Today were pleased to meet with Federal Member for Macquarie, Susan Templeman MP at headspace Penrith to announce Uniting NSW.ACT as the successful provider to establish and operate the new headspace Hawkesbury.

Pictured L - R: Melanie Hartmann - Wentworth Healthcare Program Development and Contracts Officer,  Shona Dutton - Uniting General Manager - Clinical Services, Susan Templeman MP - Federal Member for Macquarie and Lizz Reay - Wentworth Healthcare CEO.

The full-service centre, due to open in December 2023, will provide young people aged 12-25, their family and friends support for their mental, physical and sexual health, alcohol and/or other drug concerns, as well as assistance with vocational and educational services.

Uniting has more than 40 years’ experience in developing and implementing mental health and community service programs, and currently operate three other headspace services in Katoomba, Mount Druitt and Penrith.

We are excited to be partnering with Uniting, who were selected after a rigorous open tender process. The tender assessment panel included local health professionals, a Hawkesbury youth, industry experts, and representatives from the Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District and headspace National.

Recent multiple natural disasters on top of the pandemic have had a profound impact on young people and their families in the Hawkesbury. It was important that we find the most suitable provider to deliver this much needed service, and that they understood the unique challenges that young people in the Hawkesbury face.

In advocating for this headspace centre over the last few years, we have undertaken extensive consultation with the community. Young people have clearly told us that what they want is the opportunity to help shape this service, to ensure it provides an inclusive, supportive environment where young people can share their concerns and learn coping strategies to navigate life’s challenges.

We believe that with Uniting’s experience operating headspace Katoomba and Penrith in our region, and recent outreach services in the Hawkesbury, they are well placed to deliver this new headspace centre.

If community members, particularly young people, want to participate in any consultations or be kept up-to-date about headspace Hawkesbury, they can register their interest through HealthHub, at https://healthhub.nbmphn.com.au/headspace-hawkesbury-