Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor has welcomed confirmation of funding for a Headspace centre for Goulburn and district.

Mr Taylor said Health Minister Peter Dutton had today (Wednesday 8 October) announced 15 new Headspace centres would be established across Australia, including one to be located at Goulburn, providing mental health services for young people aged 12 to 25.

“I feel great pride that we will be able to offer this for young people. This is not just for Goulburn, it is for the whole region,” Mr Taylor said. “When we pull together as we have as a community to secure this funding, the sky’s the limit.”

Headspace CEO Chris Tanti congratulated Angus Taylor and Mayor Geoff Kettle on their strong advocacy.

“I know first-hand from discussions with the local community and subsequent discussions with Angus and Geoff that this service is desperately needed in Goulburn, as it is in many other centres throughout Australia. It is great to see prominent members of the community rally in support of the needs of young people and their families going through a tough time,” Mr Tanti said.

Goulburn mental health advocate Jo Cunningham, who lost her own son Hugo to suicide, said the service would make a real difference to families.

“You always have to find the positive out of something very, very negative and that’s what the community has done. Headspace services are aimed at young people, but families draw a broader benefit.”

Mr Taylor thanked the local community for its strong campaigning on the issue. “While it’s bitter sweet news for the families whose involvement has been driven by personal loss, I thank them for their strength and commitment.”

Goulburn Mulwaree Mayor Geoff Kettle joined Mr Taylor in calling on the community to continue pulling together.

“This is the beginning, not the end. It will take into late next year to get the service established, so we need the determination to keep working together.”