Kat THEOPHANOUS (Northcote): I ask the Minister for Mental Health for information on how the Northcote mental health and wellbeing local will be delivered to cater for the unique needs of my community in the inner north. Every single one of us knows the impact of mental ill health either personally or through someone we know or love. Locally Northcote has a serious gap in mental health services, and too many residents and families have been falling through the gaps. That is why I have pushed for more local mental health services as part of our once-in-a-generation transformation of Victoria’s mental health system. My community survey on improving local services received an enormous response, more than any survey I have ever conducted, and many shared personal stories. So it was an emotional moment last year when I was able to let locals know that our government will open a dedicated mental health service in Northcote. This is an opportunity to deliver life-changing, life-saving support that is accessible, tailored and close to home – an opportunity for our mental health system to truly be there for Northcote. I look forward to hearing more from the minister.
