Rowan Ramsey (Grey, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Next Thursday will mark the official opening of the Port Lincoln headspace. It actually opened its doors on 1 July, so we've been a bit slow, but on Thursday we'll be recognising the fact that they're up and open for business. It's been quite a process to get it in place. Finding premises took a bit longer than we'd hoped, but $1.5 million has been allocated for the first four years, with $400,000 of that for setting up.

I'd like to particularly thank Jo Clark from West Coast Youth and Community Support, and its Mentally Fit EP group, who have lobbied hard to bring about this outcome. I thank the council and the Port Lincoln Aboriginal Health Service, who have all put their shoulders to the wheel to bring about this outcome.

The Port Lincoln headspace will be the fourth headspace in Grey, all put into place, luckily, since I've been in this place. Port Augusta was first; then Whyalla; then the Flying headspace out of Port Augusta, a unique service run by the RFDS; and now Port Lincoln. If I had my druthers, I'd really like to see one established in Port Pirie, another large regional centre in the electorate of Grey. But they do a great job, dealing with these kids aged from 12 to 25—because we know early intervention can really make a difference. So bring it on, headspace.