Families in the Illawarra now have access to free mental health and wellbeing support for their children at the Medicare Mental Health Kids Hub in Fairy Meadow.
Labor is delivering on its commitment to universal, free healthcare by building a network of more than 33 Medicare Mental Health Centres in New South Wales and four Medicare Mental Health Kids Hubs.
This network puts mental health support close by and takes pressure off families by saving time and money.
Kids Hubs provide free mental health and wellbeing services for children aged 0-12 who may be experiencing mild to moderate developmental, emotional, social or behavioural challenges.
Today marks the official opening of the Illawarra site to support children's mental health.
The Illawarra location is one of four Kids Hubs being rolled out across NSW as part of a $50.8 million joint investment of $25.4 million from each of the Australian and NSW Governments to support children's mental health.
The refurbished building in Fairy Meadow has been purposely designed to make children and families feel welcome, with a range of dedicated treatment spaces.
The Illawarra Kids Hub will also provide outreach services to Warilla, Kiama and Nowra through Community Health Centres, ensuring families across the region can access support.
Mental health clinicians, allied health professionals, care navigators at the service will tailor care to the needs of each child and family who visits.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Ryan Park:
"This is a significant investment in the wellbeing of children across the Illawarra. Early intervention changes lives, and this Kids Hub will help families get support when it matters most.
"Having a dedicated, purpose-built space here in the Illawarra means families can access high quality mental health care without travelling or paying out of pocket.
Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson:
"Free, accessible healthcare is a cornerstone of a strong public health system, and every family deserves access to quality mental health care, regardless of their circumstances.
"This service ensure children and parents in the Illawarra can get the support they need, when they need it, without cost being a barrier.
"People across the Illawarra have been calling for easier access to mental health support for young people and this is a great example of how the Minns and Albanese Labor Government are working together to ensure this care is delivered."
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister McBride:
"The Albanese Labor Government is putting mental health at the heart of Medicare and services in the centre of communities.
"The new Medicare Mental Health Kids Hub will provide a safe and welcoming place for Illawarra children and their parents, carers and kin.
"We know that early intervention is crucial, and that's why we're removing barriers to accessing support.
"We're proud to partner with the NSW Government to deliver more mental health services, like Medicare Mental Health Kids Hubs, across the state."
Quotes attributable to Alison Byrnes, Member for Cunningham:
"Accessing services and support before behavioural and mental health challenges escalate ensures better outcomes for children and families.
"I'm delighted that this free local hub will make it easier and more affordable for Illawarra families to access help early, freeing up specialist services for those who need it most."
Quotes attributable to Member for Wollongong Paul Scully:
"This is a welcome expansion in local mental health services. Opening the Illawarra Kids Hub not only provides a central location for services but also a series of outreach services to provide accessible services across the region.
"The Illawarra Kids Hub at Fairy Meadow is well-located with a mix of transport options available for people to get to it and get the support they need, whether it's getting advice or accessing health professionals."
