headspace Kununurra is one step closer to opening, with the announcement of Wunan as the lead agency to establish and run the service.
WA Primary Health Alliance (WAPHA), the operator of the Country WA Primary Health Network, awarded the contract to Wunan following an open tender procurement process.
Wunan Health Principle GP, Dr Stephanie Trust said Wunan was delighted to be awarded the opportunity to be the lead organisation in bringing headspace to Kununurra and the East Kimberly.
“This is a vital and much needed service for our young community members. We understand the burden of youth mental health is high in our region, especially for our Aboriginal young people,” she said.
“headspace Kununurra will provide a holistic, culturally safe and friendly place for our young people to go and seek help when they need it most.”
For nearly 20 years Wunan has been successfully delivering services and programs across the East Kimberley, including delivery of clinical services to Kununurra and surrounding communities.
WA Primary Health Alliance General Manager Commissioned Services Mark Cockayne said he looked forward to working closely with Wunan as they develop a unique headspace service that reflects the strengths and needs of Kununurra.
“We have done extensive consultation with the local community and stakeholders to help shape the priorities for headspace Kununurra. Consultations highlighted the energy, commitment and initiative that local stakeholders have shown over many years in their efforts to build a youth wellbeing hub in Kununurra. headspace provides a secure platform on which this local aspiration can be achieved,” he said.
“We are confident Wunan’s commitment to local collaboration and providing a service that is culturally safe will ensure headspace Kununurra is embraced by the local community.”
In the establishment and operation of headspace Kununurra, Wunan will be working closely with both existing service providers and the community to provide coordinated services that best meet the needs of the area’s young people and their families.
Federal Member for Durack Melissa Price said headspace Kununurra would give local young people a safe and welcoming place to go when they needed support.
“I’m delighted to see the establishment of headspace Kununurra progressing and congratulate Wunan on their appointment as lead agency,” she said.
headspace Kununurra is set to open in the 21/22 financial year.
Young people aged 12 to 25 can contact headspace Kununurra directly or be referred by their GP or mental health professional.
headspace CEO Jason Trethowan said more than 75 per cent of mental health issues develop before a person turns 25.
“This is why providing tailored and specific support to young people in the local community is so important. Today, headspace Kununurra is one step closer to providing that support to young people to help them get back on track and fulfil their potential,” he said.
This activity has been made possible through funding provided by the Australian Government under the PHN Program.