Australia’s largest headspace outreach service for young people opens in Western NSW

The headspace Outreach Program (hOP) was officially launched last week in Dubbo by the Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention and Assistant Minister for Rural and Regional Health, Emma McBride.

hOP provides free, culturally safe mental health support for young people aged 12-25 years living in 10 communities across Western NSW.

The program aims to improve mental health literacy, increase help seeking behaviours and link young people to local services that support a broad spectrum of health, social and wellbeing concerns.

hOP is a collaboration between Marathon Health, headspace National and the Western NSW Primary Health Network (WNSW PHN).

The program was codesigned in partnership with young people and key community stakeholders in Bogan, Coonamble, Walgett and Warren.

Recognising the need for hOP to be delivered in community by a culturally appropriate workforce, a local First Nations Workforce Development Initiative was implemented as part of the codesign process.

Program participants completed a Certificate III or IV qualification in mental health, primary health or community services.

WNSW PHN CEO, Brad Porter said that the Aboriginal Workforce Development initiative gives us the skills, knowledge, and wisdom to shape a healthcare system that serves the whole community.

“This program has provided important access to paid training opportunities within these communities for 29 First Nations people.

“The program achieved a 100% employment rate, with ten graduates now working as hOP Aboriginal Youth Wellbeing Workers,” Mr Porter said.

Marathon Health CEO, Megan Callinan said hOP is a vital service, delivered by a local First Nations workforce, for families living in these Western NSW communities.

“Our team of Aboriginal Youth Wellbeing Workers are now working with our clinical team at headspace Dubbo to ensure young people across Western NSW can access culturally safe and timely support, close to home,” Ms Callinan said.

headspace National CEO Jason Trethowan said that headspace is committed to making sure all young people can have access to culturally safe and accessible support – no matter where they live.

“The presence of headspace in more rural communities across Western NSW is something we are proud of.

“I want to thank Marathon Health and all local communities for their generosity and expertise in helping headspace to shape the way services are designed to meet local needs for young people,” Mr Trethowan said.

Assistant Minister, Emma McBride said the program delivers culturally safe, on country mental health support.

“Positive mental health underpins thriving lives, and this new headspace Outreach Program delivers First Nations young people across Western NSW culturally safe, on country mental health and wellbeing support.

“Young people deserve access to care and support wherever they live – which is why we’re delivering 20 more headspace outreach services to young people living in remote Australia.

“Whether it’s in Western NSW or Mutitjulu in Central Australia, headspace outreach services are supporting First Nations young people in remote communities across Australia,” Assistant Minister McBride said.

Funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, as a headspace outreach service, hOP is now operating in:

1. Nyngan, Warren and Condobolin – launched in October 2024
2. Coonamble and Gulargambone – launched in October 2024
3. Bourke and Brewarrina –launched in March 2025
4. Lightning Ridge, Walgett and Collarenebri – launched in March -2025

Young people can self-refer into the service, or be referred by family, friends, a GP or external service providers – either in-person, via phone or online. For more information, visit headspace.org.au/headspace-centres/dubbo/

For young people who prefer online support, eheadspace is available at: www.headspace.org.au or by phoning 1800 650 890.