On Tuesday 4 March, 2025 our headspace and 4Families Family Mental Health Service in Bunbury officially opened its new premises at 14 Strickland Street marking a significant step in improving access to mental health and wellbeing services for young people and their families.
The event was emceed by Lachlan from the headspace Youth Advisory Committee and Sandra Hill provided a warm and captivating Welcome to Country to kick off formal proceedings. Special guests WA Labor Senator Louise Pratt, Ciara Crotty headspace National, and Noelene Jennings Relationships Australia WA Chair also spoke about the important work that these services do and the impact they have in the South West Region. They were then joined by headspace Bunbury Manager Sandie Pott and 4Families Mental Health Services Manager Rebecca Banks and for the cutting of the ribbon.
Reflecting on the event Janalie Nelson, Senior Managers of Mental Health Support Services thanked everyone who supported the relocation process and worked so hard to make the opening event such a success.
“We all know that events don’t just come together by chance, it’s the dedication and effort of many behind the scenes that make them memorable.”
“To the headspace and 4families teams, you were fantastic hosts, and you have done Relationships Australia WA proud!”
Janalie also thanked Managers, Sandie Pott from headspace and Rebecca Banks from 4Families for leading the process and pulling it all together, with the help of their teams and our RAWA Corporate team.
“Success is never a solo effort, it's the result of teamwork, collaboration, and our collective input,” she said.
The new premises at Strickland Street is double the size of the previous premises and provides a new welcoming and supportive space where young people can access free and confidential help whenever they are facing challenges.
The new premise was made possible through additional funding provided by WA Primary Health Alliance, the operator of Country WA Primary Health Networks (PHN) program. This is part of the Australian Government’s four-year National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement, which identifies youth mental health services as a priority area, with the aim of improving access to coordinated, multi-disciplinary treatment and care for young people aged 12 to 25.
“The demand for our services remains high, so we have invested additional funding into this new facility to better support young people and their families.”
“We encourage everyone to take advantage of the services and support available.”
Jason Trethowan, CEO of headspace, said the move will enable a more youth friendly environment for staff and partner organisations to provide mental health and wellbeing support for young people in the region.
“We know many young people face challenges with their mental health, and having a welcoming, dedicated space to turn to can make all the difference,” Mr Trethowan said.
“The new location ensures young people in Bunbury continue to receive free, confidential, and youth-friendly care in a space designed to better meet their needs. We are grateful for the financial support of the Australian Government in making this possible.”
Relationships Australia WA is the lead agency for headspace in Bunbury, and satellite services in Busselton and Margaret River. They also deliver the 4families Family Mental Health Service in Bunbury and Busselton – a free counselling and support services for parents and carers concerned about their children’s mental, emotional and social wellbeing. The service is now conveniently co-located with headspace Bunbury at 14 Strickland Street.
To find out more about headspace visit www.headspace.org.au or visit 4Families.