Bert Van Manen (Forde, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the hardworking team at headspace Meadowbrook for the official opening of their new centre on Friday. Facilities such as headspace are so important in communities like Forde with a large population of young people. The team at headspace Meadowbrook, whom I have met on several occasions already, have done a tremendous job establishing this new facility.

According to the Mental Health Council of Australia, almost half of Australia's total population experience a mental health disorder at some point in their lifetime. Among our young Australians aged 12 to 25, depression is the most common mental health problems; and around one in 10 young Australians experience an anxiety disorder in any given 12 month period. Statistics such as this show why facilities such as headspace are so important.

This new headspace centre will allow young people in Meadowbrook and surrounding suburbs to have access to a range of support services during what can only be described as one of the most difficult times in their lives. Any young person who needs support, advice or just someone to talk to, will be able to simply walk in to the centre and be treated with respect, compassion and confidentiality. Whether it is general health problems, mental health concerns, drug or alcohol related issues, the fact that young people have a place where they feel supported, and not judged, is so vital and important.