New Headspace Centre Announced for Port Stephens Under $1 Billion Mental Health Expansion

newy.com.au – A new headspace mental health service is proposed for Port Stephens as part of a $1 billion mental health package announced by the Albanese Labor Government, contingent on their re-election.

The funding commitment, outlined on Tuesday, 9 April 2025 during a visit by Health Minister Mark Butler and Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Emma McBride, aims to expand access to free mental health care supported by Medicare across the country. The proposal includes a new headspace centre in Port Stephens, along with expanded services in nearby areas such as Cessnock and Charlestown.

Federal Member for Paterson, Meryl Swanson MP, welcomed the announcement, highlighting the growing demand for youth mental health services in the region. “With more families moving to Port Stephens, I’ve been advocating for services that meet the needs of our young people,” she said.

The broader package includes $225 million for 31 Medicare Mental Health Centres, more than $200 million for 58 new or upgraded headspace locations, and $500 million to establish 20 Youth Specialist Care Centres aimed at supporting young people with complex needs. An additional $90 million is allocated for training over 1,200 new mental health professionals and peer workers.

The proposed investment would also support the launch of the National Early Intervention Service from 1 January 2026, designed to offer free mental health support without the need for referrals. Other initiatives under the plan include enhancements to existing Medicare Mental Health Centres, expansion of perinatal mental health services, and increased access to telehealth psychiatry in rural areas.

Supporters of the proposal say it addresses service gaps and aims to ease pressure on the private mental health system by making more public services available. The funding would be delivered in accordance with Commonwealth Grants Rules and Principles, should Labor be returned to government.

When NBN News asked Laurence Antcliff the Liberal candidate for Paterson about this announcement, he said “Under Anthony Albanese and this labor governenent, they decided to halve the medicare subsidsed visit down to 10 in a cost of living crisis, can we trust Labor to deliver on this promise”.