A new social and emotional wellbeing centre for Indigenous people in South Australia is set to open by 2025, offering a crucial resource for mental health support tailored specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. The project, with a total investment of $10.8 million, is jointly funded by the Commonwealth and South Australian Governments under the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement.
The interim service will open by the end of 2025, with the full centre expected to provide comprehensive, culturally appropriate mental health services, focusing on both adults and children from Indigenous backgrounds.
A Culturally Safe Approach to Mental Health Care
Senator Malarndirri McCarthy, the Federal Minister for Indigenous Australians, highlighted the importance of culturally informed mental health care, stressing that tailored, sensitive approaches are necessary for First Nations people. “This new centre demonstrates our commitment to co-design with states to deliver coordinated, holistic, and culturally safe care that supports the mental health and wellbeing of First Nations people,” she said.
Located in the heart of Adelaide’s CBD, the centre will offer a range of services, combining both traditional healing methods and modern mental health support. The aim is to provide holistic care that respects Indigenous cultural practices while ensuring comprehensive access to mental health services.
The centre’s services will include:
- Mental health support and wellbeing services
- Traditional healing methods alongside clinical care
- Assistance with referrals to community mental health services and other vital resources
- Coordination with Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHS) and primary care services
A Holistic and Co-Designed Service Model
The development of the centre’s design and service model was driven by consultations with Aboriginal communities in South Australia, as well as experts from the state’s mental health sector. This collaborative approach ensures that the services offered will align with the community’s needs and cultural values.
Minister Ged Kearney, who also attended the announcement, emphasized the vital need for mental health services in Aboriginal communities, noting the devastating impact of suicide and the unique challenges faced by First Nations people. “We know that suicide has a devastating impact on First Nations families and communities, and the Albanese Labor Government is committed to making mental health and suicide prevention a national priority,” she stated.
She also pointed out that mental health challenges in Aboriginal communities are often deeply influenced by intergenerational trauma, discrimination, and systemic barriers that prevent many from accessing the care they need. “Good healthcare is about trust, understanding, and ensuring people feel safe when they seek support,” she said.
Support for Closing the Gap
The establishment of this wellbeing centre is part of the broader effort under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, where all levels of government have committed to addressing the social and emotional wellbeing needs of First Nations people. This new initiative reflects the government’s determination to ensure Indigenous Australians receive high-quality, accessible mental health care.
The centre will serve as a significant step forward in addressing the mental health crisis faced by First Nations communities, offering culturally appropriate support to those in need while fostering community trust and healing.
