NWRH will also deliver services for the Sarina and Whitsundays headspace satellite sites.

NWRH has a strong track record of working with local communities including remote sites to ensure services are responsive to local needs.

Funded by the Australian Government through the Primary Health Network (PHN) program, headspace Mackay provides free, confidential health services to young people aged 12-25 with key focus areas of mental health, alcohol and other drugs, education and employment support, and physical and sexual health.

Mental illness is a significant health issue in the NQPHN region, including Mackay and surrounding areas. Almost half (45 per cent) of the population aged 16–85 years will experience a mental illness at some time in their life. About 1 in 5 people will experience a mental illness in any 12-month period.

NQPHN Chief Executive Officer Robin Whyte said improving access to mental health services was a priority area for NQPHN.

“One of NQPHN’s objectives is to commission high quality mental health services to improve the wellbeing of North Queenslanders,” said Ms Whyte.

“NWRH was selected as the lead provider following a robust select tendering process, to ensure timely access to safe and high-quality mental health services for young people in the Mackay region. 

“NWRH will work in partnership with a consortium membership and relevant mental health and youth service providers to ensure young people are connected to a range of integrated supports so they can receive appropriate care, where and when they need it.

“We are pleased to be working with NWRH and headspace National to ensure this important service in Mackay, Whitsundays, and Sarina meets the needs of young people.

“NWRH’s appointment means it is business as usual for the community and the young people headspace Mackay, Whitsundays and Sarina supports. The transition to NWRH as lead provider will not impact the current services offered.

“We thank Northern Australia Primary Health Limited (NAPHL) for their work over the last seven years providing the services for headspace Mackay, Whitsundays and Sarina.”

NWRH CEO John Cain said NWRH was proud to be the new lead provider of the Mackay centre and satellite sites and was looking forward to helping young people in the Mackay region.

“NWRH has a long history in providing primary health care services to northern and western Queensland communities and to have the opportunity to work with the Mackay region, NQPHN, and headspace National is an honour,” said Mr Cain.

“We look forward to improving access to health and wellbeing services in the region and providing a safe, inclusive, and welcoming space for young people, their families, and friends.”

NWRH Chairperson Phil Barwick said “headspace services in the Mackay region are a vital part of primary health care to Mackay, Sarina, and the Whitsundays. We view the new arrangements as a welcome addition to meeting the health needs of these communities. 

“We are very happy to provide these mental health services through the fabulous headspace model as we continue our work to improve access to community services.”

If you, a family member, or friend would like to access mental health support through headspace Mackay or through the Whitsundays or Sarina satellite sites, please see the contact details below:

• headspace Mackay - Level 2, 123 Victoria Street, Mackay or (07) 4898 2299
• headspace Whitsundays - 41 Main Street, Proserpine or (07) 4842 6760
• headspace Sarina - 1/71 Broad Street, Sarina or (07) 4842 6750.

About NWRH

North and West Remote Health Limited (NWRH) is an independent not for profit organisation providing community and outreach mental health, wellbeing, disability, allied health, and aged care services since 1993. NWRH has a large and diverse team of health care professionals to service the needs of communities in regional, rural, and remote Australia. Our operational footprint covers a large geographic region across both the Northern Queensland and Western Queensland Primary Health Networks (NQPHN, WQPHN) service commissioning areas.

NWRH at its core is a collaborative and partnership-based organisation, which is reflected in our approach to community engagement, codesign, and service sector engagement. We believe for us to provide high quality services it is essential to work alongside our people, stakeholders and communities when developing and implementing services.

For more information on NWRH, visit www.nwrh.com.au

About headspace

headspace is the National Youth Mental Health Foundation providing early intervention mental health services to 12-25-year-olds. Each year, headspace helps thousands of young people access vital support through our headspace services in 150 communities across Australia^[1], our online and phone counselling services, our vocational services, and our presence in schools. headspace can help young people with mental health, physical health (including sexual health) alcohol and other drug services, and work and study support. For locations of headspace services, as well as factsheets and resources for young people and their families and friends, please visit the headspace website: headspace.org.au

^[1]As at 14 June 2022 and inclusive of licensed headspace centres, satellites and outposts