A new social and emotional wellbeing centre for First Nations people in South Australia is set to open in Adelaide by the end of 2025. The initiative, which is a collaboration between the Albanese and Malinauskas governments, will address the mental health needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across the state. The centre will be funded through the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement, with a total investment of $10.8 million from both the Australian and South Australian governments.
The centre, located in the Adelaide CBD, will provide tailored mental health and wellbeing services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults and children. It aims to offer holistic care that integrates traditional healing methods alongside modern mental health practices. The service will coordinate referrals to mental health services, social and emotional wellbeing programs, primary care services, and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services.
Designed following extensive consultations with Aboriginal communities and mental health professionals in South Australia, the centre will provide culturally safe and appropriate care. It is intended to be a community-driven facility, where the needs of individuals will be at the centre of its model of care.
Under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, governments are committed to improving the social and emotional wellbeing of First Nations people. The establishment of this centre underscores a national commitment to addressing the health disparities faced by First Nations communities, ensuring that they have access to the highest standard of care.
Commitment to Tailored Care for First Nations Communities
Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy, highlighted the government’s dedication to improving the mental health of First Nations people through culturally informed care. “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,” said McCarthy.
Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, Ged Kearney, emphasized the importance of culturally appropriate mental health services. “Good healthcare is about trust, understanding, and ensuring people feel safe when they seek support. Mental health care must be accessible, responsive, and built on trust,” Kearney said, acknowledging the unique challenges faced by First Nations communities due to intergenerational trauma, discrimination, and systemic barriers.
Addressing Health Inequities for First Nations People
South Australian Minister for Health and Wellbeing, Chris Picton, expressed the significance of the centre in addressing the overrepresentation of Aboriginal people in mental health statistics. “This new centre will have a real and lasting impact on mental health and wellbeing for Aboriginal people in our state,” said Picton. The initiative is part of broader efforts to improve mental health outcomes for First Nations people, including the establishment of new mental health clinics in key locations across South Australia.
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs in South Australia, Kyam Maher, emphasized the importance of community consultation in shaping the services provided at the centre. “This dedicated centre will be designed with the input of the Aboriginal community and be tailored to the community’s specific needs,” Maher stated.
The new Aboriginal Social and Emotional Wellbeing Centre is a crucial step in addressing the mental health and wellbeing challenges faced by First Nations people in South Australia. Its creation reflects a shared commitment between the federal and state governments to deliver services that are culturally safe, accessible, and designed in partnership with the communities they serve.
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