News

Manager appointed for headspace Mildura

Jul 08, 2014

Mildura Base Hospital Mental Health clinician Larni Baird will lead Mildura's headspace centre as it prepares to open early next year.

headspace is the National Youth Mental Health Foundation helping young people who are going through a tough time. There are currently over 65 headspace centres across the country, with headspace Mildura adding to the 19 centres already operating in Victoria.

Ms Baird has been the project officer for the consortium behind securing Mildura as a headspace site and Mildura Base Hospital's acting Director of Mental Health Services Belinda Pavilach said she was thrilled Ms Baird would continue developing the project.

"Larni is passionate about getting headspace Mildura up and running here and has been a prime mover in the small group of people who have put in so much effort to make this a reality for Mildura," Ms Pavilach said.

"She will no doubt bring that same drive and energy to seeing it through to delivery early next year."

headspace Mildura will be a 'one-stop' service hub where youth (12-25 years) and their families can access a range of services and advice on mental health, general health, education, vocation drug and alcohol use and accommodation support.

Ms Baird said she was pleased to be continuing to work on delivering headspace for Mildura's youth.

"headspace Mildura will make a real contribution to health and wellbeing outcomes for young people," Ms Baird said.

"I have been just one part of the fantastic and committed group that has worked really hard to bring it to fruition, and I'm excited about the opportunities and services it will provide to Mildura's youth."

A community consortium has worked to make headspace Mildura a reality, comprising agencies such as: Sunraysia Community Health Services, Mallee Accommodation and Support Program, Mildura Rural City Council, Mallee Family Care, Sunraysia Mallee Ethnic Communities Council, Northern Mallee Community Partnerships, Mallee District Aboriginal Services and MADEC; along with valued collaborative partnerships with agencies such as Northern Mallee Local Learning & Employment Network and Dept. of Justice.