worland; and TV personality Karl Stefanovic rounding out the panel. All of these men have a proven track record in breaking down barriers for men's mental health, sharing their stories to show that resilience and mateship matter. I congratulate Healthier Illawarra Men on a fantastic sold-out event raising funds for local men's health initiatives. Thank you to everyone who came along and to the wonderful panel, including the member for Hunter, Dan Repacholi, for your honest and inspiring contributions.

I also took the special envoy to meet with the local group The Fathering Project to hear the stories of Corey and Dave. Both of these brave men shared how this program has changed their lives and the lives of their kids, giving them renewed purpose and connection. Healthy, happy, engaged dads are good for kids and good for communities, and I really want to thank case coordinator Tim, CEO Kati and growth manager Emma for their absolutely invaluable work. During his visit, the MCCI's Burmese men's group gave the special envoy and me a lovely welcome to their meeting in Cringila. This group speaks three different languages, and they come together in their beautiful garden, lovingly cultivated by Ple Reh to foster that sense of community and belonging. A big thank you to Chris Lacey and all of the MCCI team for inviting us along.

Lastly, I want to acknowledge a few of the other incredible local organisations that are working to improve the mental health and wellbeing of our community. There is the Raising the Bar Foundation, run by Lachie Stevens, with initiatives like Walk With Us Kokoda and Healthier Hospitality. Lachie also runs the Barstool Brothers at His Boy Elroy, helping local men to create connection and find avenues for help. There's also Talk2MeBro, founded by Jack Brown and Kristy Simpson after the tragic death of Matt Simpson, working to put an end to male suicide. I also recently met with Melissa Abu-Gazaleh, the founder of the Top Blokes Foundation, which is breaking down the stigma around mental health, particularly for young men. I put on a 10-kilogram vest for an interesting walk and talk with Darcy to help Lift the Load. We've also got Women Illawarra, SAHSSI, Better Births Illawarra and the Illawarra Women's Health Centre supporting women and mothers experiencing trauma and domestic violence.

These amazing organisations and so many more are working hard every single day to improve the mental health of local people. Thank you to everyone across government and beyond who is helping to change the lives of so many. We will keep doing everything we can to ensure our community can access the mental health support they need.

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