A PETITION calling for a headspace facility in the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area has been
tabled in Federal Parliament by The Nationals’ Federal Member for Riverina, Michael McCormack.
“The petition tells the House that the increasing incidence of mental health issues among
young people in the communities of Hay, Hillston, Lake Cargelligo, Leeton, Narrandera, Darlington Point, Coleambally and Griffith requires urgent assistance by way of a headspace facility,” Mr McCormack told the House of Representatives.
“Statistically, one in 17 teenagers and one in four people aged 18 to 25 years suffers from mental illness; with episodes of depression, severe anxiety or worse.”
“A headspace facility would fill the gaps in health provision in the MIA and enable these young
people to live full and active lives within their communities,” Mr McCormack said.
Mr McCormack has raised the issue of a headspace facility in the western Riverina in three speeches to the Federal Parliament this year.
The petition, prompted by Jenna Thomas and Peta Dummet, was first presented during Federal Budget week. John Dal Broi, Mayor of Griffith, was the chief petitioner.
The petition will now be forwarded to the Minister for Mental Health, Mark Butler, for his
consideration.
ENDS