Henderson and Liberals invest $4m for new wellbeing hub in Ocean Grove

OCEAN Grove will boast a new health and wellbeing hub and provide a new headspace service thanks to an investment of $4 million from the Liberal Government.

Corangamite federal member Sarah Henderson announced the funding yesterday (Wednesday), which will assist Bellarine Community Health to build the Ocean Grove Health and Wellbeing Hub, and provide a new headspace service.

Minister for Health Greg Hunt said the government was committed to improving local health access, and to building a world class health system Australia wide.

“This announcement ensures the region will gain greater access to primary and secondary health, coupled with specialist outreach services and a headspace facility,” Minister Hunt said.

“By delivering our plan for a strong economy we can make investments in projects like the Ocean Grove Health and Wellbeing Hub that Victorians want and need.”

Headspace Ocean Grove will complement headspace Drysdale, and will operate outreach services to local communities, including Leopold, Drysdale, Clifton Springs, Portarlington, Indented Head, Barwon Heads, St Leonards, Point Lonsdale and Queenscliff.

Ms Henderson said she had been lobbying hard for funding to support a new headspace facility for the Bellarine, located centrally in Ocean Grove.

“It was identified that a headspace facility was required with the population growth across the Bellarine Peninsula,” Ms Henderson said.

“Suicide is the leading cause of death of young people in Australia, accounting for one-third of all deaths.

“With recent deaths due to suicide in the Corangamite electorate, it is so important for youth, their families and friends, to have access to mental health care support services.”

Bellarine Community Health will provide $2 million to the $6 million project.

On Tuesday, before Ms Henderson’s announcement, Labor candidate for Corangamite Libby Coker visited Ocean Grove with Shadow Assistant Minister For Mental Health Senator Deborah O’Neill to announce that a Shorten Labor Government would create a new headspace centre in Ocean Grove to deliver early intervention mental health services for those aged 12 to 25 years.

“I have heard from parents, young people and mental health professionals across the Bellarine who have expressed the urgent need for further investment in youth mental health services,” Ms Coker said.

* For 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Other services include Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467, Beyondblue: 1300 22 4636, Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800, MensLine Australia: 1300 789 978